This latest sheet from Leading Edge is a real killer of a set. It covers all of the F-86 squadrons that were ever deployed to Europe. The Canadian Sabre 6 is considered by many to be the best of the F-86 family in terms of being a fighter. It combined a slatted short span 6-3 wing with the more powerful Orenda 14 engine. In addition, the Sabre 6 was lighter by 300 pounds making it the most powerful and lightest of the standard Sabre family.

What makes this set great is that it contains markings for no fewer than 12 different squadrons. From RCAF 1 Wing there was 410, 439 and 441 Squadrons. 2 Wing contain 416, 421 and 430 Squadrons. Also spending time in Europe was 413, 414, 422, 427, 434 and 444 Squadron from 3 and 4 Wing, most of which had distinctive tail bands. All of them are in the standard dark green/medium grey over PRU blue scheme. The instructions provide paint references from several brands.

Also in the excellent instructions is information on transforming your kit into a proper Sabre 6. In some cases, decals are provided for some of these features. Full color profiles for several aircraft are given and you have enough data markings for two complete aircraft. A wide range of codes are provided so you can model pretty much any Sabre you have a photo for or you can use the recommendations in the instructions. No specific kit is recommended, but there are very nice ones from Fujimi, Hobbycraft, HobbyBoss, Airfix, and others from which to choose. I believe most will require some sort of modification to get the proper slatted 6-3 wing.

It is another outstanding decal set from Leading Edge Decals and one that, if you are a Sabre fan, you simply cannot do without.

The set is also available in 1/48 scale.

August 2013

Review sheet courtesy Leading Edge Decals. Thanks for your support. If you cannot find these at your local hobby shop, contact them direct at the link above.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and fairly quickly, please contact the editor or see other details in the Note to Contributors.