The latest decal set to be release by Leading Edge Models of Canada is for the Canadair Sabre 6s of RCAF "1 Wing." The sheet has been issued in 1/32 (32.3) and 1/72 (72.10), but this review covers the 1/48 scale sheet (48.10). In the 1950s, the RCAF had a large contingent of fighter aircraft stationed in Europe. During these glory years, the Sabres were the RCAF’s standard day fighter equipping 12 squadrons. The Canadair Sabre 6 was an upgraded version of the basic Sabre which incorporated the slated 6 3 wing and Orenda 14 engine. To many, it was the ultimate Sabre version. Unlike home based aircraft, all of the RCAF Sabres in Europe carried camouflage of Dark Sea Grey and Dark Green over PRU Blue. Among the Sabre squadrons in "1 Wing" were 410 "Cougar" Squadron, 439 "Tiger" Squadron, and 441 "Silver Fox" Squadron, and these are the three options covered in this decal sheet.
As will all Leading Edge decals sheets, complete markings are provided for one aircraft, which can be selected from five options. The options include one 410 Squadron aircraft with no tail band, two 439 Squadron aircraft with the spectacular tiger tail band, and two 441 Squadron aircraft with a checked tail band. As previously stated all aircraft carry camouflage. Complete stencils are provided for one aircraft. A rather unique feature of the 1/48 sheet is that decals are provided for the unique Sabre 6 slats. For those of us that don’t want to attempt to scribe in our own slats these decals certainly are a blessing. All decals are beautifully printed and even complex decals such as the 439 Squadron tiger head are perfectly in register. Instructions cover four pages and include a colour camouflage diagram, complete stencil locations, the five marking options, and even a page with excerpts from the pilots manual, and wing cut diagrams for those using the Hasegawa 1/48 scale F-86F-40 kit.
Another superb Leading Edge decals sheet, and I hear that this is just the start of Sabre sheets that we have to look forward to from this firm.