F-86 D Sabre Dog
This is Revell’s SUPERB F-86 D Sabre Dog dressed up in the colourful markings of the unit commander of the famous 94th ‘Hat in a Ring’ Squadron based at Selfridge AFB, Michigan 1959. The F-86 D was the hottest looking thing in the inventory of ADC during the early 1950’s. It’s shark-like sleek nose adds to its purposeful look. Armament comprised 24 70mm ‘Mighty Mouse’ FFAR’s as offensive weapons against Russian bombers. As an Interceptor the F-86 D was fitted with an on-board air-intercept radar housed in the nose. It played an important role within ADC’s mission parameters pending the delivery of the first Century-series Interceptor, the F-102 Delta Dagger. The Dog Sabre managed to look elegant and aggressive all at the same time (similar to the P-51 D Mustang) and was one of the most aesthetically pleasing interceptors of the early 1950’s
This build was an OOB build with NO aftermarket goodies. Frankly you don’t need to use any aftermarket stuff, only if you want to display it in different markings. The decal sheet was comprehensive indeed. ALL the prominent stencilling are included which is really nice. Every stencil, even the tiny ones, were all legible and well printed. I used Model Master buffing and non-buffing metalizers to obtain its natural metal finish. I chose not to weather the model that much since reference photos depict the unit commander’s bird in pristine condition.
19 additional images. Click to enlarge.
AL HOFFMAN said on September 1, 2014
Another stunner Morne. Have you got anything with flaws that you can post so that us mortals don’t feel so inadequate?
Morne Meyer said on September 1, 2014
Thanks Al for the nice compliment ! Have many of the flawed ones out in the boneyard.
Craig Abrahamson said on September 1, 2014
A stellar build, Morne…fantastic job – I love it.
Morne Meyer said on September 1, 2014
Thanks Craig! Apreciate the positive comment.
Chuck A. Villanueva said on September 1, 2014
Only have read good things about this kit, and here is another example of those articles. Impressive build of the Sabre Dog. It’s a wonder I don’t have this kit. Outstanding work Morne, thanks for sharing.
Morne Meyer said on September 1, 2014
Thanks Chuck. It really is a gem of a kit. Thankfully Revell has also released the early F-86 D with awesome sharkmouth decals!
Mark said on September 1, 2014
Fantastic build Morne, very nicely done.
Morne Meyer said on September 1, 2014
Thanks Mark!!
Simon Whitney said on September 1, 2014
Looks good Morne.
I like the NMF you gave it.
Well done sir.
Morne Meyer said on September 1, 2014
Thanks Simon. Model Master metalizers worked like charm on this build.
Rick Wilkes said on September 1, 2014
Awesome Sabre Dog Morne. I think it’s possibly the best engineered kit I’ve ever built.
Morne Meyer said on September 1, 2014
Thanks Rick! I must concur with that assessment.
Jim Sullivan said on September 1, 2014
Another home run for sure Morne. An absolutely striking build. What a pleasure it is to see models built to that standard of quality. Well done !!!
Morne Meyer said on September 1, 2014
Thanks Jim! I really appreciate your assessment of my build.
Paul Mahoney said on September 1, 2014
Great job on the nat. metal Morne. really looks sharp. And thanks for including the close-ups of the stenciling – cool that you can actually read it. Very nice clean build!
Morne Meyer said on September 1, 2014
Thanks Paul. Revell really did a good job on the decals. A big improvement in quality.
Bernd Müller said on September 2, 2014
Hi Morne, simply a stunning buld, the NMF looks great and the details as well!
These kits are fun to build, maybe one of the best kit Revell ever produced,
Bernd
Morne Meyer said on September 2, 2014
Hi Bernd. I must concur. This kit was a new departure for Revell and set the standard for their future releases. This kit surely rivals the standards from the Japanese market.
Bernd Müller said on September 2, 2014
Absolutely, second to none and cheap !
Tony Prince said on September 2, 2014
Just plain beautiful, Morne. Your NMF tone on tone is exemplary. Did you use the kit decals or paint for the yellow & black tail stripes?
Cheers, Tony
Morne Meyer said on September 2, 2014
Hi Tony. Thanks for the thumbs up. I painted the yellow and black bands. I am sure the decals would have worked. Just didn’t want to tempt fate.
Gregor d said on September 2, 2014
Pure dead brilliant Morne – beautifully finished.
Morne Meyer said on September 2, 2014
Thanks Gregor for the nice comment.
George Williams said on September 2, 2014
It’s great, Morne, I’m sure that the Revell kit is as good as everyone says, but it takes real skill to turn out a model that looks as impressive as this one.
Morne Meyer said on September 3, 2014
Thanks George for the thumbs up comment!!!
Frank Cronin said on September 21, 2014
Morane,
Every time I view one of your posts I know I am going to see a gem. This is gorgeous