Scale tribute to an American aviation ‘export’ classic
Welcome to this latest edition of our Workbench blog and all the news, updates and modelling exclusives from the fascinating world of Airfix.
Our latest 2022 project update features a kit which only joined the range in 2020 and one which is a stunning scale representation of one of the world’s most important early jet powered fighters, the North American F-86 Sabre. Of particular significance to Workbench readers, this latest release includes the addition of a new frame of parts, which will allow modellers the ability to build a new variant of this famous jet, one which incorporated quite a radical change from the previous release. Featuring the stunning box artwork created to support this latest kit and looking a little more closely at the two ‘international’ scheme options we will all be tempted by following its release, we will also be bringing you an exclusive first look and the new part frame which will allow us to build the F-86F-40 variant of arguably the most capable of the early Western jet fighters.
We will be following this up with another reader supplied modelling feature, one which takes three separate kits from our Vintage Classics range and expertly brings them to life, using them as modelling focal points for an impressive desert diorama. This feature will no doubt reignite the age-old debate of whether displaying the kit we have just spent so much time on as a standalone display piece or as part of a wider modelling diorama project is worth the effort, or if we simply prefer to crack on with our next build. One thing we are confident of is the reception Mike Kelly’s Afrika Korps reconnaissance diorama will receive from his fellow Workbench readers - you are going to love it!
That is for a little later though, but let’s get things started by featuring the latest modified tooling addition to the current Airfix model range and some new parts for our larger scale American aviation classic.
America’s jet powered gunslinger
A 3D rendered CAD image taken from the new North American F-86F-40 Sabre tooling and representing the export variant of this early jet fighter.
Although the North American Aviation Company only won its first military aircraft construction contract in 1935, they would go on to become one of the world’s foremost aviation manufacturers, responsible for producing several of the world’s most important aircraft. Making their name as the producer of effective, all metal monoplane training aircraft, such as the BT-9, Harvard and T6 Texan, aircraft which would see service across the world, NAA would also be responsible for producing the military aircraft these trainers were equipping pilots to fly, such as the heavily produced B-25 Mitchell bomber and arguably the greatest fighting aeroplane of the Second World War, the P-51 Mustang. It has been written many times in the past that Hermann Göring announced to his senior advisors that he knew the war was lost, once he saw free ranging Mustang pilots operating their fighters unopposed in the skies over Berlin, something which only served to enhance the reputation of this magnificent aircraft.
As their famous P-51 Mustang was regarded by many as the finest single engined Allied fighter aircraft of the war, it comes as no surprise to learn that the design team at North American Aviation wasted little time in turning their attention to the producion a new jet powered fighter once WWII had ended. What is a little surprising is that this initial jet design started life as a straight winged fighter, however, having been given access to captured German high speed flight research data some time later, the project was halted and radically redesigned quite late in the development phase. The altered design incorporated wings and horizontal stabilizers which featured a 35 degree sweep back, as this would help to overcome the impact of compressibility during flight at higher speeds.
An exclusive first look at various CAD screenshots taken from the modified design of the F-86F-40 variant of this famous early jet fighter.
With speed being their ultimate goal, their design incorporated a beautifully streamlined fuselage, whilst retaining the exceptional all-round pilot visibility first introduced on the ‘D’ variant of the successful Mustang. With three nose mounted .50 calibre machine guns positioned on either side of the aircraft’s beautifully sculpted front fuselage, the new North American F-86 Sabre shared much of the design philosophies first seen on its famous piston engine powered predecessor and whilst it was undoubtedly beautiful to look at, make no mistake, this was a ruthlessly effective fighting aeroplane.
Underlining its reputation as one of the world’s foremost jet fighters, the Sabre would later go on to set an impressive new world airspeed record of 670.84 mph, using what was to all intents and purposes a production aircraft, with a full operational loading, quite an impressive achievement. It would ultimately be combat operations which earned the Sabre its most significant accolades, as during the Korean War, the aircraft would face greater odds that any other front-line combat aircraft had in the history of aviation, but despite this, would post an almost unbelievable combat success record of 14:1, from pilot accounts at the time. The Sabre stood as one of the world’s most impressive jet fighters and one which would remain in worldwide service for 45 years, with just short of 10,000 aircraft eventually produced.
