I’m going to be working on both Monogram’s F-86 and F-80 model kits and will post pics when I do start assembly all I am doing right now is getting the preliminary painting done on both kits with a different method of a Natural Metal finish using Testors Metallic Silver and I noticed that it has a realistic tone to it and it brings out the raised panel lines pretty good. So after I start assembly I am going to use my airbrush to paint the wheel wells and air brake wells since it is better than trying to hand paint those. and on the F-86 I am also going to airbrush the panel for the guns gunmetal.
Looking forward to seeing the pics Mike. The F-86 kit has been surpassed by the Hasegawa & Academy kits, but amazingly the F-80 is still the only 1/48 injection molded kit of this important aircraft. Good luck on the builds.
Nice kits, built both myself, think gunmetal maybe a little dark, might want to try steel instead.
John
helicopters don’t fly, they beat the air into submission
Hello Mike:
I’ve built the Monogram F-86 couple of years ago and though it is an older kit. Not bad for it’s age. Like typical Monogram raised panel lines. However it builds up ok as Rick mentioned earlier Academy and Hasegawa have given us 2 more Sabres which are very nice. Though not perfect. This F-86 was the 1st BMF kit I attempted since I’ve always wanted to have one on the shelf next to a Mig-15 I have. Ever since Alclad became available I used that metalizer for the 1st time. I was satisfied with the finish. Though I know I can improve the technique. John also mentioned to use steel for the gun port panel. He is correct there Gun Metal would be too dark. Have fun, and take your time. It is a fun and challenging build. Keep us posted.
These older Monogram kits are really quite nicely done aren’t they. The attention Monogram paid to fidelity of shape is spectacular. Just because a kit has a raised panel line or a cumbersome fitting door doesn’t dis-include it from the list of worthy kits.
If you are going to paint the models with the silver enamel you should let the silver dry for several weeks before handling the models. The silver enamel stays “soft” for a long time and will “fingerprint” if handled before it is completely dry. As I remember both of those kits are fun builds. They fit well and are nicely detailed OOB. rangerj
well here are some pics of the progress I made on the F-80
this is one view of the gunbay
here is a view of the office
here is another view of the gunbay showing the gunbay in more light
here is the interior detail shot of the rear fusalage
here are the rest of the plane waiting to be assembled
and here is the stuff I’m using for ballast in the front of the plane
oh and I drilled out the barrels of the guns too
Just so you’ll know there are differences between the P-80A and the F-80C (which is what the kit represents). You’ll have to research it in order to have an accurate build. BTW I have also seen the F-80B done from this kit.
Hiya Mike,
OOoo two of my favorite Jets. What markings are you going to put them in?? Looking forward to the progress of both your jets.
PS, enjoying the Winter blast yet??
Flaps up, Mike
