The Cartograph Decals included in the kit has markings for two aircraft:
VF-162 "The Hunters" BuNo, 149203, USS Oriskany (CVA-34) 1966
VF-103 "Sluggers" BuNo, 150303, USS Forrestal (CVA-59) 1964
The decal set also includes the instrument panels and one for the wind screen that includes the gold trim prevalent to aircraft of that era. Much of the stencil data is actually legible
Parts Trees
Paint:
The color scheme for ths aircraft is typical of the period of U.S. Naval Aviation, Lt. Gull Gray, f/s 16440 on top with Gloss White Belly and control surfaces.
After market parts:
Depending on your level of sanity (or insanity in my case), Aires makes several kit specific detail sets including a complete set
7110 F-8E Crusader Cockpit Set
7111 F-8 Crusader Exhaust Nozzle
7120 F-8 Crusader Gun Bay
7150 F-8E Crusader Full Detail Set
Master Models
AM-72-049 Chance Vought F-8E, Turned Brass Pitot Tube
As for Decals, there are many aftermarket sets in both U.S. Marines and U.S. Navy with some foreign nations.
Final Thoughts
I bought this kit for one reason, I've become a "sluggers' fan and this kit had the VF-103 markings. To say I was surprised would be an understatement. For realtively short money, this kit is superb. the parts are clean and flash free. Even the mold lines and ejection marks were minimal and easily cleaned
It's seldom that I find nothing to complain about in a kit, but this one might be the rare exception
I have a sneaking suspicion this will be replaced in the stash soon, and this time with some aftermarket parts from Aries.
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