Kit: No. PT13
Scale: 1/48
Manufacturer: Hasegawa, distributed by Marco Polo Import Inc., 532 S. Coralridge Place, City of Industry, CA 91746
Price: $39.98
Comments: Injection molded, 90 parts, decals.
Hasegawa's Sabre is the latest kit in the growing family of new 1/48 scale Korean War aircraft. It represents the F-86F-30 with its improved "6-3 wing" (leading edge extended 6" at the root and 3" at the tip) that improved the Sabre's maneuverability.
Each sprue is separately bagged and the parts feature top-quality recessed panel lines and rivets. Although not complete, enough engine front and rear detail is provided to produce a realistic effect when you look into either end of the fuselage. If you don't want to look in there, intake and exhaust covers are provided, too.
You have the option of two heads for the detailed pilot figure: one with a Korean-War-style helmet, and one with a more modern one. The two-part canopy is thin and nearly distortion free. The cockpit detail is adequate, especially if you install the pilot, but if you leave him out you'll need to add harnesses. The decal instruments look good over the relief panel.
Markings are included for two colorful wing-commander Sabres. The images are sharp and include dozens of stencils, but the light colors are translucent when applied to the model.
Assembly, following the eight-page, 14-step instructions, is simple, but the instructions don't mention the optional Sidewinder missiles are inappropriate for Korean-War-vintage Sabres -- leave them off. The parts needed only minimal cleanup, and the fit is close to perfect. I used no filler. I clamped the fuselage just behind the nose gear well while the glue dried so it would fit between the wings.
Step 10 is an enigma: Optional fins and pylons for the drop tanks are provided, but there is no hint of which ones to use on the subjects depicted in the markings. Study reference photos of the Sabre you want to build. If you want to pose the speed brakes in the open position, trim the tips of the hinge arms to produce the characteristic droop.
I painted my model using SnJ Spray Metal, then picked out panels with Testor Metalizer magnesium and stainless steel.
None of the kit decals would stick to unsealed SnJ paint, Micro Sol had no noticeable effect, and Solvaset crazed them. I recommend diluted white glue to help them stick. Squeeze the decals onto the surface as any trapped air will noticeably lighten the translucent markings.
The fuselage measures about four scale inches long and the wingspan is five scale inches short -- unapparent without a scale ruler. You may want to scribe in the bottom hinge lines to the ammunition doors on either side of the nose; when open, they were used as boarding steps for the pilot. My references include Squadron/Signal's F-86 Sabre in Action and F-86 Sabre in Color, both by Larry Davis.
With aftermarket markings and added cockpit details, this new kit will be a true gem. Those with basic tools and a kit or two behind them can assemble it. I spent 16 hours on mine.
I put the F-86 in my display case next to my Tamiya MiG-15. It looks as though they're going to tangle!
--Al Jones