1:48 Monogram F8J Crusader
Here’s a Crusader that I built several years ago, a Monogram F-8E that I converted to a J model, which I have ugraded over time. I added an aftermarket seat, and a flap/droop/underwing bay set by High Flight. I scribed lines on the leading edge droops to at least depict the appearance of the extended droops of the J version. The UHT’s (unit horizontal tail) are larger on the J version, but I didn’t correct that (yet!). I also extended the main and nose gear struts to correct the stance, and later used parts from a Hasegawa Crusader kit for the ‘football’ ECM antenna on the tail. I added scrap plastic rod and wire to busy up the gear wells, and scratch-built steps and a boarding ladder. I used SuperScale decals to depict the VF-211 CAG jet from USS Hancock circa 1972. The RBF flags are from Eduard, and the Sidewinders are from Hasegawa’s weapons set (which I need to replace with a later variant!). Monogram’s Crusader is a great value for the money, with the biggest innaccuracy being the cockpit is a few scale inches too wide, giving the canopy and windscreen a flattened appearance when compared to the actual jet. But with a little extra work, it can be buit into a fine model.
4 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Craig Abrahamson said on April 25, 2013
Nice job on “The Last Gunfighter”, Drew.
Drew Tarter said on April 25, 2013
Thanks, Craig – the Crusader is probably my favorite jet. I’m working on another Monogram F-8 right now (wich will be another MiG-killer), and have another Hasegawa F-8 I plan on using with the RVHP set to convert to an RF-8A.
Nikola Pentić said on April 25, 2013
Oldie but goldie. Very nice.
Gary Brantley said on April 25, 2013
Very nice work! I love Monogram planes too. Great job on that one.
Gary
Drew Tarter said on April 25, 2013
Thanks, Gary – I had a lot of fun upgrading that kit.
Merrill Anderson said on April 25, 2013
You made an old, nice, but not really good kit look wonderful. Great work!
Drew Tarter said on April 25, 2013
Thanks, Merrill – you’re right about the kit, but it’s still a great value for the money. The Hasegawa F-8 kit has issues, too (ask me how I know!), but it’s far and away the best Crusader in this scale.
jorge rivas krause said on April 25, 2013
Hi Drew, this crusader looks simple amazing! Beautiful work!
Drew Tarter said on April 25, 2013
Thanks, Jorge!
Rob Anderson said on April 25, 2013
Great build of a classic!
Drew Tarter said on April 25, 2013
Thanks, Rob!
Marcos Ramos said on April 29, 2013
Superved , great job , look sharp
Steve Scalise said on January 7, 2016
Nice work with the F8. I have the Monogram kit and plan to build it soon. I noticed you raised the wing. What did it entail to scratch build underneath? Thanks.
Drew Tarter said on January 8, 2016
Hi, Steve – thanks for the comments. I didn’t have to scratchbuild the under wing detail – I had a resin underwing piece that came with the High Flight detail set. But it wouldn’t be too hard to do yourself. It’s basically just a curved bulkhead with some braces, cables, and a large silver pipe on the right side.