MFG:

Cutting Edge 1/48 F-86E (early) conversion

SET #

CEC48197

PRICE:

$22.99 MSRP

FOR:

Hasegawa or Academy 1/48 F-86 Sabre

REVIEWER:

Scott Van Aken

This isn't a new set, but is one that is an absolute necessity if you are planning on doing an  F-86E. Oddly, none of the kit manufacturers have bothered doing an F-86E. I'm not sure just why as the only real difference is that the E has a slatted wing, with the early E models using an A type windscreen. Perhaps it is because they don't want to do another fuselage to remove the bulge for the broader 6-3 wing.

Well, that isn't a problem for us with this fine conversion set from Cutting Edge. This set includes a new set of wing leading edges, slats and, if you are doing an E-1 to E-6, you have a new windscreen. The parts are like all Cutting Edge resin and superbly done. Though you can sand the heck out of this resin without worrying about pinholes, I would caution you not to overdo it on the underside of the leading edge bits or you'll remove some of the lower slat track sections. Don't ask how I know this! The parts are attached to the sprues along the edges and are a breeze to remove. I used a hobby knife with no problems.

As with all Cutting Edge sets, you get explicit drawings and photos to help you in this endeavor. Best of all, it seems this set will work on both the Hasegawa and the Academy kits so no worries on not having the correct one. How it works on the Italeri/ESCI or Monogram kit is unknown, but most would not choose those kits for a project like this.

With Cutting Edge parts, you can buy with confidence in knowing you are getting the best.

If you can't fine Cutting Edge products at your local hobby shop, you can order direct from the link below.

January 2007

Review set courtesy of

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