BUILDING A SAAF SABRE IN SCALE
Decal Sheets
This excellent, high quality decal sheet by Leading Edge Models has markings for the all the SAAF squadrons that operated Sabre Mk6 in South Africa, both natural metal and camouflaged options are included.
1/72 Scale
The following kits are available to model Sabres in 1/72 scale
F-86A Matchbox
F-86F Hasegawa (nominally a F-86-40)
F-86D Sabre Hasegawa
F-86D Airfix
F-86H Rareplanes
F-86F Heller (nominally an F-86F_3O)
F-86F-30, F86F-40, Canadair Sabre Mk6 Fujimi
F-86E, F86F-30 Hobbycraft
F-86 Sabre Nk IV, F-86E(M)/F Airfix
F-86D Hasegawa
None of the available kits can be built straight out of the box, as a SAAF Korean Sabre. Some conversion is needed, as follows:-
Method One
Using the Hasegawa kit - build as per instructions but remove one scale foot from each wing tip. As this kit is supposed to depict a -40 Sabre it is incorrect insofar as the wing is concerned, been a non '6-3' wing, with the extension applicable to late Fs. This is the easiest way of producing a Korean Sabre but the amount of additional super-detailing required to bring it up to standard is quite considerable. This detail could either be from scratch or using the Heller fittings.
Method Two
Using the Heller kit fuselage - remove a portion of the wing equivalent to the '6-3' extension. This has to be removed from the leading edge and not the trailing edge. It is best to use the moulded panel line behind the slats as a guide to preserve the slat detail. After rejoining the wing portions and cleaning up the joints, assemble the kit as per instructions. The raised panel on the fuselage spine just in front of the vertical tail must be removed once the two halves are joined. Once you attach the wings, modify the wing root fairing to the new wing cord and rescribe the hatch. Finish off in the appropriate colours you have chosen
Method Three
Using the Heller kit fuselage - fit the Airfix F-86D wings to it. This is done by first assembling the Heller wings, once dry cut off the wings leaving the centre section to fit to the Heller fuselage. You can then fit the Airfix wings as per normal and finish off the kit to your liking.
Remember to modify the wing root as per Method 2. The Heller wings can
be fitted to the Airfix F86D fuselage with the necessary stretch to build a
F-86L.
CANADAIR CL-13 Sabre
Utilising the Hobbycraft Sabre kit (take note that there are various boxings) one can build a SAAF Sabre with minor modifications.
Use the Heller Sabre as from the box. Remove the raised panel from the
fuselage spine in front of the fin and add two scoops under the
fuselage behind the wing trailing edge. These are in the same place as
the moulded NACA ducts that are on the fuselage. Finish off in the
colour scheme of your choice.
