Revell 1/48 F8E Crusader
Another recent Revell re-box of an old Monogram kit, and the result of an urge on my part to discover jets and venture into post WWII aviation modeling. One of my search parameters was that ten dollars was all I would pay-and they'd all be built out of the box with few minor exceptions. No need to blow big bucks for training wheels.
The Crusader fit the bill. Relatively straightforward despite notoriously poor Revell instructions, it gave me some insight into some of the more intuitive aspects-what to do first, how to, what colors, etc. I can't say it was entirely inspiring to build, but served a purpose and would be great for younger modelers.
Plagued by very fine raised panel lines, clunky molding, and suspiciously generic missiles, a detail queen she isn't, but looks pretty good from a few feet away. Correctness? Beats me.
3 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Roberto Silva Cuevas said on April 17, 2014
Gorgeous build! Truly the last of the gunfighters!
George Williams said on April 17, 2014
Despite what you say about the kit, Bryan, you've ended up with a very nice looking model.
Craig Abrahamson said on April 17, 2014
Just perused all of the ten-buck builds...looks like ya sure gotcha money's worth. They all look pretty darn good from here.
Frank Cronin said on April 17, 2014
Bryan,
Aside from a few warts connected to this kit you have made an outstanding model. I built a couple of these and found design problems by Monogram but none that really took away from the fact that this is another of Monograms better kits. In skilled hands like yours in becomes the the beauty seen here.
Gregor d said on April 18, 2014
Another Monogram classic. Looks great.
Josh Patterson said on April 18, 2014
Like the decals in this one better than the version I had! The Monogram kits of this vintage are very fun to build and truly are a great bang for your buck! I built mine OOB as well and left the squashed landing gear alone and also left the missiles off (they DO leave a bit to desire) choosing instead to show the great line the Crusader had and still does! The Navy schemes from this era are also visually exciting, and so is this recreation! Great build!
bob mack said on April 18, 2014
looks superb
Mike Maynard said on April 18, 2014
Nice clean build.
Joe Caputo said on April 18, 2014
Looks right, Bryan. Nice work. You can't beat Monogram/Revell for bang for your buck. I think you've shown what can be accomplished with an inexpensive kit.
Bryan W. Bernart said on April 20, 2014
Thanks for the kind words!
Martin Dytrych said on April 24, 2014
I agree with you - simple, but nice.