Navy airplanes

General Discussion Welcome - Introduce Yourself
1

Hello,

I’m a very new member, ex-Navy carrier pilot, and my goal is to model as many of the planes I’ve flown as I can. For starters, I’d love to find a model of the T-34 Mentor which was what I flew in Primary. My next quest will be an F-8 Crusader that provides the option of modeling with the wing ‘up’ and wings folded. Both of these quests seem quite daunting at the moment; can anyone help me?

2

Welcome to the forums!

Some questions:

  • What exactly do you need help with?
  • Are you new to modeling?
  • What scale are you working in? 1/48? 1/32? 1/72?
3

Welcome to the forum. I believe Czech Model makes a 1/48 T-34 but I don’t know about the quality or accuracy of the kit. Your options are wide open on the Crusader. It’s available from several manufacturers in several scales.

In 1/48 your two front runners would be the Monogram and Hasegawa. I haven’t built the Monogram option since I was around 12 so I can’t recall if it has the raised wing option. I do know the Hasegawa kit allows you to build it with a raised wing and multiple after market companies provide a wingfold option. The Hasegawa is probably the nicer of the two kits, but it’s more expensive.

In 1/72 I’ve read good things about the Academy F-8. Not sure what features it has, but it could be worth a look if braille scale is your thing.

If you have the shelf space Trumpeter makes a huge 1/32 F-8. For the price they’re asking I would assume it has folding wings, but it’s too big for me so I can’t speak to the quality of the kit. That’s what Google is for!

There is a member on the forum, F8Fanatic, I believe, that is our resident Crusader expert.

4

Welcome to the Forum!

5

Welcome to the Forums Gypsy! Glad to have you aboard! Try Squadron.com.

Jim [cptn]

6

Welcome Gypsy! I think you have gotten enough intel from everyone already, but I will chime in about the Monogram F-8. Very nice kit! And I believe Revell has a 1/48 F-8E. Not sure about the quality of the last one. Be sure to post pics when you get started!

Eagle90

7

welcome to the forums

8

Welcome to the forums.

9

G’day and welcome from Australia mate. If you can, check out FSM Build better models holiday 2013 edition, mate if the Hellcat doesn’t inspire you nothing will :slight_smile: