I just finished the 1/48 Academy F-86F…all in all a very nice kit, especially for the money. I’d like to build a Hasegawa kit to see how the compare, but the Academy was just as nice as I could want. I used aftermarket decals on this (Superscale) and they must have been old because most of them cracked on me…including the yellow fuselage band on the underside…a disaster. The photographer kindly avoided these areas [:D]
The exterior paint is Alclad Polished Aluminum (quickly becoming my favorite) with Aluminum, Steel and Airframe Aluminum panels for contrast.
This plane is the mount of Harold Fisher, an ace in the Korean War. He was shot down, captured and taken into China for imprisonment. I read a bit about him in the book Hot Shots (not to be mistaken for the movie!) and he was actually held as a prisoner in China years after the war.
Here is the plane:
And one of the recent builds:
Thanks for looking. I know this one is far from perfect, and all comments and critiques are welcomed.
I really appreciate form members who connect very fine model building with people , places ,or events in history. Your F-86F looks like it’s in motion when it’s standing still.The Alclad Aluminum finish with contrasting panel detail takes good amount of skill to do correctly ,yours looks great. How detailed was the office?
Your other models in the post also look quite good.
Thanks Frank, Mark, Darren and Rick. I appreciate your comments!
Ralph:
Thank you, sir. In the last year I’ve been reading a lot of Korean War era stuff: Fisher, Robbie Risner, Ralph Parr, etc. which has really had an influence on my builds. It is denifantely a more satisfyting build when connected to someone or something historical.
The office was left OOB with the exception of the saet. I used the Legend resin seat.
And you must be reading my mind…I have a Tamiya Mig-15bis waiting in the wings. I would like to try a few more Sabres first, though. A nice Korean War corner in the display case would be great!
Charles, very well done! But beware, you are in danger of becoming to Sabres as Jon is to Spitfires. Anything you put on your bench will be transmogrified into a Sabre by morning!
I like this one, Charles! The NMF looks real smooth, and it’s difficult to tell you had issues with the decals. They look painted on. Do you normally mount your canopies in the closed position? I would love to see how you painted the office. All in all, a great piece and one I’d be proud to display! [tup]
For some reason, I like using the stencils. I’m not sure if some of them get covered when painted in the field, but for me I think it looks for realistic.
John:
I never thought of it that way. But to actually be compared with Jon’s Spitfire fancy, I need to build 8 more Sabres, re-shape my swimming pool in a “swpt-wing” position, Painted a yellow fuselage stripr around my house and re-name my dog “Mig Killer”. [;)]
Mike:
If I add any detail worth noting, I leave the canopy open. Since this is a nice big greenhouse, I kept it closed to show the smooth flow of the lines on this cool bird. If I ever do an all resin interior I’ll leave the canopy open.
Spong:
I’ve got the Italeri kit as well and hope to start on it soon. I’d be curious to hear your comments on it. I’ve got some special cutom made decals for this one! I like your choice of markings, as well. That decal sheet in the Italeri kit is something else, isn’t it?!?!