New wing design - keeping Sabre at the forefront
This stunning box artwork has been produced to grace the front of what is only the second release from our new 1/48th scale Sabre tooling.
For an aircraft with the reputation of the Sabre and one which would be produced in great numbers, the design team at North American Aviation were constantly looking to improve the performance of their aircraft, using first hand pilot operational experiences to keep the aircraft at the forefront of world aviation technology. A major modification which resulted from combat experiences with the diminutive MiG-15 was to give the aircraft better dogfighting capability by removing the aircraft’s wing leading edge slats which it was felt was diminishing the performance of the aircraft. Although the slats reduced the landing and take-off speeds of the aircraft, they also caused early pre-stall buffet and a resultant loss in airspeed in some circumstances.
In 1952, the first of the ‘F’ variant Sabres started arriving with operational units, featuring the new larger solid “6-3” wing configuration and more powerful engines, with the promise of improved combat performance. The new wing featured increased surface area with the chord extended by six inches at the root and three inches at the tip and significantly, removed the distinctive airspeed operated leading edge slats which pilots reported were holding back the performance of the fighter. These modifications did result in a performance increase, however, there were some operational anomalies these modifications induced, particularly during critical phases of flight. More development research was immediately carried out and these modifications quickly ‘modified’.
Showing the new larger 6”-3” wing, this variant of the Sabre also saw the re-introduction of the wing leading edge slats, which made landing and take-off speeds much more manageable for Sabre pilots.
The North American F-86F-40 variant of the Sabre proved to be the ultimate day fighter variant of this famous aircraft and featured several improvements which kept the Sabre at the forefront of world fighter technology. With a new engine giving the aircraft more power this variant quickly re-introduced the leading edge slats to the larger, modified 6”-3” wing and provided the enhanced dogfighting capabilities designers had been hoping for. The restored slats reducing the aircraft’s landing approach speed to a much more manageable 124 mph, in addition to providing an equivalent decrease in take-off rotation speed, making this the consummate all-round performer. These modifications proved so successful that many earlier variants of the Sabre were retrospectively upgraded to this standard and would further enhance the appeal of the aircraft to overseas suitors - the Sabre would go on to operate in the colours of a great many overseas operators.
An exclusive first look at the additional frame of parts which will allow modellers to build this F-86F-40 variant of the famous Sabre.
Helping to tell the impressive story of the North American F-86 Sabre in scale model form, the second release from our impressive new 1/48th scale tooling includes a new frame of parts to allow the F-40 variant of the fighter to be modelled, arguably the most accomplished variant of this hugely successful early jet fighter. In this scale, the stunning good looks of the Sabre really are accentuated and from an aesthetic appeal perspective, this really does build into an attractive display piece. The additional parts frame we are exclusively showing here will be included with this 2022 kit release and as you can see, feature the new larger wings and return of the leading edge flaps which made this such an operationally successful aircraft.
Adding huge interest to this second release, the two attractive scheme options included with this kit underline the huge international appeal of the Sabre and rather than presenting the aircraft in USAF guise, feature one in the colours of a European air arm and one which represented an important stage in post war Japan’s history.
Following the end of WWII, the Royal Norwegian Air Force, proud of their wartime service record operating as part of the Royal Air Force, retained both their squadron numbers and their Spitfires, a type they had flown so valiantly during their time in Britain. They would eventually trade their Spitfires for the de Havilland Vampire jet from 1947, but as Europe entered the Cold War era, Norway, as one of the founder members of NATO, were granted access to more modern US aircraft as part of the Military Assistance Programme. It was essential that this force be strong enough to deter Soviet aggression, as the nation shared a land border with the Soviet Union, so to this end, their first Republic F-84 Thunderjets arrived in 1953.
Up to this point, the RNoAF had operated early straight wing jet aircraft types, however, as Soviet aviation technology continued to advance, the MAP programme gave them access to one of the most capable of the early jet powered fighters, the North American F-86F Sabre. The first of 115 Sabre ‘F’ variant fighters arrived in the country during 1957 and were aircraft which had formerly seen service with the US Air Force. Most were initially supplied with the un-slatted 6”-3” broad chord wing, but were later retrofitted with the F-40 wing, which re-instated the leading edge slats. The Royal Norwegian Air Force would eventually equip seven squadrons with the Sabre, Nos 331, 332, 334, 336, 337, 338 and 339, as this classic jet fighter played a crucial role in patrolling NATO’s northern border with the Soviet Union. They would eventually be replaced by the Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter from the mid 1960s onwards, with these former US Sabre fighters either going back to their original owners, falling victim to the scrapman, or in just a handful of cases, being preserved for museum display.
