New 1/32 Tecnikit's detailsets serie for 2026. F-8E CRUSADER

[Tecnikit]

Hello @Bill M.

 

Thank you for your idea.

 

In the picture of the box appears with the double Sidewinder launcher. I haven't paid much attention to the Trumpeter kit's arsenal ( I was only interested in whether it included the MATRA ), but now that you mention, in the instructions shows triple side launchers for what appear to be two ZUNIs and a Sidewinder. Do you mean that ?

 

Javier Povedano

Tecnikit

 

[RichSpreier]

the Trumpeter kit does not have triple launchers. It has double launchers for either sidewinders or zunis. The problem is that they are not accurate. The kit comes with symmetrical pylons, but the real pylons are different on each side. Ot would be great to have an accurate aftermarket set. I have built 6 of these but have 3 more in the stash.

[Tecnikit]

2 hours ago, RichSpreier said:

the Trumpeter kit does not have triple launchers. It has double launchers for either sidewinders or zunis. The problem is that they are not accurate. The kit comes with symmetrical pylons, but the real pylons are different on each side. Ot would be great to have an accurate aftermarket set. I have built 6 of these but have 3 more in the stash.

 

Understood. I thought I saw in the instructions that the pitchers joined together to form a triple.

 

It will be as you say, I haven't taken the pieces apart to see it yet. If so, count on it. I think it's a nice set. I'll do the missiles in case anyone wants the complete set or just the launchers.

 

Doing a quick search, what I see most are photos with 2 double ZUNI mounts attached in 1 side (4 ZUNIs). Or 2 attached launchers of 1 Sidewinder each (2 Sidewinders).

 

Javier Povedano

 

Edited November 20, 2025 by Tecnikit

[Bill M.]

Yes, the Trumpeter kit comes with a set of incorrect symmetrical dual pylons for each side of the F-8, allowing it to carry a total of four sidewinders— two on each side— also four dual Zuni’s could be mounted. 

The problem is that the Trumpeter pylons are incorrect as they made them symmetrical, when they should have been asymmetrical— each side is distinctly different. I believe that other manufacturers, in other scales, have gotten these missile racks or pylons  correct— meaning asymmetrical, but Trumpeter did not get them correct in 1/32 scale.

Frankly I am not as familiar with the details of the French F-8, but I wonder if the French might have used the same racks to mount the MATRA missiles?

Regardless, these asymmetrical dual mount pylons were commonly used by USN/ USMC F-8’s, particularly in Vietnam. It really would be great to have a correct set of these available…

 

 

[blackbetty]

seen here, i corrected mine for my marine crusader

 

[Tecnikit]

YES !! We speak about the Vietnam configuration.

 

So, if I understand you correctly @Bill M., and as you clearly show in the diagram @blackbetty, you're talking about the difference in airflow for the rat in its side. I wasn't aware of that; I've just learned about this. Understood.

 

I'm afraid the MATRA launcher is completely different. The MATRA was enormous. Only one could fit on each side.

 

Thank you very much for your clarifications. Are very important.

 

As always, I remind you that there are very important discounts for one or two persons that want to pilot these works. Sending detailed photographs or diagrams to the store's email address.

 

To qualify for these discounts, the diagrams or photographs should be close-up shots exclusively of the launchers. Not general photos of the aircraft. That is... the "central object" of the photographs or diagrams must be the launcher itself. To see in detail the rivets, stencils, metal plates, and precise shape should be clearly visible.

 

Interested or not in the offer, thank you very much for your comments !

 

Javier Povedano

 

[Bill M.]

I wish I could help you with these missile pylons, but my knowledge of their details is limited. I just know the Trumpeter pylons are incorrect and no one else does these pylons correctly in 1/32 scale. Hopefully, others will step forward with the necessary information.

But if you are able to do these pylons, I will happily buy at least one set, even if I have to pay full price!

Thanks!

 

[Tecnikit]

12 hours ago, Bill M. said:

I wish I could help you with these missile pylons, but my knowledge of their details is limited. I just know the Trumpeter pylons are incorrect and no one else does these pylons correctly in 1/32 scale. Hopefully, others will step forward with the necessary information.

But if you are able to do these pylons, I will happily buy at least one set, even if I have to pay full price!

Thanks!

 

 

No problem @Bill M.. I think I know where to find it.

 

It's a method we use to speed things up in case someone already has that information and we can reduce the time involved. 

 

Javier Povedano

 

[Tecnikit]

We can now provide definitive information about the details of the F-8 CRUSADER.

 

Since Paul Fisher had the conversion to the RF-8, but was unable to continue due to the loss of his workshop, we contacted him to see if he was going to relaunch the project or if he had any parts we could use to launch a joint project. However, he informed us that he was not going to do so and that he did not have any parts or molds left after the fire.

 

Now that we were sure we wouldn't clash, we decided to add this important conversion to the list of detailed models. This involves the complete development of the front half of the fuselage to achieve the RF-8.

 

In addition, an unexpected collaboration has provided us with very valuable and accurate information that has eliminated the difficulties in producing this version.

The intention is to go much further, as we did with the Mirage IIIE monograph.

 

We have started the design of the cockpits in different moments. This includes different control panels prepared for backlighting, along with the different ejection seats from each era. This way, each modeler will be able to adapt their F-8 to the historical moment he prefers.

 

The rectangular radome is also in the design phase, which involves a partial change to the front of the fuselage during the evolution of the F-8. This is an issue that has been asked  because it has not been properly resolved by other manufacturers. We will provide a definitive solution.

 

The other details are based on the wells and weapon systems. Not only will the ZUNI side launchers be made as you indicated, about whom we already have all kinds of information but also the wing launchers and supports, as they are not particularly complicated.

 

https://www.tecnikit.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=page&id=31

 

Javier Povedano

Tecnikit

 

Edited February 4 by Tecnikit

[allthumbs]

That’s good news regarding the Photo Crusader!