RCAF Golden Hawks

F-86 Sabres
 

Leading Edge Models

Reviewed by Paul Gillan

 Leading Edge Decals are available online from Squadron.com

With the exception of Skyhawks, Sabres are my favorite jet aircraft. Leading Edge Models has produced a decal sheet that features markings for Mk 5 and Mk 6 Sabres that flew with the 1959, 1962 and 1963 RCAF Golden Hawks display teams.

This 1/48 decal sheet (P/N 48.01) arrived in a zip lock bag with a full colour display card and a black and white instruction sheet. The decals appear to be perfectly in register and colour saturation, for the most part, is very good. One of the national markings on my sheet has a small bubble in it. Not that this will really effect the outcome as eight roundels are provided, only six being required. The two additional roundels are provided to allow the speed brakes to be opened. However the rest of the sheet is exceptional.

While there are only sufficient markings to build one aircraft, there are four marking options:

Mk 5 S/N 23164

An all over Sheffield Luxor Pale Gold aircraft with the distinctive Golden Hawks motif. This aircraft also features the old-style Canadian national flag on the vertical tail with the word ‘Sabre’ above and the aircraft serial below. This aircraft also has a natural metal (?) tail tip and a matt black anti-glare panel.

Mk 6 S/N 23651 & 23465 (1962 Season)

The 1962 season saw a change in the mark of aircraft operated and a change in the teams colour scheme. The new aircraft featured natural metal leading edges on the slats, horizontal stabs, vertical tail and intake. The overall colour, anti-glare panels and other markings remained the same but there was a variation in the marking on the tail. A large number (‘1’ and ‘3’ respectively) appears this season above the national flag.

Mk 6 S/N 23651 (1963 Season).

23651 features again on the sheet. The only change between the ’62 and ’63 season jet is the number has been replaced with a large ‘GH’.

A nice touch from Leading Edge is what appears to be the unit’s badge. About an inch and a half in diameter, this decal would make an impressive finishing touch on a display base for this model.

For those modellers looking for a change, a Golden Hawks Sabre finished in these markings will look quite impressive in your display case.

Thanks to Dave Koss at Leading Edge for the review sample

 

The full range of Leading Edge Models products can be viewed at www.lemdecal.com

The product range can be ordered by contacting Leading Edge at lemdecal@telusplanet.net or by snail mail (E, 83 Skyline Cres., N.E. Calgary, AB, T2K 5X2 Canada)

Review Copyright © 2002 by Paul Gillan
Page Created 23 July, 2002
Last updated 22 July, 2003

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