Thanks, Alfred (@alfred). I was getting those notecards to hug the plane in all sorts of shapes. As far as the NMF, I think I was too confident after having so few problems with the Xtreme Metals on my first model. The problem was that I only used one color on the first plane. It was the second color on this plane that proved to be the problem. After I got the NMF finally sorted, I sprayed a layer of clear gloss to protect the NMF from masking. I waited almost 2 days before I tried masking over it, and the masking tape pulled up the clear finish when I removed it. That's when I decided to pivot to new markings. I did discover that it was only over the 2nd color of Xtreme Metals that the clear finish pulled up, but not the first color. I need to get some more experience to see why this was happening. Cheers.

Almost there and looking superb, my friend @gblair!

I spent most of the day today playing with my 3 1/2 year old granddaughter, so you probably understand when I say that I was exhausted...

Our grandson is only 4 months old, so I do not have that experience yet. But I can fully understand! 🤣
Beautiful Sabre coming close to the finish line!

George (@gblair), sorry to hear about the NMF issues. I sometimes wonder if it might be easier to just foil models! 🙂

The drone Sabre looks great. And I can appreciate the Navy markings. I am going to have to do the same thing you did for the serial numbers. What are you using for a protective clear coat on the decals before you apply them. I am talking about the coating on the paper to keep the inkjet ink from running when wet. I bought a clear decal film spray some years ago when I did my P-38M Night Lightning custom nose art decal.

I am done. I added all the small bits today, which always seems to take longer than all the rest of the build. Not my best model, but I am glad to be done so I can move on to the next F-86 (in camo, this time).

3 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Thanks for following along, Carl (@clipper). All in all, this was a fun build. I think I reach a point at the end of a build that I get impatient and want to move on to the next one, which I have already started building in my mind. That's when I start making mistakes. Looking forward to seeing the last few bits on yours.

Those little extras do add a lot, George @gblair
You have once more created a wonderful Sabre.
Looks great on the headlines.

Thanks for coming along on the trip, John (@johnb) and Alfred (@alfred). One more F-86 to go, but in camo this time. Looking forward to watching your inspiring models.