diorama for a sabre

Thanks, Liam (is that right? Liam?0 - The author I referred to - James Salter - actually flew Sabres in Korea, so he knows what he's writing about. I hope you can find that book. It's a fairly short read, but I found it very powerful. It left me with many, many images of life on the flight line, and in the air. If you want, I can lend you my copy. You may finish your model before you can read it, but I would still suggest taking note of it and reading it. You can look at your model occasionally and get an even better visual. Three cheers to split S manuevers!!
Stinger

Hey Stinger.
No, that's ok, this is the type of information i would be looking for. I have always like the sabre, there's just something about it that is sooo sexy. There are some aircraft that just have that something that makes them special.
This is something I think automobiles have lost, a sense of difference, in design, thought whatever.
My other favourties would be the Phantom, the Tomcat, Hurricane. a few others.
liam

The F-25 was used more as a fighter. With the 6-3 wing it was able to mix it up with the Migs. The F-30 was used more by the figher bomber outfits. They replaced the last F-80's in Korea and were dedicated fighter bombers.

The only difference was internal. It consisted of bombing aids in the F-30. The only way to tell the difference from a F-25 and F-30 is the serial numbers. Both had additional hard points for carrying bombs or drop tanks.The F-30 was slower by a small margin over the F-25 due to increased weight of the bombing system.

Hello Yeehah - This is a bit off subject, but it will return.
You seem to be into Sabres, and I want to suggest a book to read. "The Hunters", by James Salter. You can get it at Barnes & Noble, www.bn.com . Read this book before you finish your model. It actually inspired me to get back into modeling, and an f-86 is exactly what I'm working on right now. The first thing I wanted after the read was to have a small showcase in glass showing the model (in flight, in my idea, with maybe a high altitude cloud picture in the back), and a small drawer beneath to hold the book. (An autographed version would be awesome, and that may still happen. He lives here in Colorado). Being a wood worker myself, I hope that I can find the time to still do it. If so, I will definitely post a picture of it.
I dunno, maybe I'm just an old romantic about air warfare. I love aircraft and anything to do with them, but sometimes I have to take a break from modeling and get ideas from other aspects of life. (Like reading a good book).
As for decals, I agree with the others about aftermarket decals. The set I got for mine is from Micro Scale, and it specifically says on the envelope "Korean War Aces".
Sorry guys and girls, I know it's a bit off subject. I think I'll start a thread about good books or other inspirational leads.
Later, Stinger

29-07-03
Thanks Butz, will stay in contact. Good idea regarding the decals.
Berny: What would be the differences between an F-25 and an F-30? Is there a visible difference on the exterior or is it all interior?

thanks again
liam

Both kits are the F model, the Academy kit is a F-86-F30 and the Monogram is a F-86-F25. Both have the 6-3 wing so the serial numbers will start with the number 1 on the F-25, as they were contracted for in 1951. The F-30 would have serial numbrs starting with 2 (1952). I would suggest making them both into a F-30 so the serial numbers would be close. Some units did fly a mix of block numbers, but it would be a supply nightmare. The F-25 and F-30 were fighter bomber versions of the Sabre.

Hey yeehah,
No problem my friend!!
Well heres an idea for ya!! If you are into buying aftermarket decals sheets, I would buy two of the exact same sheets.
Pick a sqdron and do one of the a/c as it actually was and the other one do from the same sqd but just change the serial number around a bit. Just an example thats all,
Your first a/c's serial number- 49-1067(actual serial number though)
Your second # could be 49-1066, 49-1064, 49-1070. Get the idea and remember to use a different pilots name as well
If ya have any questions please feel free to e-mail me at Falcon42177@yahoo.com or Falcon174th @ aol.com.
Flaps up, Mike

28-07-03
you know, that's a damn fine idea!! Thanks, Butz. Dumb question coming, but how would I organise the serial numbers etc so that the two aircraft are the same squadron? Or maybe it's ok is same Fighter Group? Any suggestions there?
liam

Hey yeehah,
Somin simple huh?? I think Verlinden makes a PSP(Pierced Steel Platting).
You could use that and have the two a/c sitting next to each other. You know something like one just came back from a mission while the other one is given the once around

I hope this image kinda gives you an idea of what I mean. Just visualize two a/c.
This could be your starting point.
Flaps up, Mike