Aeromaster has been kind enough to supply several Korean War Sabre sheets. This has been a real boon to those of us who like to model the F-86. We also have two very good kits  in 1/48 to choose from, the Academy and the Hasegawa Sabres. The main difference is that the Academy kit allows you to open up the gun bays and comes with a complete engine and stand, should you wish to show in maintenance mode. The Academy kit has the 6-3 unslatted wing. 

The Hasegawa kit is where you have to be careful as they offer a number of different wing options. Until you pull off the shrink wrap, you really don't know precisely which wing is included. The JASDF version is definitely not a Korean war vintage wing, having not only the 6-3 wing, but also the extended wing tips typical of a -40 Sabre. This same wing is in the Drone kit. Hasegawa also has the fuselage of the Mitsubishi built F-86s, which have different scoops and panels from North American or Canadair Sabres. If any reader has a complete rundown of what is in which boxing, it would be very much appreciated.

Getting on to the decal sheet; there are three subjects and enough decals to completely do two of them. The yellow parts of the stripes will have to be painted on, though Aeromaster does give you the black surrounds. For common stencils, you will have to use the kit supplied ones or buy the stencil sheet. Not shown is the smaller sheet with additional common markings and more black stripes.

First aircraft is 'Nina V', flown by the commander of the 51st FIW, that is why the multicolored nose stripe. The aircraft was maintained by the 25th FIS as indicated by the red tail stripe

Next is 'Dennis the Menace', like the others on the sheet, a 6-3 wing F-86F-30. This one is in the later markings of the 18th FBW and is from the 67th FBS as noted by the unit badge on the side.

Finally is a 335 FIS Mig killer, 'Boomer', flown by Capt. C.A. Clyde. It carries the squadron badge and 5 kill markings.

A very nice sheet and one that I plan on using in the near future.

Review copy courtesy of me and my wallet.

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