RCAF Sabre Model Options?

[Crimea_River]

I'm thinking ahead to GB 65 and looking at possibly doing a 1/48 RCAF Sabre. INPUT IS MOST WELCOME!

I'm very green on this type and know, vaguely, that Canadair built many, if not all, types used by the RCAF and others. I also know that there were different wing types for the various marks and that the engines were the Orenda type on some/most/all Canadair Marks but don't know if this resulted in external visual differences.

So, starting down the rabbit hole, what 1/48 scale kits are available that represent RCAF Sabres accurately? What mods are needed if there aren't any specific kits? Any links to good sites on this?

Not interested in doing Golden Hawks but rather operational units in Europe.

 

[fubar57]

I'll get back to you in a bit Andy. I started one in an unofficial GB and I think it was Academy. I may have spare decals as well for tail markings

 

[fubar57]

I stand corrected

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I'm doing the Blue Nose schooner so you are welcome to the others and lettering too. Leading Edge included a decal to represent a scoop or too. There may be other small differences but off hand I can't remember at the moment

 

[Crimea_River]

Thanks for that Geo. I know there's an Airfix kit out too but seems pricey for what one gets. Will check out the Revell one.

 

[Airframes]

The Revell Mk.6 kit has its origins with Hasegawa. The kit has wing slats, but they can not be deployed in the extended position, which was normal on the ground.
Basically the (Canadair) Mk.5 lacked slats but had wing fences, and the Mk.6 had slats, no wing fences. There were possibly differences in some small intakes and access panels on the fuselage, due to the different engine in the Canadian aircraft, but these may not be noticeable - further research would be needed.
I'm not entirely sure, but I think the Canadian versions (also used by RAF and Luftwaffe) had a wider rear fuselage, due to the engine change. If this is the case, then as far as I know, none of the available 1/48th scale kits have this, although the Airfix kit might have. Again, the difference would probably not be noticeable. (Airfix kit also released as a USAF version, so likely no difference in kit parts).
A good alternative kit would be the Academy kit, in the "Mig Killer" boxing, which is equivalent to a Mk.5, with wing fences, no slats, and nicely detailed. I believe the other Academy kit is an earlier release originally under the Minicraft label, not as detailed, and some inaccuracies.

EDIT :- Did a bit of digging, and it appears that the fuselage width is the same, with only the internal dimensions being increased to accommodate the new engine (it was the Aussie CAC Sabres that were wider !).
Pic of the box art below showing which Academy kit to go for, often on e-bay and elsewhere at very reasonable prices, or around £22 new in the UK.
Most reviews state it's the best Sabre kit in 1/48th, although Airfix may now have a slight edge with their newer kit.
I built one around 18 years ago, and was pleased with it (pics below in USAF colours from kit decals).

 

[fubar57]

There's a guy on Britmodeller who seems to be everyone's go to guy there. Sabrejet I think it is

 

[Airframes]

Current Academy release of the kit I used, has the box art shown below, average UK price new is £26 (Airfix kit is £42).

 

[rochie]

Found this re the wings.

Illustration credit : Copyright © 2009 J.R. Heiling

All rights reserved

 

[Crimea_River]

Excellent info guys. Thanks so much!