MDC D48003 covering the F8E (FN) and F8P Crusader in French Naval service is the latest sheet form MDC (Model Design Construction). 

At the beginning of the sixties, the French Ačronautique Navale purchased F8 Crusaders to replace its ageing Aquilons.  As the carriers the French operated were smaller than their US counterparts, modifications were required to make them easier to land on their carriers.  The resulting aircraft became known as the F8E (FN) the FN standing for French Navy.  The 'P' (standing for prolonguč – extended) designation came about when further modifications were made in 1992 to extend the life of the aircraft until the Rafale M was ready for deployment aboard their carriers. 

The markings on this sheet enable you to build five aircraft, three F8E (FN)s and two
F8Ps.  The individual machines are: 

F8E (FN) '8' of Flotille 12F.  The markings depict it as it appeared in 1981.  The aircraft is in the later overall light grey scheme and the markings consist of: 

• Black '8's for the fuselage wings and fin.
• Small squadron shields for the nose.
• MARINE titles for the rear fuselage.

F8E (FN) '21' of Flotille 14F in June 1967.  Finish is the initial delivery scheme of light gull grey over white and the markings comprise: 

• Black '21's for the fuselage wings and fin.
• Small squadron shields for the nose.

F8E (FN) '29' of Flotille 12F in 1983.  The aircraft is also in the later overall light grey scheme and the markings consist of:

• Black '29's for the fuselage wings and fin.
• Small squadron shields for the nose.
• MARINE titles for the rear fuselage.

F8P '11' of Flotille 12F in 1991.  The aircraft in the final overall 'blue low visibility camouflage' scheme and the markings consist of: 

• Light blue/grey '11's for the fuselage wings and fin.
• Small squadron shields for the nose.
• Light blue grey MARINE titles for the rear fuselage.

The final and most colourful option is F8P '35'of Flotille 12F in 1999.  The machine is also in the 'blue low visibility camouflage' scheme.  These markings also appear in the new Hasegawa kit.  They consist of:

• Light blue/grey '35's for the fuselage wings and fin.
• Small squadron shields for the nose.
• Light blue grey MARINE titles for the rear fuselage.
• Shark mouth for the sides of the intakes
• Large squadron insignia for both sides of the fin.

A single set of reduced national insignia is supplied for the two overall 'blue low visibility camouflage' scheme aircraft and two sets of larger national insignia are provided for the three other options.  A single set of blue/grey MARINE titles and a single set of black MARINE titles are provided.  A single set of stencil data (in French) is also provided.

The decals have been printed by the Fantasy Print Shop.  Everything is in perfect register with a minimum of carrier film.  The print job is truly fantastic with magnification being required to fully appreciate the tiny squadron insignia.  The white portions appear to be opaque enough to be applied over the dark blue low visibility scheme options. 

The placement guide is a three page affair printed in colour on A-4 sized sheets that shows left and right hand side profiles as well as top and bottom views of the wings. 

The decals and placement guide are packed in the ubiquitous clear plastic zip-loc bag. 

All up, this is a very good decal sheet and it is recommended. 

Footnote: 

The target kit is the new Hasegawa one.  I have not yet been fortunate enough to fondle one but a review of it and some helpful reference links can be found right here on Hyperscale at http://kits.kitreview.com/f8efnreviewdw_1.htm

Thanks to MDC for the review sample

Review Copyright © 2004 by Rodger Kelly
This Page Created on 14 January, 2004
Last updated 14 January, 2004

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