1/48 Hasegawa RF-86 Haymaker Sabre
The RF-86 Haymaker has an interesting history. In a nutshell - there were more than a few modifications needed to turn a tactical day fighter into a strategic reconnaissance airplane. While it enjoyed a brief period of success, the airforce knew it was playing a dangerous game. The U-2 spyplane soon took over these duties.
The build involved modifying the tried and true Hasegawa F-86 fighter with some resin bits included in the kit. Blanking the machine gun holes was done with evergreen strip and some gap filling CA. The Haymaker camera equipment was made of resin in this limited issue Hasegawa kit. These resin parts are very rough and required considerable smoothing and thinning.
Lastly, Haymakers used 4 drop tanks. For this build a couple were donated from some Academy Sabres in the stash.
For a more detailed build description as well as more history about the Haymaker, please check out this post on my blog:
Otherwise when are we going to get an updated F-86? My money is on Kinetic to deliver us one with multiple variants and options...
Amazing work on this Haymaker, Chris @modelairplanemaker
Thanks for sharing the background of these aircrafts, I was not aware that the F86 was used as a reconnaissance aircraft.
Amazing subject, Chris!
Totally successful modification and truly superb result.
Well done!
Nicely done Chris, as well as some interesting history about this highly modified F-86.
"Otherwise when are we going to get an updated F-86?"
Airfix has or is about to release a F-86F -40
1 attached image. Click to enlarge.
I cannot wait for this one. Two great schemes with Japan and Norway. I got the RAF Sabre, i wonder if anyone did that one already?
Great looking oddball variant of the Sabre.
Great job on a unique Sabre! Looks great.
I read the build article. Very nice! I didn't see/overlooked the RF-86 during my previous visits. The skinless Sabre always ends up catching my eye! (And no, 6 hours is not enough time at the USAF Museum! You might be able to do one hangar in six hours, but I doubt it! When I'm there it's usually a three day affair, good thing the admission is really affordable! It makes for an inexpensive getaway!)
Great job on the build and modifications. This is a great looking Sabre jet. Also great story on the recon missions.