1/48 Academy F-86 Canadair Sabre

Gallery Article by Bill Clark

The finished Sabre in RAF 3Sqn markings as based in RAF Germany  

 

F-86 Canadair Sabre in RAF Colours

I used the Academy kit.  Basically I built it straight from the box (apart from lowering the slats and opening up one of the ammo bays – oh and adding some reheat seat belts). I think I’m right here (I’m open to correction of course!) but the Sabre F1/2/4 was based upon the F86E. RAF Sabres were originally designated F1 & F2, although they changed this to F2 & F4 to align with the Canadair designations. 

 

Click on images below to see larger images

used as many decals as possible from the kit, but had to resort to the spares box for national markings. The 3 sqn markings were made from using initially yellow rectangles…

…followed by Green ReHeat seat belts were added to complete a reasonably detailed cockpit

Irrespective of the designation RAF Sabres could feature either the slatted wing or the Hard “6-3” wing – in fact many were retrofitted with the latter whilst in service. I’ve attempted to modelthe slatted wing although I’m not 100% its correct!

The RAF swapped their Sabres for Hunters – the Sabres going to Yugoslavia and Italy.  An excellent kit – a lot cheaper than Hasegawa’s!!!

The finished Sabre
The Sabre was replaced by the Hunter in RAF service. Again an Academy kit (heavily modified to F5 Standard) This 34 Sqn “Suez” Hunter may provide an answer to that thorny old question – “Which was the better?”

Bill Clark

Click on images below to see larger images

 

      

Photos and text © by Bill Clark