As I told everyone last week, with my usual desperate cry for help when I’m on a deadline and totally lost, I am building as quickly as my conscience will allow, the Hasegawa 1/48 F-8E in the later French Navy version (which is essentially an F-8J, the designation given to American F-8E’s upgraded and modernized). I know they have a larger horizontal stab, but how can I tell if Hasegawa did this? It wasn’t enlarged all that much, but I think some of the panel lines will be different. I just don’t know how to tell.
Also, can anyone tell me any other external, or even small cockpit details, that will be different for this airplane? This is a limited edition molding of Hasegawa’s regular release of the French F-8E(FN), but in special marking for the last flight of the F-8 in 1999 after 35 years in French colors. Hey, they can’t hate us that much if they’ll fly our airplanes for so long. And this kit does have some of the most dazzling markings I’ve ever seen on a modern aircraft, even if it is a one-off.
Any help will be apprecated. The web site with all the photos of the French Crusaders, including the one I’m modeling, was a godsend, so thanks again to those who sent it to me.
One of those was my friend and collaborator Bud Highleyman, whom we know around here as Wibhi2. I just got an email last night from his wife saying our Forum friend and my neighbor and partner had been taken to the hospital last night and is quite ill. I got no further details. I hope all our prayers can go out to him and his fine family, and wishes for a speedy recovery. Bud is every bit the kind of talented but modest, unselfish, standup guy we need so many more of in our hobby.
TOM
Can’t help on the F8 question, but very sorry to hear about Buds’ illness. If you hear more, let us know.
Regards, Rick
I too, am not able to help you on your F-8 Tom,but please tell Bud that he and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom
The Hasagawa F-8E ( kit no Pt 25) and later released F-8J ( kit no Pt 26 )are the same kit. The only thing different between the two kits are the split leading edge flaps on the J. Every thing else is the same.
Their F-8E has the A-7 style landing gear and tail hook as used on the J, which would be incorrect for the E model.
The French Navy F-8E (FN) and F-4J were the same. The aircraft had enlarged stabs as you mentioned. They are the same size in both kits. They are also the same size as the stabs in the Monogram F-8E kit. So to answer your question, No they did not include the enlarged stab.
If Hasagawa made only one change, the LEF. from their E and J, I doubt if they made any other changes for the French Crusader.
Thanks, Berny. I’ll check what few drawings I have and match the stabs. I think I the change in dimension, and it was something like only 3 inches in cord at the root. And even less in the width. I’ll have to double check that, but it’s awful small difference in 1:48. However, if the shape is different, that changes things.
TOM