Sheet #

Microscale 72-387 for Korean War F-86 Sabre

Price:

$6

Units:

various

Review By:

Scott Van Aken

Notes:

 

As you are undoubtedly tired of hearing, were it not for the F-86, the Commies would have over-run the world in 1950. Well, not really, but it could have happened that they would have united the Korean peninsula, though under Communist rule. All jesting aside, it was thanks to the F-86 that the UN forces were able to keep air superiority throughout the war years. 

This sheet offers four more Sabres to the list for those that love the aircraft. There is also another of the 'Project Ashtray' RF-86As on the sheet, this time in 1/72. These aircraft were assigned to the 67th TRG and paved the way for other recce Sabres It is in standard yellow banding with nose art. As with all the Sabres on this sheet, the black stripes are given, but you must paint the yellow bands. 

Next is an F-86F 'Puddy Tat' from the 12th FBS/18 FBW at Osan in 1953. No Mig kills as the mud movers didn't get as many as the pure fighter units.

The yellow striped tail denotes an 80 FBS/8 FBW F-86F. This one is called 'Bob's Buggy'. This unit flew F-80Cs for much of the war and it was probably a relief to be able to get a modern aircraft, even if it came late in the war.

Finally, 'Mike's Bird', the F-86f of Capt Charles McSwain from the 39th FIS, again, in late 1953. While he has no kills, he has a pretty incredible nose art and one that is sure to please!

 

All of these markings were undoubtedly designed for the horrible old Hasegawa kit or the much nicer Heller kit. However, since that time, there have appeared a couple of even nicer looking kits from Fujimi and Hobbycraft. Both of these later kits would be perfect for this sheet. In fact, the Hobbycraft kit is easier to find and nearly as well detailed as the Fujimi kit. It is also more than half the price of the Fujimi kit and can be recommended for any Sabre nut.

The sheet contains enough common markings, including insignia, to do two of the four aircraft pictured. There is a complete data placement sheet on the back of the instruction sheet. A very nice sheet.

Review copy courtesy of me and my wallet! 

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