Delving back into the realm of the ancient comes this sheet from what was then Microscale on the F-8 Crusader. While there is no specific kit suggested, if I recall back then we had the choice of  Heller, Hasegawa and Fujimi. The Fujimi kit was to be avoided as it was not only off scale but had major shape problems. That left Hasegawa and Heller. Of the two, the Heller kit was the most accurate though it suffered from some inaccuracies itself. Mainly incorrectly shaped ventral fins. The instruction sheet provides new templates for the modeler to make a set of proper ventral fins from .020" styrene. Of course, today we have the excellent Academy F-8 and I'm sure these markings will fit that kit with only a bit of fudging.

All the aircraft on this sheet are in the Light Gull Grey over White camouflage scheme and the sheet provides stencils for two of the three subjects. As with most Microscale/Superscale sheets of the day, the modeler has to supply insignia either from the kit or a specialty insignia sheet.

First option is for an F-8E from VF-24 aboard the USS Hancock. This unit was responsible for several MiG kills and the unit's total was displayed on the ventral strake.

Next is an F-8H from VF-111 aboard the USS Shangri-La.

Finally, we have an F-8H of VF-162 aboard the USS Oriskany.

All three aircraft were based on 27Charlie modified Essex class carriers during the Vietnam War because these smaller ships were unable to handle the F-4 Phantom II that was on the later 'supercarriers.

December 2004