Tuesday, September 17

Preview: Airfix' new F-86F Sabre (limited edition w/coin) in 1/48th Scale

The North American F-86F Sabre in 1/48th scale is the latest new release from Airfix. Two schemes in the box with a special limited edition coin for the first 500 kits. Look at what's coming in our preview...

Preview: Preview: Airfix' new F-86F Sabre (limited edition w/coin) in 1/48th Scale

North American F-86F Sabre (limited edition w/coin)
From Airfix
1/48th Scale
166 parts
Wingspan: 239mm / Width: 239mm
Two colour schemes in the box
First edition limited to 500 kits (after the first 500 the kit is sold without the coin).
Pre-order price: £41.99
Expected Autumn 2024
Airfix has announced their latest kit in the form of the 1/48th scale North American F-86F Sabre, this one with two markings, featuring the USAF aerobatic team ‘Arctic Gladiators’ from 1955.

The subject: The F-86 Sabre
One of the most important aircraft of the early jet era, the North American F-86 Sabre was in many ways a jet powered version of the company’s hugely successful P-51D Mustang from WWII and an aircraft which made full use of captured German aerodynamic research material. Featuring a distinctive 35-degree wing sweep, the Sabre also incorporated three nose mounted .50 calibre machine guns positioned on either side of the aircraft’s nose, with this jet powered gunslinger sharing many design philosophies with its famous piston powered predecessor.

The ‘Arctic Gladiators’  lined up on the flight line...
On entering service with the U.S Air Force in 1949, the North American F-86 Sabre would have the distinction of not only being America’s first swept wing fighter, but also the fastest fighter aircraft in the world at that time, a true aviation classic.
Arctic Gladiators Aerobatic Display Team - The USAF 720thFighter Bomber Squadron formed the Arctic Gladiators team in June 1954. The display team consisted of four F-86F Sabre aircraft, which all carried the squadrons silver and red colour scheme, plus extra markings. The display team lasted just 10 years when it came to an end in 1955. Displays were limited to the US state of Alaska.

The kit: 
For the first release (500pcs) edition of this kit, Airfix are including a one-of-a-kind coin that sports the 720th Fighter Bomber Squadron standard silver and red nose of the NA Sabre, the five colour stripes and squadron emblem top and centre, with the Airfix logo on the reverse.
On entering service with the U.S Air Force in 1949, the North American F-86 Sabre would have the distinction of not only being America’s first swept wing fighter, but also the fastest fighter aircraft in the world at that time, it was a true aviation classic.

A few shots of the built up kits in both supplied schemes are below...

Colour schemes:
Option 1: A08111 - North American F-86F-30 Sabre, 'Arctic Gladiators' aerobatic team, 720th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, United States Air Force, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, 1955.
A08111 - North American F-86F-25 Sabre, 514th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, Royal Air Force Manston, Kent, England, 1954. 

You can see more about this kit or pre-order directly from the Airfix Website