This
limited edition of the Hasagawa 1/48 F-8 Crusader (in French ,say “Crouze”)
in F-8E(FN),for the French Navy is really a beautiful Christmas gift for all
French A éronavale lovers. I redirect you for the
presentation
to the “E”version at
1/48 Hasegawa F-8E
Now
is what you must know about the present edition.
You
will find everything
to make all the structural versions of the "last of the gun
fighters"; Hasegawa has in fact added some typical items to its second
Crusader kit, the J version (ref 07226)
Click on
images below to see larger images
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Armament F-8 E/F/N |
Leading Edge F-8 E/F/N |
Stab
F-8 E/F/N |
This
“J” was a “E” with the new increased size stabilizers, double leading
edge and a MK7 seater. For the French version, the new sprues contain antennas
and missiles. The most visible antennas are the VHF on the forward upper fuselage
a white “T” shape and a bar on the fin tip called Sherloc which is the
characteristic of the F-8 P (P for prolongé, that’s the mods that
extended the duty live until 1999, when the jet was ripped off). The armament
consist of two identical sprues with 2 Matra 530 and 550 Magic missile, the 530
with large fins was used until 1981 and replaced then with the 550 Magic, an
armament in common with the French Air Force on its Mirage F-1 and 2000.
Hasagawa
fins seem thick and could be sanded or replace by aluminium cans sheets.
Now
some suggestions for this beautiful and exotic version. The cockpit can be
enhanced with the Eduard p/e sheet (ref. 48440), and in particular the instrument
panel which provides the dial of the Global Position System (only for F8P),
located on the of the scope (S9 part). On the right of the scope sharp modeller
could scratch the camera restitution for fights. The seat, a mk7(always for a
F8-P) is appropriate, will be detailed, or replaced. For a Crouze “non P”,
in
white/gray, all white, early blue grey colors, you’ll have to exchange it for a
Mk 5 (aftermarket, i.e Cobra Company). When the canopy is raised, behind the pilot
the oxygen green apple spherical bottle is visible, but not represented in the
kit neither by available aftermarket, except the old KMC for the Monogram
kit. The instrument panel had a canvas covering the instrument, included in the
KMC set and surely in the Aires F8E set. If you want to ad a French pilot seated,
turn to PJ production who just produce a beautiful item (http://www.pjproduction.net/index.html)
The multiple leading edges have some molding depression impact (see pic) easy to
fill. Gears and bays will see your own addition of cables and pipes or Aires,
again will save you time
there, knowing that the basic kit is already well detailed. The stab compared
with the plans in French Air FAN review on one side
and the BIBLE on the subject, excellent book from
Lela Presse (a must), on the other side, seem, yes seem a little to short
2mm at the trailing edge. Attention, some aircraft were repaired and maintained
in wings (Flotilles) and
a consequent rework was done due to lack of spare parts. All aircrafts had
not identical surface stabilisators! Some reinforcements are surprising (see
the n°10 in le Bourget or on the web sites at the end of the article). For the
loads, contrary to the box art, the large M530 has never been carried by a
F-8P,may be by an early blue grey standard finishing and surely by grey/white-grey
aircrafts. If you want a M 550 live missile, it will be gray, blue for a exercice
dummy and orange for a responder adaptor. The stencils must all be in French
text ,and CARPENA, MDC, or Albatross, will provide you everything good for any
period in the aircraft live. The Sherloc antenna
is too long (- 2mm at rear, - 1mm at point; the extremities must be
rounded. For the other
antennas, some are missing, i.e
the ILS marker, the
IFF and radio operator altimeter below and the GPS, easily realizable
plated on the back, in front of the wing. (see Lela Presse book)
Their position
changed during live, check your reference, again.
The
decal sheet is for two aircraft from the 12F Flotille. One is completely light
gray without squadron badge and a blue F8P bearing the Porte avions Foch badge
on starboard rudder and the walking duck with the fork on the port side. A jaw
tooth was painted on the intake too. If you want to go further, Aires produce a
complete set with original parts for the bays guns and the extended refuelling
probe. Contrary to a lot displayed models, do not raise the wings up, on ground at
rest if the pilot or mechanical are out, that’s technically impossible!
Built
only “from the box” or hyper detailled, that’s a Royal model for 1/48 scale
fans to display the very last user of the last of the gun fighters. If the
series is really limited, do not hesitate, buy one or two quickly.
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DECAL
for F-8
E/F/N |
References:
Books:
Ginter,
Lela
PRESSE le
crusader en action par J.M.GALL at
http://www.avionsbateaux.com/p141.html
or at your web distributor the MUST and DEFINITIVE book on the subject,mass of
sketchs,drawings , plans, pics
with english glossary and image captions.
Useful
Web sites:
Accessoiries
Jean-Paul
Click on
images below to see larger images
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Sherloc Antenna |
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