Czech firm Sword has released new-tool 1/72 RF-8A and RF-8G Crusader kits. CHRIS CLIFFORD reviews the former boxing.
Vought’s F-8 Crusader is arguably one of the sleekest, coolest combat jets ever built. Many kits of the fighter sub-types have been produced and in different scales, but why neither of the recce variants ever appeared in styrene is one of modelling’s real mysteries. But wait no longer. The first ever full styrene 1/72 kit of the RF-8 has been released by Sword of the Czech Republic, and it comes in two boxings… SW72149, F8U-1P/RF-8A Over Cuba, and SW72150, RF-8G Over Vietnam. The former is reviewed here.
Firstly, Sword has improved its packaging, the box lid having a gloss finish with stunning artwork of an important airframe. This is BuNo 146871/910/GA of the US Navy’s VFP-62, flown by the boss of said unit – CDR William Ecker – to photograph Soviet missiles on Cuba in 1962 during the notorious ‘missile crisis’. The Cuban missions were flown under the codename Blue Moon.
Above: Sword appears to have captured the shape of the RF-8 well, especially the forward fuselage. However, no locating pins are present so construction won’t be straightforward.
Above: The lower half of the intake trunking has basic nose un…
