[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by John Youngs

I'd LOVE to see a Japanese F-86F-40 "Blue Impulse" Sabre with CORRECT fuel tanks some day!!! - JY

This IS my most sought-after scheme...and I hope Franklin Mint makes it happen someday!

[Mesa]

John,

Thanks so much for your informative replies. Of all the F-86s produced by TFM, which ones have correct wing length?

[John Youngs]

Originally Posted by Mesa

John,

Thanks so much for your informative replies. Of all the F-86s produced by TFM, which ones have correct wing length?

Mesa - It depends upon just how you're looking at this: If you're looking at this from the standpoint of original (OEM) Sabres cranked out by the various factories (North American Aviation, Canadair, Commonwealth Aircraft of Australia, or Mitsubishi of Japan), then ALL of TFM's F-86 Sabres (WITH the exception of the TFM B11B931 Japanese JASDF F-86F-40) have the correct wing length, as only the "-40" F-86F (built specifically for & some by Mitsubishi of Japan for the JASDF) in real life had these wingtip extensions, at least to the best of my knowledge.
On the other hand, if you're looking at this from the standpoint of comparing these models to many of the various restored & flying CL-13A & B (Canadair) Sabres (using the Orenda 10 & 14 engine, although most have been converted over to the -14 engine of 7,250 lbs thrust) seen today throughout the US, Canada, & a few in Western Europe, then some do not have the correct wing length. A great example of what I'm talking about is the "Skyblazers" Sabre. It is depicted with the correct wing length IF you're comparing it to the actual, original Skyblazers F-86's that were used back in the late 50's &/or early 60's. However, if you're comparing it to the Sabre that's seen at recent airshows around the US, then that's a bit different, as the plane you see flying at these airshows that's painted up in that livery or scheme is actually a Canadair CL-13B Sabre - with the "-40" wingtip extension mod installed. So compared to THAT plane, then TFM's rendition would be considered incorrect. Compared to the actual Sabres made years ago, all of TFM's Sabres are correct in that regard with the exception of the B11B931 JASDF Sabre. Hope this helps. JY

[John Youngs]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

This IS my most sought-after scheme...and I hope Franklin Mint makes it happen someday!

flyXwire - Here's a wee bit more to tantalize your appetite, my friend!




















flyXwire - Hopes this turns ya on even more! - They sure do that to me! Gorgeous airplanes - they flew 'em for 21 years - 1960-1981 - GREAT performances - I got to see three of them!! - JY

[SKUNKY]

I notice that the Blue Impulse font is identical to the Blue Angels'....

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by John Youngs

flyXwire - Here's a wee bit more to tantalize your appetite, my friend!
flyXwire - Hopes this turns ya on even more! - They sure do that to me! Gorgeous airplanes - they flew 'em for 21 years - 1960-1981 - GREAT performances - I got to see three of them!! - JY

Thanks for the lovely pics, John! I wish FM would do one in this scheme or else I would be all over it before they could even blink an eye!

[Mesa]

The pictures are both interesting and attractive.

I bought some extra FM F-86s to use as repaints. I bought Hasegawa 1/48 plastic kits of three different JASDF F-86s to use as guides. I will use some of the parts from the kits to enhance/replace the ones from FM. I don't do the painting myself any longer, but the friend locally who does it likes using the Alclad metalizers. I'll try to post some pictures early next year when this project will likely begin. I'm always looking for good modelers who like to do repaints. I've found that buying plastic kits of the plane(s) you want done makes it so much easier. That way, you have underwing stores and other parts that you can use to replace the often less accurate ones found on the FM diecast.

[John Youngs]

Originally Posted by Mesa

The pictures are both interesting and attractive.

I bought some extra FM F-86s to use as repaints. I bought Hasegawa 1/48 plastic kits of three different JASDF F-86s to use as guides. I will use some of the parts from the kits to enhance/replace the ones from FM. I don't do the painting myself any longer, but the friend locally who does it likes using the Alclad metalizers. I'll try to post some pictures early next year when this project will likely begin. I'm always looking for good modelers who like to do repaints. I've found that buying plastic kits of the plane(s) you want done makes it so much easier. That way, you have underwing stores and other parts that you can use to replace the often less accurate ones found on the FM diecast.

Mesa - I agree - plastic models often are used to supply folks with much needed spare parts - I've kept a "spare parts box" for years loaded with all sorts of extra bombs, rockets, missiles, drop tanks - you name it - and in virtually every scale imaginable, as well - stuff like this comes in handy at times!! I even keep extra, spare flaps, ailerons, landing gear assemblies, vertical and horizontal fin & tail assemblies, etc; for use in customizing! Here are some photos of what metalizing can do for a great model - check out this Boeing Chase Sabre (Canadair CL-13A/Mk5) - what a beauty - eh?? - JY

[Mesa]

Nice model. The breadth and depth of our hobby never ceases to amaze me.