I've always loved the Sabre and had the opportunity to work on them during my Air Force training days as a technician, as well as see an airworthy example fly at various air shows for several years.
Having picked up this kit secondhand at a club Swap & Sell, I initially intended to build it out of the box. However, as anyone who knows me, I couldn't resist seeing if there were any after market bits available and ended up purchasing an Eduard etch set (ED SS397), Eduard canopy masks (ED CX295), Reskit wheels (RS72-0078), Pavla ejection seat and a Flightdecs decal sheet (FLD72-04), just to improve things a little.
Overall, the kit was an absolute joy to build, only requiring some gaps to be filled on the lower wing to fuselage join and around the speed brake housing, as it seemed that the latter were designed to be displayed in the open position, rather than closed. With everything cleaned up and in place, the model was then masked and primed with SMS Camo Black (AUSCAM-FS37038), followed by an application of AK Extreme Metal Aluminium (AK479) on the underside and drop tanks. With the underside masked, the upper surface colours were then applied using SMS PL72 Insignia White (FS17875), SMS PL174 Blue Angels Blue (FS15050), SMS PL77 Forest Green (FS34079) and SMS PL56 Dark Sea Grey (RAL7031).
Painting completed, the model was then given an overall coat of Mr Hobby Mr. Super Clear UV Cut Gloss and once dry the decals were applied, followed by a dark grey panel line wash. The model was then given a final coat of Mr. Super Clear UV Cut Semi-Gloss to seal everything in. It was then just a matter of fitting the undercarriage and doors, the drop tanks and the intake and exhaust covers and with that the model was done. This really was an enjoyable project and a kit that I would highly recommend.
