1/72 Scale

The following kits are available to model Sabres in 1/72 scale: 

F-86F-30 in Korea

Method One

Using the Hasegawa kit - build as per instructions, but remove one scale foot from each wing tip. As this kit is supposed to depict a -40 Sabre it is incorrect insofar as the wing is concerned, been a non '6-3' wing, with the extension applicable to late Fs. This is the easiest way of producing a Korean Sabre but the amount of additional super-detailing required to bring it up to standard is quite considerable. This detail could either be from scratch or using the Heller fittings.

Method Two

Using the Heller kit fuselage - remove a portion of the wing equivalent to the '6-3' extension. This has to be removed from the leading edge and not the trailing edge. It is best to use the moulded panel line behind the slats as a guide to preserve the slat detail. After rejoining the wing  portions and cleaning up the joints, assemble the kit as per instructions. The raised panel of  the fuselage spine must be removed once the two halves are joined. Once you attach the wings, modify the wing root fairing to the new wing cord and rescribe the hatch. Finish off in the appropriate colours you have chosen.

Method Three

Using the Heller kit fuselage - fit the Airfix wings to it. This is done by first assembling the Heller wings, once dry cut off the wings leaving the centre section to fit to the Heller fuselage. You can then fit the Airfix wings as per normal and finish off the kit to your liking. Remember to modify the wing root as per Method 2. The Heller wings can be fitted to the Airfix fuselage with the necessary stretch to build a F-86L.

CANADAIR CL-13 Sabre

Use the Heller Sabre as from the box. Remove the raised panel from the fuselage spine in front of the fin and add two scoops under the fuselage behind the wing trailing edge. These are in the same place as the moulded NACA ducts that are on the fuselage. Finish off in the colour scheme of your choice.  

1/48 Scale

The following kits are available to model Sabres in 1/48 scale: 

F-86E ESCI (actually mid-term F) F-86F Monogram CL-13B ESCI

F-86F-30 in Korea

As the Monogram kit depicts a '6-3' wing without slats, the ESCI kit is needed for all other SAAF Sabres.
The ESCI kit has a  '6-3' wing with slats, therefore the '6-3' extension needs to be removed. As in the 1/72 kits, it is best to remove this by using the moulded panel line as a guide. The kit can then be finished off as per the instructions and painted. See also Nils Mthistrud's article.

CANADAIR CL-13 Sabre

Using the ESCI kit - build as per instructions. Add whatever additional details you wish. Also needed to add the air scoops under the fuselage as per the 1/72 kits. Finish off with your chosen colour scheme. See also E. Kotze's article.  

1/32 Scale

To build a Korean Sabre, the '6-3' extended wing needs to be removed as in the smaller scales. The extended wing tip must also be removed and this is done by cutting the wing outboard off, from the slats, removing the  1 Ft extension and rejoining. Some careful work in the wing root area will also be needed. To build a CL-13B, the appropriate wing tip modification is needed - but overall, fairly easy to build. Attach the two air scoops under the fuselage and finish off in the colours of your choice. Remember, that the CL-138 had a different motor, therefore the kit motor cannot be used in this version.

Decal Sheets

This excellent, high quality decal sheet by Leading Edge Models - markings for the SAAF's natural metal and camouflaged Sabre, as used in South Africa.