AIRES Hobby Models

1/32 F-8J Crusader Detail Sets For the Trumpeter Kit

Stock Number: 2106

Reviewed By  Dave Morrissette, IPMS# 33653

MSRP: $107.95 Website: www.aires.cz This set is a combination of three of Aires sets, plus the refueling probe set that I could not find as a separate release. There's a whole lot of resin going on here with over 30 resin parts and a whole sheet of photo etch. This kit modifies four areas of the Trumpeter 1/32nd scale kit. There is a complete new cockpit, new main and front landing gear bays, a new exhaust and a complete refueling bay and probe. There are lots of resin and PE. Let's take a look at what's in this big box. Here's a list of the three separate Aires sets this detail set comes from (not including the refueling probe set that apparently isn't offered separately): F-8 Exhaust Nozzle Set Part No. 2094. MSRP: $35.95. F-8 Wheel Bays Set Part No. 2096. MSRP: $37.95. F-8 Cockpit Set Part No. 2088. MSRP: $52.95.

Let's take a quick look at the sets individually, starting with the exhaust set. To use this, there are lots of ejector pin marks which will need filled and smooth. Also, the kit parts are in two pieces, which means seams on the inside of the exhaust. Lastly, the kit end of the engine looks nothing like the real thing, but the Aires part corrects that - big advantage to Aires.

The cockpit set is next. The kit cockpit is not bad, but is simplified compared to the Aires' offering. The set is Aires all the way. The instrument panel coming from Trumpeter is simplified. Since it sits right on the nose of the plane, the Aires part and PE HUD is a very noticeable improvement. The sidewalls also offer improved detail. Aires again offers a large improvement.

The wheel wells are large chunks of resin and both the front and main have excellent detail. At the time this review is being written, a build review is almost complete so I included close detail shots of the Aires parts to show the wonderful wiring and detail the included. The build review should be up shortly. Lastly, here is the refueling probe bay. The set is wonderfully detailed. The thing that strikes me is that if you use the kit parts, you will have to remove 10 ejector pin marks on some very tough areas; the Aires set is better detailed and is perfectly cast. Aires is better by miles on this one. Note that using this set will require you to move the launch rails for the Sidewinder missiles since they do not fit together. Aires provides loads of detail and clearly offers the better parts. As with all aftermarket parts, they will take some work and cleaning to get them to fit, but the end result will be improvement. The price at $108 is steep, but I have also found it well under $100 at stores online. The individual sets add up to $127 without the refueling set, so even at MSRP this is a good deal and lots of resin goodness for your dollar. One clear advantage to me is that this set saves fixing dozens of ejector pins marks. For me the time saved there is better spent fitting the resin parts. This set is highly recommended and will provide excellent upgrades for an already great Trumpeter kit. My thanks go to David Lager and Aires for the review samples.