Probably the most intensive use of the F-8 Crusader came in the hands of the US Marines. They didn't use them for the relatively easy task of air intercept, but for the much more intense job of ground support. And not surprisingly. It has always been the number one job of Marine air to support the men on the ground. During Vietnam, it was rare to see a Corps Crusader with Sidewinders. More often it carried Zunis and bombs. This task was then taken over by the F-4 Phantom and is now done by the F-18 Hornet.

This sheet has just two aircraft on it. This is mostly because of the flamboyant color scheme of one of the two subjects. There are enough common markings on the sheet to do one of the subjects.

The more sedate of the two schemes is for VMF-232. This aircraft has standard markings and only a small squadron badge on the tail to set it apart from any other USMC F-8.

It is the VMF-312 bird that has all the glitz on this sheet. And it should as it is the unit commander's aircraft as indicated by the 'Double Nuts' or two zeros modex on the nose. Undoubtedly, most modelers will choose this scheme to build!

Both aircraft are in the standard scheme of light gull grey uppers and white lowers with white control surfaces. The gunfighter F-8 was spared the ignominy of having to have a low-viz scheme applied to it!

Review copy courtesy of me and my now empty wallet!

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