Leading Edge Models

RCAF "1 Wing" Mk 6 Sabre decal sheet

Product # 32.3, #48.10 and #72.10

Product Article by Steve Bamford

 

 

 

I was quite pleased when my local shop phoned me that this sheet was finally in and ready for me to come down and pick up.  I had seen the sheet in the shop earlier but it always sold out.  Now that I've got it in my hot little hands I can see why it's such a good seller.  The quality is typical stunning Leading Edge quality.  This colourful decal sheet depicts the Canadian built F-86.  These were identical to the US versions except the Canadian versions had more powerful engines.  The difference in engines always gave the Canadian pilots the edge when going up against the American F-86's in flight demos.  I learnt this bit of info from a Canadian former F-86 pilot I bumped into at an airshow a couple of years back.  But I digress...back to the decal review.  This decal sheet...has enough markings and full stencils to do one of 3 Canadian F-86's....either from 410, 439 or 441 squadrons.  This sheet has sold very well due to it's high quality  and the amazingly readable tiny, tiny stencils....and there's a lot of stencils.  As you can see below...there are actually 2 decal sheets in the 1/48 scale.  I've heard people have been buying this sheet just for the stencils alone....and after seeing the high quality of the printing, I can understand why.  But for myself, I was in love with the Tiger scheme on the tail.  There are 3 pages of instruction sheets.  The first page shows all the decal markings placement for the 3 different planes.  The second instruction sheet shows the stencil placement, painting instructions and modifications needed to be done to the kit to make it a true Canadian F-86.  These modifications are all very minor.  The third page of the instruction sheets has 3 line drawings of the cockpit control with text telling what each switch etc is.  Also on this instruction sheet are line drawings of the ejection seat and line drawings of the wing  tips showing what modifications to do to make the wing tips correct in 1/32 and 1/48 scale.  By the way...the flag on the tail is the Red Ensign....the flag Canada used before it's current Red Maple Leaf flag.  For my money, this decal sheet was a very good purchase and will make a very enjoyable build and a stunning model when complete.   

Steve Bamford

Photos and text © by Steve Bamford