This was the first time I built this kit, and there’s nothing new to report, it’s a delightful build, and a wonderful kit. Paint was Alclad Polished Aluminum. Which is a bit more fiddly than the regular shades, and it didn’t stay prinstinely shiny for very long. But that’s the beauty, at least for me. I love making dirty aircraft, because that’s how they are in the real world. And that worked to my advantage on this one. There were uneven patches, and areas of shiny and not so shiny, just like I wanted it. At any rate, here she is, from the 497th FIS at Geiger Field, circa 1953, using Eagle Strike decals:
Very nice lookin Dawg!! I too have this kit in my stash and I was actually thinking about looking at her the other day!!
I like the way the finish looks… Not too dirty yet not too clean!! Just something about a Sabre sitting on the ground… She still looks like she is in motion!!
Before you applied the Alclad, what did you use as a primer??
You did a great job one her my friend… Thanks fer sharing!!
I recommend you look at her again, it’s a good looking kit, just sitting in the box! I used Alclad’s own gloos black undercoat for this one. Though it came out grainy in spots, so I think I’ll use Tamiya gloss black next time. I’ve used it before and had good results.
Sabres do indeed look like they’re moving fast while sitting on the ground. Truly one of the most beautiful fighters ever built. I’m on suck a kick now, I want to build another!
Nice looking Dawg, Habu. I’ve heard great thing about the kit, and you’ve verified it with your comments. I’m a Polished Aluminum fan myself. If you use Tamiya Gloss Black as a base on your next one, make sure to seal it off with Future and let it cure amply. I tried to shoot straight over Tamiya before and it came out poorly.
What’s next for you? Another Sabre Dog or a different early jet?
Habu, you really did justice to the old bird, your polished aluminum finish is outstanding! I am very impressed with your work in the cockpit and the build overall! What a way to start the New (modeling) Year! Thanks for sharing!
Nice build. I started that kit for the Interceptor GB 2 years ago and finally finished it last summer – it’s a fantastic kit of a cool old Cold War jet. That Alclad looks great, I’ll have to try it sometime. Now we just need a re-release of the late-tail version.
I’ve used the Tamiya gloss black before, the key was to let it cure completely, for about a week, or put it un a dehydrator for a day. That worked fine. The next one I might do is the other a/c on the same ES sheet, with the yellow tail and lightning bolts.
