F-8E Crusader (BAF)

Spey_Phantom · September 04, 2005, 07:51:22 AM

after coming back from the airshow in Koksijde, i picked up a Heller 1/72 F-8 crusader. and i was thinking "what iff the F-104 never was succesfull?"

then i came up with Belgium buying 80 F-8E's in 1964 and armed them with 2 aim-9B's then from 1975 they recieved an upgrade in witch they recieved a new radar, a more powerfull J79 engine and the new AIM-54 Phoenix AAM for long range interceptions over germany and the north sea. after the frech retired there F-8FN's in 2001, Belgium retired its F-8's in 2004 and replaced them with the Rafale-C.

(this is a preview of what the completed model should look like)

Captain Canada · September 04, 2005, 09:36:16 AM

Cool !

One of the world's sexiest aeroplanes mated with the world's coolest camo !

elmayerle · September 04, 2005, 06:20:03 PM

Nice, and not at all implausible since there was, if I'm not mis-remembering, at least one Vought study of a J79-powered Crusader. It makes a lot of sense, same thrust as a J57, but smaller, lighter, and a wee touch less thirsty.

Can't wait to see the finished model.

NARSES2 · September 04, 2005, 11:06:41 PM

Quoteafter coming back from the airshow in Koksijde, i picked up a Heller 1/72 F-8 crusader. and i was thinking "what iff the F-104 never was succesfull?"

Not such a WIF then ?

Great idea Nils - the F8 is a favourite and has huge "simple" wif potential. By simple I mean simply changing her colours/markings

Chris

lancer · September 05, 2005, 01:22:43 AM

That is one sweet looking Crusader Nil's. Waaaaaaaaay better than the F104 any day.

Spey_Phantom · September 05, 2005, 11:28:19 AM

Well, i appears like i had alot off free time today, yesterday a glue'd the model and today it has recieved its paintjob,
pilot, window and armament of 2 AIM-9M and 2 AIM-54 misilles.
I have dubbed it the "F-8EP Crusader" (P stands for Phoenix).
Painted in 350 squadron markings.

how do you like it now, pretty impressive isnt it for a 2-day build B)

better quality pictures can be seen on wy webpage.

BlackOps · September 05, 2005, 10:59:46 PM

Cool, I've always liked the Crusader...heck I like anything with a big old scoop under it's nose

Looks really good in Belgian markings.

Jeff G.

cthulhu77 · September 06, 2005, 04:19:32 AM

Have to agree, the Crusader is one of the all time greats...nice jet !!!

NARSES2 · September 07, 2005, 12:00:08 AM

Ok so a one day build ? Looks good in those colours and I like the idea of the Phoenix load out

Chris

Tophe · September 07, 2005, 10:12:29 AM

What-if the Ling-Temco-Nils Belgian Crusader was a rocket plane?

Captain Canada · September 07, 2005, 10:25:01 AM

Great job, Nils !

That colour and those markings go together sooo nicely......

I was gonna comment that it looks like Ves gave you his old camera, but then you said there were better pics on your site.

Nice job on the photoshop, Tophe ! Looks kinda like an F-104 like that..or maybe an early French rocket plane ?

Davey B · September 08, 2005, 12:28:33 PM

Quotearmament of 2 AIM-9M and 2 AIM-54 misilles.

MERCIFUL ZEUS!!!

Talk about packin'!

Archibald · June 01, 2006, 10:12:08 AM

Lovely model!!! With its fleet of F-13A Lancer and F-8P Crusader, the FAB is one of the best air force in Western Europe

Brian da Basher · June 01, 2006, 06:31:49 PM

Absolutely first rate Nils! I love those Belgian markings and cool camo paintjob!
Excellent work!

Brian da Basher

F-8E Crusader (BAF)

Davey B