Full scheme details for this beautiful RNoAF North American F-86F-40 Sabre in the colours of ‘The Flying Jokers’ aerobatic display team.
Proud of their new Sabre jet fighters, pilots of Royal Norwegian Air Force No.332 Squadron at Rygge decided to establish an aerobatic display team consisting of four (but on some reported occasions up to six) examples of these gleaming silver jets in early 1957, practicing regularly around their operational flying commitments. On 28th May 1957, the team, led by Lt. Kjell Zetterstrøm, flew their first aerobatic display over their home airfield, referring to themselves as the ‘Joker Aerobatic team’, but as displays became more frequent, this was soon changed to ‘The Flying Jokers’. Initially, the Sabres used were just in their standard squadron colours, but soon benefitted from distinctive red white and blue tails and outer wing sections. This changed once more when the team became an established feature of air displays both at home and across wider Europe, with the Sabres sporting a joker playing card emblem on either side of their tails.
The team would continue to operate throughout the 1960s and 70s, eventually trading their Sabres for Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighters, which made a rather famous appearance at the UK’s Silver Jubilee International Air Tattoo, held at Greenham Common in 1977.
North American F-86F Sabre 52-5069/AH-D is now one of the well maintained exhibits amongst the Norwegian Armed Forces Aircraft Collection at Gardermoen, Oslo, where she still proudly wears her ‘Flying Jokers’ tail artwork.
The North American F-86 Sabre occupies a significant position within the history of the Japan Air Self-Defence Force and consequently the post war history of the nation. In the wake of the Korean War, the Allied nations (not including the Soviet Union) resolved to allow Japan to begin re-equipping her military forces, primarily to defend its own territory, but with the intention of relieving some pressure on the US having to provide their ongoing security. As part of this agreement, the new JASDF were supplied with surplus North American F-86 Sabre fighters, with the initial shipment arriving by sea to be assembled by a combined US/Japanese team of aeronautical engineers. Once assembled, the aircraft joined the 1st Squadron at Hamamatsu Air Base, where American instructors trained Japanese pilots and future instructors in the finer points of operating this famous jet. This unit had the distinction of being the first Japanese fighter squadron established since the end of the Second World War.
The North American F-86-F-40-NA Sabre was a variant of the jet intended for export sale only and did not actually see service with USAF units. To say the aircraft was loved by the Japanese is something of an understatement and they simply could not get enough of the fighter, one which was agile and relatively easy to fly, but had great survivability both in combat and during the rigors of everyday operational flying - a real fighter pilot’s aeroplane. The Japanese would end up as the third largest operator of the Sabre, after the Americans and Canadians, with their desperation to acquire as many aircraft as possible placing a real strain on production capacity in the US. To overcome this, a robust licence agreement was signed between North American Aviation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries whereby the majority of the Sabres destined for JASDF service would be built in Japan, not actually manufactured there, but assembled from Sabre kits supplied by NAA in California. Around 300 Mitsubishi assembled F-86F-40-NA Sabres would eventually be constructed, with their first jet flying on 9th August 1956.
The export version of the Sabre was well liked by the pilots of the JASDF and around 300 examples of this aircraft were built in Japan from component kits supplied by North American Aviation.
The Japanese loved the Sabre so much that they produced a two seat training variant of the aircraft known as the Fuji T-1, an aircraft which has the distinction of being Japan’s first indigenously designed and produced jet powered aircraft since the end of WWII. Although a new aircraft design, many of its characteristics simply screamed F-86 Sabre and as the aircraft was intended to support the training of pilots destined to go on and fly the F-86 in JASDF service, the strong links between the two types are clear for all to see. Initially given the name ‘Hatsutaka’ or Young Hawk, this name never followed the 66 T-1 jets into service.
