For many years the F-86 Sabre was the premier jet aircraft in the USAF. Other than its sterling service in Korea, the aircraft equipped a number of wings in the US and overseas. One of the nice things about fighter squadrons in the US during the 1950s is that they were not lacking for neat paint jobs. This was true of the Navy as well, but not to the same degree as the USAF.

Some of the wing commander's aircraft were truly gaudy, and a prime example of that is depicted in this decal sheet. The 391 FBS of the 366 FBW boss's F-86F is one of the more colorful that I have seen. Not only is there a nose stripe, but the tail surfaces are also multi-colored as are the stripes on the wing tanks. Interestingly, in a current era of disappearing squadrons and wings, the 391FS/366FW is still around. Based at Mountain Home, ID, they currently fly F-15Es (I believe) in the same role of the F-86 of nearly 50 years ago!

The other aircraft on the sheet is typical of what happens to many outdated fighter aircraft. They are turned into drones to be used as targets for various systems. In this case, it is an ex-Canadian Canadair Sabre that was used by the Army in the early 1970s and late 1980s. Even today, there are still a few of them around. Most if not all the drone conversions were done at Mojave Airport in Mojave, CA, a rather desolate location, but perfect for experimental flying.

While not as colorful as the wing CO's bird, these aircraft are still far from drab in their natural metal with bright orange tail sections and wing tips. The instructions suggest the ESCI Sabre, but today the choices would be either the Hasegawa or Academy kits in 1/48.

Typical of most Micro/Superscale sheets of the era, you need to get insignia from another source.

Review copy courtesy of me and my wallet! 

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