Hasagawa

1/48 F-8E(FN) model kit

Product # 09514

Product Article by Jean-Paul Poisseroux in 2004

 

 

 

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

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.

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

Sherloc Antenna

 

Photos and text © by Jean-Paul Poisseroux