High Planes 1/72 CAC
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Overview
The Avon Sabre was an Australian development of the enormously successful North American F-86 Sabre. By taking a standard F-86 and re-engining it with a Rolls Royce Avon engine and rearming it with a pair of cannons instead of the six machine guns, the Avon Sabre was born. This improved Sabre served with the RAAF, and later the Malaysian Air Force, for many years, including several years as part of the Black Panther and Marksmen aerobatic teams.
The Conversion
This
conversion is designed to use parts from the Hobbycraft F-86 Sabre kits,
and requires the F-30 variant with the 6-3 extension and short wingtips,
of which all the necessary parts are included in the kit. The conversion
is simple, as it is nothing more than a new fuselage. The replacement
fuselage comes split into right and left halves, with a separate nose
piece. As these are direct replacements, they should match up with the
Hobbycraft kit parts nicely. They feature recessed panel lines throughout,
and while a bit rough around the edges, a quick swipe with some sandpaper
should fix that nicely.
While
the fuselage conversion is simple enough, the included decal sheet really
makes this set shine. The decals include markings for both aerobatic teams,
as well as a regular RAAF squadron machine and two Malaysian examples.
For both of the aerobatic teams, the decals include two different styles
of markings, denoting different years of operation. All of the RAAF examples
are silver overall, as is one of the Malaysian examples. The remaining
Malaysian option is camouflaged in dark green over duck egg blue. In addition
to the unit markings, a set of stenciling is included, although only for
the differences between the Avon Sabre and an F-86.
Conclusion
This is a simple conversion that requires no special skills. If you are interested in Sabres, this is one you should not pass up. Coupled with the great decal sheet, this conversion will round out a Sabre collection nicely. Now all we need is a nice F-86H conversion.
