Eduard 1/48 Ultimate Sabre
By Scott Hackney
Eduard's latest limited release is a 1/48 F-86F. The plastic is Hasegawa. The Hasegawa F-86 was released in the '90's and makes up into a very nice Sabre. This is a late model F with the hard "6-3" wing. I can't remember any real complaints about the kit shape or fit. Be aware the directions show Sidewinder missiles, but I don't believe any of these aircraft would have carried AIM-9s.
In typical fashion Eduard has taken the Hasegawa plastic to the next level. There's Brassin to produce a really nice ejection seat. Photoetch including a lot of color including two color etch instrument panels - one black and and one gray. The Korean War era jets had black panels and post war had gray. Giving the option of two panels is a nice touch. Almost all the etch metal is used to enhance the cockpit. Masks are provided for the canopy and the wheels.
Eduard's limited edition kits feature an impressive decal sheet and The Ultimate Sabre is no exception. The Cartograf printed decal covers five colorful schemes. I've seen some complaints that Mig Mad Marine has been done too often. I checked on line and found one aftermarket sheet on ebay, none at a major hobby shop so I don't think the market is saturated. There are three Korean War Sabres and two stateside jets. The Sabre on the box art may the most colorful. The 1955 jet based in Louisiana has lots of pretty stripes.
The directions are fabulous and colorful. One of things I like is the two pages of stencils locations also gives you some idea on the different panels you should paint for this bare metal jet. Looking at those drawings just make the imagination run.
Overall another dynamite effort from Eduard. First class plastic enhanced by all the products nobody does better than Eduard. This one won't last long. If you like Sabres this kit is for you.
A big "thank you" to Eduard for sending this in to review.