One of the final batch of Mitsubishi manufactured Sabres, 12-7995 was produced from the kit of parts supplied by North American Aviation at Inglewood and assigned to No.1 Squadron, 1st Air Wing at Hamamatsu. In 1976, this aircraft was assigned to the Blue Impulse Aerobatic Demonstration Team, where it would serve for the next four years, until being struck off charge. After performing 545 aerobatic displays using the Sabre, the Blue Impulse team traded their F-86F-40 Sabres for Mitsubishi T-2s in the early 1980s, marking the end of the JASDF love affair with this famous American designed jet fighter. This aircraft is now thought to be preserved and on display wearing her former Blue Impulse livery outside the Hamamatsu Air Base.
In total, some 480 North American F-86-F fighters would go on to see service with the JASDF, equipping ten full units, in addition to the Blue Impulse Aerobatic Display team. The last operational F-86F flight in Japanese service took place on 15th March 1982 and following the types withdrawal, most of these aircraft were sent back to the US in line with the original terms of the Military Assistance Programme agreement. In JASDF service, the F-86F Sabre was known as the Kyokuko, or Rising Sunbeam.
Box artwork layout for this second release from our new 1/48th scale F-86 Sabre tooling.
A final computer rendered look at this export version of the mighty American Sabre and the return of the fighter’s leading edge slats.
Undoubtedly one of the world’s most famous jet fighters, the North American Sabre is also one of that rare breed of aircraft designs which just look too good to be considered a weapon of war, but behind its sleek lines and gleaming natural metal fuselage, is every inch the aviation warrior. An aircraft which very much lends itself to scale representation in the larger 1/48th scale, this second release from our North American/Canadair Sabre tooling presents this famous aeroplane in the markings of air forces who were desperate to obtain the fighter and how the post war Military Assistance Programme helped them achieve this aim. With both having interesting stories behind them, the choice of which livery to finish your kit could be a difficult one and we suspect Workbench readers will be split pretty evenly between the RNoAF and JASDF scheme options included.
This beautiful new kit is available for pre-order on the Airfix website now.
Model diorama ‘On the lookout’
Workbench reader Mike Kelly produced this beautiful desert war reconnaissance diorama, the perfect way in which to display this trio of Vintage Classics model kits.
When attending one of the many model shows which take place the length and breadth of the country, it doesn’t take long for us to come to the conclusion that modelling is just another form of art and one which is a direct reflection of a modeller’s vision, skill and creativity, in much the same way as a famous painting is the result of an artist’s ‘eye’. Many modellers love to place their latest builds within a wider diorama project setting, having a clear idea of what they want to achieve before the first part is removed from its frame, but usually having to be a little creative and flexible along the way, before they are ready to unveil their latest masterpiece.
Serving as something of a three dimensional picture, dioramas many not be for everyone, but there is no doubt that they grab the attention of those who are lucky enough to gaze upon them. Requiring additional modelling skills to be brought to bear and possibly quite a fertile imagination, dioramas undoubtedly extend the time commitment a modeller has to devote to any build project, however this extra investment will often result in the creation of something quite spectacular and an impressive way in which to present any model build.
That was certainly the reaction we had when we first saw this North African Wehrmacht diorama build recently, one which was beautifully created by Workbench reader Mike Kelly and one which we had to ask if we could share with our wider Workbench audience. The diorama is built around three Vintage Classics Airfix kits, two of which are still available on the Airfix website, whilst the other is currently not listed but is probably still available at many sales outlets.
Mike has created a desert reconnaissance scene which features a Fieseler Storch spotting aircraft flying above ground units, which include an Sd.kfz.222 Light Armoured Vehicle and a Type 82 Kübelwagen, presumably looking for some trade for the 88mm anti-tank gun and tractor unit lurking in the shade of a rocky hillside. Giving the impression of the calm before the next impending combat storm, this beautiful build is a scale representation of the desert exploits of the Afrika Korps during WWII and the intense fighting which took part in this unforgiving theatre of operations.
One of the great Luftwaffe aircraft of the Second World War, the ungainly looking Fieseler Storch may not have commanded the same respect as the fast and agile Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter, however, its low speed handling and short field performance was without equal. Entering Luftwaffe service in 1937, the Storch performed the vital roles of Army cooperation, liaison and reconnaissance, meaning the aircraft was never too far away from the front lines, but didn’t necessarily always need to be flown there. Designed to allow the high mounted wings to fold back in a similar manner to how aircraft are stored on ships, the Storch could either be loaded on a train, or simply towed behind a suitable vehicle, as they headed towards action areas.
