F-86F Sabre "MiG Killer"

Jonkka
I finally completed Sabre I had begun in Feb 2021. I had extended hiatus from spring of 2021 and picked up this kit again this winter and now managed to complete it.

Academy decals were, well, unsatisfactory to say the least. Quite fragile, especially the big ones which were a pain to maneuver into place and I managed to tear the hull identification band and one of the national insignias. I got another insignia from F-100 kit but ID band I had to paint. For some reason, first time I painted the band angled too much forward and it became way too narrow (see picture). So I had to re-do it amidst lots of swearing.

In retrospect, I should have painted all ID bands, decals didn't respond to decal fluids and don't look good whereas painted one turned out pretty ok despite the troubles.

Kit is painted with Xtreme Metal which is really beautiful when first applied though subsequent coats make sure that shine is all gone by the time it's finished. I didn't have all colors that I needed so gun bay doors and rear are too dark and some smaller panels are too light and similar to regular aluminium. Xtreme Metal is also quite sensitive and masking tape has to be de-tacked carefully or it lifts paint off.

All in all, the dreaded natural metal finish came off quite well and I am pleased despite problems along the way.