With the demise of KMC, a number of resin sets that used to be easily available dried up. One of the more sought after was the cockpit set for the F-8 Crusader. Now, after a few years of drought, there is another set available for your Monogram or Revell Crusader.

Molded in a light grey resin, there are five resin parts, a fret of etched brass and a clear film with the instruments on it. A two-sided sheet offers instructions and a painting guide, though the box art is probably a better color guide.

The major parts are a cockpit tub and a very nice bang seat. Additionally there is a replacement anti-glare panel, instrument panel and control stick. This set uses the 'sandwich' method for the instruments where they are placed between a resin backing and an etched brass panel face. Detailing is everything that one could expect from a high quality resin set. There are the usual resin blocks that need removed as well as a touch of flash and some mold marks, but nothing uncommon to the genre.

Other etched parts are included for some bits on the seat, a HUD, back section to the canopy, and the usual upper interior walls, cockpit sills and canopy interior bits. This includes three rear view mirrors. Several have commented that they don't think the Monogram canopy is right, so maybe a vac canopy could have been included, but I for one am glad they did not. I don't like them and would rather use a slightly inaccurate styrene kit canopy that is easier to work with than a totally accurate vac version that ends up being a mess.

This particular set will be eagerly sought by F-8 enthusiasts who have been looking in vain for an old KMC set. Stay tuned for an upcoming review using this set.

Review set courtesy of Pacific Coast Models.

Ask for it at your hobby shop or follow the link to order it directly.

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