Monogram 1/48 F-86F Saber

[stikpusher]

This was an “extended” length build (as in many years) due to repeated problems trying to get the NMF to look decent. The kit itself is mid 70’s vintage, and I built it OOB, although I did take the intake and exhaust FOD covers from the Academy F-86 in my stash to conceal the lack of depth in those areas. The Microscale decals that I used were very old, but with a preventive coat of Microscale Decal Film worked flawlessly. 

[keavdog]

Great job on the sabre. I think I have that PSP base - needs painting and weathering. Looks great in photos. Monogram included the dolly and barrels in the kit? They were great about providing extras and figures.

[deafpanzer]

Beautifully built Sabre! I love how colorful they were back then. Thanks for sharing with us!

[jeaton01]

Nice model, Carlos. Has that a little tired look.

[stikpusher]

Thanks John, that base is painted a weathered, it just doesn’t show up too well in the photos. The dolly is actually from the Monogram F-80 kit, and the barrels are from a Tamiya Accessories kit. The only “extra” that came with the kit is a standing pilot figure.



Thanks Andy. Yeah, the Korean War Sabers sure were colorful at times. Between the ID bands, wing & squadron tail markings, and the command stripes, this one sure had a lot of flash.

John, the Korean War Sabers, even though well cared for, sure showed the effects of the climate and constant use.

[jeaton01]

My grandfather who was a horseman would have said it was "rode hard and put away wet!".

I have something like that base somewhere, Carlos and John, injected plastic by Eduard. I tried to put together some Verlinden PE PSP and failed miserably, couldn't get it to lay down flat.

[stikpusher]

John, it just might be an Eduard base, but when I bought it, it had no packaging or label, just a price tag.

[TJ]

I missed this one. Looks really good. Just the right distressing

[stikpusher]

Thanks TJ. The finish fought me, but I eventually got it to the point where I was happy with it.

[tucohoward]

As Colonel Saito said "If you work hard you will be treated well. If you do not work hard you will be punished". Clearly you worked hard and got a great result!

Jay

[keavdog]

Jun 6, 2023 18:40:59 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

Thanks John, that base is painted a weathered, it just doesn’t show up too well in the photos. 

...    

Ha - I was saying the one I have needs to be painted and weathered.  Yours looks great and does show in the photos.

[stikpusher]

Jay, I love it! And thank you! 

John, I misunderstood your reply… no worries 😉

[mach7]

Beautiful work! Looks perfect for the Korean theater.

I'm surprised it didn't take 1st place.

[stikpusher]

Thanks Mach. I can’t remember who took first place that time, but the club is full of top notch modelers. For a kit that fought me so much along the way in the finish stage, I was quite happy to place and win the theme award. Double scores are always good. Like old Rodney Dangerfield would say, “tough crowd, tough crowd…”

[Leon]

Nicely done Carlos! I like the look of these old jets.

[406 Silverado]

Man......that looks so dang good....that it's almost a crime. WOW!! Perfect balance of wear and tear and the detailing is fabulous!! Congratulations on a very well deserved win with this masterpiece of a build Carlos.

[stikpusher]

Thanks guys!
Leon, the early jets sure had a unique charm and style in their looks. The bare metal also gave them a shiny eye catching look.

Joe, you are far too kind. The only crime on this was the repeated problems with the various attempts at getting the BMF to look halfway decent.

[406 Silverado]

Jun 24, 2023 13:17:44 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

Thanks guys!
Leon, the early jets sure had a unique charm and style in their looks. The bare metal also gave them a shiny eye catching look.

Joe, you are far too kind. The only crime on this was the repeated problems with the various attempts at getting the BMF to look halfway decent.

Sometimes that stuff just doesn't want to cooperate alright.

[stikpusher]

No, those NMF techniques can be quite the bear!

[TJ]

Jun 24, 2023 23:31:28 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

No, those NMF techniques can be quite the bear!

What gets me is when you think you have A build that's gonna look like a turd and it comes out pretty good.  But yet the next one you've done everything correctly and the NMF shows something you missed

[stikpusher]

Jun 25, 2023 5:37:14 GMT -5 TJ said:

Jun 24, 2023 23:31:28 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

No, those NMF techniques can be quite the bear!

What gets me is when you think you have A build that's gonna look like a turd and it comes out pretty good.  But yet the next one you've done everything correctly and the NMF shows something you missed

So very true!

[mattgoodie]

An old Monogram kit is just a diamond in the rough, and you polished that one off nicely. NMF is difficult, and I've avoided it. I really like how instead of nice shiney aluminum, it has that gray look that dulled aluminum gets.

[stikpusher]

Thank you Matt. The old Monogram Saber kit is dated, but can work out quite nicely. I’m with you on the weathered aluminum look, particularly on Korean War aircraft. They were out in the harsh climate full time, and didn’t have much time for spit and polish looks. They were well maintained, but not pampered.

[mrversatile]

Excellent build!!!

[stikpusher]

Thank you Gil. This one fought me so much, and was sidelined to the shelf of doom multiple times. It’s nice to get one of those builds finished let alone turn out better than expected.

[Medicman71]

Great work Stik!

[stikpusher]

Thank you Mike.

[creading]

Another excellent build.

Cheers,
C.

[Real G]

Very nicely done Stik!  I really like your presentation on the PSP base.

[stikpusher]

C & Neal, thank you.

Neal, that PSP base was a great find at a shop where I used to live. Perfect for photos or contests presentation.