So my modelling friends Lee Hayward, Roger Clark, Adam Slater and me are going to buddy-build a 1/72 F8 Crusader using three different kits. I've opted for the Heller (259), Lee for the Hasegawa and Roger, the Esci Adam has chose the F8's little brother, the SLUF (but we'll let him off). Despite being a USN enthusiast when it comes to models, the F8 has never rocked my boat as they say compared to it's little brother the A7. Anyway, on with the build - or at least the preparation while those other two get their act together?
The Heller plastic is always nice to the touch and that's no exception here. The kit despite its age is well moulded and quite well detailed with both raised and engraved panel lines. There are 62 parts shown (Photo #1) on the exploded (Photo #2) instruction sheet (not my favourite format) and a decent enough decal sheet (Photo #3) for two USN and one French Navy option. Nicely included are a couple of Matra anti-shipping missiles for the Gallic modeller.
The largest one piece moulding is the wing as a complete item? But there is still plenty to work on with some potential for internal detail.
Okay, that's a start. I'll cover my build as I go, probably as comments to this post... Who know, my 'buddy-builders' might even put their own words up for your consideration...?