Academy 1/72 F-8E
A friend sent me this kit and I will be mailing him the result in a few days. I decided to try a “quick” build for a change but still add as much detail as was reasonable. My usual builds take 2-3 months but I completed this one in two weeks. That’s FAST for me…
I built this model OOB except for some Eduard canopy masks and fiddly bits inside the cockpit. It replicates the F-8E of VF-162 “Hunters” flown by Cdr. Burt Sheperd, CAG on the USS Oriskany in 1966. The detail and fit were VERY nice and precise…so good, that I would recommend not getting any paint on the areas where parts will join. The fit IS that good. No filler was needed anywhere. The instructions didn't call for any weight to prevent it from being a "tail sitter"...but I put about 1/2 oz. in the nose anyway. It's pretty hard to go back after you realize you screwed up. Vallejo Air paints were used throughout. The kit decals were very nice to work with and went down nicely with Micro So/Set. A coat of Vallejo Matte acrylic varnish finished the job.
Hope you all, like it…
11 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Spiros Pendedekas said on August 30, 2020
Tom, this is a wonderful "quick" build.
The Crusader is such a cool looking plane and your job brings it out!
DE4EVER said on August 30, 2020
🙂 ... Greetings ... 🙂 :
The Crusader has always been one of my favorite aircrafts, and this model is a good rendition of one. Nice work Tom.
Michel Verschuere said on August 30, 2020
Very nice Crusader Tom, that will be one happy friend! Kudos!
John vd Biggelaar said on August 30, 2020
Pretty sure your friend will like the results.
It looks great, Tom.
Just in two weeks time, that is really quick.
John Healy said on August 30, 2020
That’s really clean and sharp! We don’t see enough F-8s built.
Stephen W Towle said on August 30, 2020
I have built this kit and its one of Academy's better efforts. Which allows the sun, moon and the stars to align in such away that the end result is a pretty darn good model. Even if you did it in a couple of weeks.
Two thumbs up Tom.
Robert Royes said on August 30, 2020
One beautiful Crusader! 'Last of of the gunfighters' for its day. I liked the way it would pop into after burner on the catapult prior to launch.
Tom Bebout said on August 30, 2020
Nice work Tom that's one good looking "gunslinger".
Roberto Lúcio - Boblucio said on August 31, 2020
Great building.
I have the same kit in my stash and your job will be a inspiring option to me.
Greg Kittinger said on August 31, 2020
Great-looking Gunfighter Tom! I've been very please with the last few Academy kits I've built.
bob mack said on September 4, 2020
nice tom