When the F-4 Phantom entered service with the US Navy, the F-8 was considered to be the 'last of the gunfighters'. This was because the Navy F-4 did not have a gun. The F-8 was also considered to be the 'last of the single-seat fighters', and this was due to the new F-14 being a two-seater. History has changed this as the F-18A/C/E Hornet is not only a single seat fighter, but it also has a gun.

Nonetheless, the F-8 was very much the last of a breed. The last of the Navy's pure fighters. Sure, it was given hardpoints under the wing to carry bombs and fuselage stations for Zuni missiles, but these were just add-ons and not part of the original design of the aircraft. It was really not that great a ground attack aircraft, lacking the needed electronics that were present on the A-4, A-6 and A-7 aircraft.

Anyway, Microscale has been kind enough over the years to provide us with a huge number (OK, perhaps 10 or so) of sheets that have F-8s on them. Especially in 1/72. This one is one of the better sheets as it includes two CAG birds. While the recommended kit is the Hasegawa one, I'm sure that the Heller or ESCI kit will do just as well.

First is the non-CAG bird in the group, an F-8E from VF-13 aboard the USS Shangri-La. This aircraft has a blue tail band. This unit was disestablished in the late 1960s.

Next is the CAG bird from VF-211, the Checkmates on the USS Hancock. In addition to the red swoosh, it has the red and white checks with stars on the rudder in gold. This unit currently flies F-14 Tomcats.

Finally, a VF-194 CAG bird from the USS Oriskany. The Oriskany was the last active (as in deployable) Essex class carrier. (Lexington doesn't count as it was a training carrier). After being disestablished following the Oriskany's last cruise in the early 1970s, VF-194 was briefly an F-14 squadron in the early 1980s, but was disestablished again after less than a year without making a cruise.

There are enough national insignia for two aircraft and no data stencils.

Review copy courtesy of me and my wallet! 

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