1/48 Hasegawa F-8E Crusader #2
Here's another of my collection of F-8 Crusaders, a 1/48 Hasegawa F-8E Crusader. I finished it in the markings of a jet flown by VF-162 commanding officer CDR. Richard Bellinger from USS Oriskany, when he downed the Navy's first MiG-21 of the Vietnam War in 1966. I used a mix of Eduard and kit decals, a Cutting Edge cockpit, and Aires resin gear wells. I scratch-built the boarding steps and ladder, and added brake and hydraulic lines to the gear. In the cockpit I added a flap handle and emergency canopy release to the insturment panel, a grab handle and standby compas on the windscreen bow, and added a canopy restraint strap and the canvas cover to the hole in front of the gunsight. As per my research, the jet carries a dissimilar weapons load of an AIM-9B and an AIM-9D, since there was a shortage of the newer sidewinders at that point in the war. It's no contest winner, but it's finished, and on the shelf!
5 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Charles S said on May 13, 2013
Love it, great work!
Craig Abrahamson said on May 13, 2013
Nice build, nice display, nice photography...nice, nice, nice.
jorge rivas krause said on May 13, 2013
Very nice!...the more I see this plane the more I like it!...great build
cheers
Jack Mugan said on May 13, 2013
Drew... Looks like good contest winner material to me...well done sir. Beautifully built.
Drew Tarter said on May 13, 2013
Thanks to all for your comments!
bob mack said on May 13, 2013
man...that's beautiful
steven a weinmann said on May 13, 2013
I don't know drew it looks pretty darn good to me give yourself a break great job
Drew Tarter said on May 13, 2013
Thanks, Steve!
Gary Brantley said on May 13, 2013
Dude. That bird looks great! It's a beautiful thing that I would be proud to claim as mine.
Gary
Drew Tarter said on May 13, 2013
Thank you, Gary!