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Greg Kittinger
125 articles

Fujimi F-8D Crusader 1/72

February 25, 2015 · in Aviation · · 9 · 3.9K

This old kit had very heavy raised panel lines and rivet detail. I sanded it all off, intending to re-scribe. However, I found I wasn't too adept at scribing, so instead drew them back in with lead pencil. Since I brush paint, I use pastel weathering powders to post-shade panel lines and such, and this helped soften the graphite.

The kit had several other short comings. I had to open the intake and add a pitot tube (stretched sprue), and there was no cockpit whatsoever, so I took a spare F-16 kit and seat and modified it, and added a pilot. Also used an aftermarket decal sheet.

The only remaining remnant of the original panel lines/rivets is the circle you see on the tail section.

PS. I know the one pic is a bit blurry, but trying to show as much of the panel line work as I could.

This was my first time with using the graphite technique, and I was satisfied how it turned out, although it was a lot of work to sand down the entire airplane!

Reader reactions:
5  Awesome

10 additional images. Click to enlarge.


9 responses

  1. Nicely finished and photographed.

  2. I like the markings on this CAG bird. The Crusader is my all time favourite Vietnam Navy fighter. You did a very good job on this one. Well done!

  3. Greg,
    Beautifully done.

  4. It came out very well, Greg, I'm sure you are pleased with this technique.

  5. Sow's ear into a silk purse. Very very nice!

  6. Nice to see this one again, Greg

  7. I really like these in flight models you do with the unique display stand. Great job.

  8. Gotta love those Crusaders, very clean build!

  9. Awesome build. Like the stand as well. Nice to put on a desk, Greg!

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