The high wing and unobstructed cockpit meant that the pilot and his observer had an unrivalled view of the battlefield situation below and the aircraft’s low speed made it extremely difficult for opposition fighters to shoot it down. Used extensively by Rommel during the ebb and flow of the North African Campaign, the Storch had an incredible stall speed of just 31mph and if flying in to a headwind with wing slats and flaps deployed, it almost had the ability to hover. Perhaps the most famous use of a Storch was when one was used to rescue a surrounded Benito Mussolini from a remote, rocky mountain top, landing in less than 100 feet and taking off again in only a slightly longer distance, the only fixed wing aircraft capable of doing so.
The Sd.Kfz.222 Leichter Panzerspähwagen (Light armoured reconnaissance vehicle) was a ubiquitous German military vehicle from WWII, powered by a 3.5 litre Horch V8 engine which was able to run on a wide range of fuel grades and with an emphasis on reliability and operational effectiveness. Great on the road networks of Western Europe, it was much less effective when operating on the open expanses of the Russian tundra and deserts of North Africa. The 222 variant of the vehicle mounted a more powerful 20mm Kwk 30 L/55 gun and introduced a third crew member to operate the gun, leaving the commander free for other duties. Around 1000 of these vehicles were produced between 1937 and 1943, which saw service in all theatres contested by German forces.
A vehicle type which is often referred to as the German equivalent of the American Jeep, the Kübelwagen was always intended for mass production, but placed great emphasis on reliability in the field. It would go on to see widespread service throughout every facet of German military life during WWII and in every theatre of operation. The Type 82 was a more robust design, modified for military service and possessing more effective off-road performance and even greater levels of reliability - almost every German military unit would operate the Kübelwagen, a vehicle which was produced in large numbers and in around 36 different variants. The no-nonsense construction and reliable operation of these vehicles saw many survive the war and go on to become highly prized items amongst military collectors.
As far as military vehicles of the Second World War are concerned, could the Sd.Kfz.7 be one of the most recognisable machines of the war, even though it was produced in much smaller numbers than either of the two machines above? Effectively a medium half-track tractor for the all-terrain transportation of weapons, men and equipment, this iconic vehicle is probably recognised as the preferred towing option for the feared 88mm anti-tank/aircraft gun to and from the battlefield, along with its compliment of crew and ammunition.
The vehicle was able to carry up to 18 troops seated on three rather basic benches, with space at the rear for all manner of spares, stores, fuel and ammunition. With the feared 88mm gun earning such a feared reputation, these tractor units were found on all fronts contested by the Wehrmacht, including the deserts of North Africa.
One of the most recognisable weapons of WWII, the mighty 88mm gun was equally effective against Allied aircraft as it was operating as an anti-tank weapon. Indeed, its fearsome reputation operating against Allied armour gave this weapon an almost mythical status on the battlefield, able to destroy Allied tanks at ranges far in excess of where their opposition were in range to return fire themselves, making them almost impervious to enemy action. A derivative of this famous gun was used as the main armament in the German Tiger I tank, again using its legendary firepower and sighting optics to take out Allied armour at great distances and with ruthless effectiveness.
Built examples of all these kits would look great displayed as a little desert collection, but the diorama Mike has expertly produced not only gives the builds much more character, but they tell a historical story which is definitely worth discovering a little more about.
We would like to thank Mike for sending us these fantastic pictures and for allowing us to feature them in this latest edition of our blog. A rather prolific diorama modeller, Mike has also sent us details of other builds, which we look forward to sharing with you in a forthcoming edition of the blog.
That’s all we have for you in this latest edition of Workbench, but we will be back as usual next Friday with more modelling news, updates and exclusive imagery from the fascinating world of Airfix. If you have any comments in connection with the blog, or would like to suggest a subject to be covered in a future edition, please do drop us a quick line using our workbench@airfix.com e-mail address. The Airfix team would be only too pleased to hear from you.
If you would like to continue the Airfix modelling discussions between editions of the blog, the Airfix Workbench Forum is the place to be, however, if you simply wish to keep up to date with all the latest Airfix modelling news, you can access our official social media sites, or simply head for the Airfix website, where you will find all the details you need.
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Further Reading
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North American F-86F-40 Sabre
A08110 |
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Further Reading
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