1/48 Scale
The following kits are available to model Sabres in 1/48 scale
F-86E ESCI (actually a mid-term F) Now released under the Italeri label
F-86F Monogram
CL-13B ESCI
F-86F-30/40/ Hasegawa (also released by Revell with some resin bits)
Airfix F-86 Sabre MkIV, F-86F-40, F-86F-30
Revell F-86D
F-86F-30 in Korea
As the Monogram kit depicts a hard '6-3' wing without slats, one can only use this kit out of the box to build Sabre 622. Any other SAAAF Sabre will require modifications to the wings, either to create the original slatted non-6-3 wing or to add slats for the later Canadair Sabre Mk6. Easier done using the Airfix or ESCI kit.
The ESCI kit has a '6-3' wing with slats, therefore the '6-3'
extension needs to be removed. As in the 1/72 kits, it is best to
remove this by using the moulded panel line as a guide. The kit can
then be finished off as per the instructions and painted.
The Airfix F-86F-40, remove the wingtip extensions and modify the wings to remove the “6-3” extension. As this kit supplies alternate leading-edge details to depict either wing it is easier as it is one less cut. Either of the other two releases will require the addition of the slats.
CANADAIR CL-13 Sabre
Utilising the Airfix F-86F-40, remove the wingtip extensions and there you go. Either of the other two releases will require the addition of the slats.
Using the ESCI kit - build as per instructions. Add whatever additional details you wish. Also needed to add the air scoops under the fuselage as per the 1/72 kits. Finish off with your chosen colour scheme.
1/32 Scale
The following kits are available in 1/32 nd scale
F-86F-40 Hasegawa
F-86F-30 Kinetic (also released under the Italeri label)
F-86F-40 Nato Sabre
To build a common SAAF Korean Sabre, the '6-3' extended wing needs to be removed as in the smaller scales. The extended wing tip must also be removed, this is done by cutting the wing outboard off, from the slats, removing the 1 foot extension and rejoining the wingtip to the shortened wing. Some careful work in the wing root area will also be needed.
Alternatively for the sole Sabre that had the "6-3" wing then the Kinetic kit can be used as is.
To build a CL-13B, either the Hasegawa or Kinetic F-86F-40 kit can be used. If using the Hasegawa kit then the appropriate wing tip modification is needed - but overall, this is fairly easy to modify. Attach the two sugar scoops under the fuselage and finish off in the colours of your choice. Remember, that the CL-138 had a different motor, therefore the kit motor cannot be used in this version.
