As soon as Revell
Germany issued their F-86D, I had in mind embarking in a project to do the
modifications needed to bring this model to the K version. The K model was the
answer to a NATO requirement for an all-weather jet interceptor to counter the
Soviet nuclear bomber threat, and was basically an F-88D armed with four M24A 20
mm cannons and powered by a single J47-GE-33, which required an extended
fuselage.
A total of 341 F-86Ks were built and operators included the Italian, French,
Federal German, Dutch, Turkish and Venezuelan Air Forces.
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This kit has nice details, and
it's really easy to build. All pieces fit really well and some good detailing
can be obtained in the cockpit with just some painting skills. Main
modifications for the K were the enlargement of the fuselage, which was done
inserting two sections of plastic following scale drawings of the aircraft, and
the opening of the four cannons with the always useful Dremmel rotary tool.
Venezuelans F-86Ks were painted
in a bluish light grey scheme according to photo references of aircraft in
service and some photos of a surviving airframe located in the Venezuelan Air
Force Museum in Maracay. After trying with no luck to find a matching colour, I
finally decided to do a mix using Tamiya acrylic Light Aircraft Grey as a base,
until obtaining the desired tonality. A generic Venezuelan Air Force decals set
from Aztec was used and the stencils are the ones that come with the kit. Some
stencils silvered unluckily, no matter what I did. Model was then weathered with
oil paints and finished with Testor's matt cote.
Omar
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