F-86 Sabre 1/48.....

[Lucky13]

Has anyone ever done the decals for James Hagerstrom F-86, "Mig Poison"? What kinda '86 is it, E, F or?
Also, the name "Four Kings and a Queen" popped up in my head, who flew that '86, which version was that and any decals?

Is the Academy 1/48 '86 any good?

 

[Airframes]

Not sure about the decals Jan, but I think I saw some of them, possibly at Hannant's site, whilst researching for my Sabre.
In 1/48th scale, I reckon the Academy kit (the 'Mig Killer' one of the two) is the best all round. All the reviews I've read compare it to the Hasegawa, and it comes out better. I've built the Academy kit, and the old Monogram, now Revell kit, and seen the other. The Revell is quite good in parts, bearing in mind it's age, although the intake is 'solid' inside. The Academy kit is a beaut, with only two areas that need attention. The ejection seat is somewhat basic, with the foot rest/restraints moulded onto the cockpit floor, but can easily be enhanced. Also, there's a lip where the intake trunking joins the intake itself, which isn't noticeable until built! But, now that you know, it can be filed and sanded to mate-up correctly! Or, you can fit the optional 'FOD' guards, front and rear. If you're really pedantic, the wing fences could be replaced with thinner, scratch-built items.
The kit includes lots of 'extra' parts, including the engine, which you don't have to fit, or it can be displayed with the rear fuselage removed if desired; the internal fuselage formers are nicely reproduced. There's also a mobile engine cradle in the kit, good for diorama possibilities, or for use, in modified form, elsewhere. The standing pilot figure, complete with 'speed jeans' and parachute, is quite nicely moulded too. The kit decals are mainly reasonable, with all of the stencils etc included, although the yellow Korean Theatre stripes are a little on the thick side. Gun bays are adequate, and easily enhanced, with nice moulded detail on the hatch covers, and a total of eight (!) .50 cal Brownings, and the speed brakes and housings are nicely done.
Overall, especially for the price, I think it's the better buy for 1/48th scale.
Hope this helps.

 

[Lucky13]

I say! Thank you frightfully old chap

 

[Airframes]

My pleasure old boy!

 

[Wayne Little]

I've got a Hasegawa F-86 waiting in the wings...always wondered what the Academy kit was like, thanks Terry.

One listing I have for Hagerstrom is F-86F 52-4341, FU-341 67th FBS.

Four Kings a Queen was flown by Capt. Cecil G Foster F-86E 51-2738 FU-738 16 FIS. 5 victories.

 

[Lucky13]

Korea, post korea crate Wayne or...?

 

[Wayne Little]

Hagerstrom's aircraft....noted as 16th May '53

 

[Lucky13]

Thanks old fruit...
What are you doing with your '86?

 

[Wayne Little]

Not sure yet...probably McConnell's aircraft....

 

[Airframes]

I've got both sets of the decals for that bird Wayne, if you need them?
I've used the serials and main markings of course, but the scoreboard, nose art, name etc are available, including the 'Press Day' version.

 

[Wayne Little]

Thanks for the offer Terry, but I am covered...the kit comes with the decals for photo shoot AND I have extra from a Microscale set that has before and after.

 

[Airframes]

Now how did I know you'd say that?!!

 

[Lucky13]

Because it's Obi Wan Little, that's why Terry!

 

[Airframes]

It's no wonder i can't find any decals - Obi and you have them all!!

 

[Wayne Little]

....do rather have a lot......

 

[Lucky13]

Found this while looking around..... Sabres and Furies

 

[fubar57]

Sweet.....duly bookmarked.

Geo

 

[Wayne Little]

Agreed, sweet!