Kinetic 1/32 scale Golden Hawks
Sabre Mk.5

Reviewed by Mick Evans

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This new release from Kinetic follows on from their first 1/32 scale F-86-F-30 Sabre launched during 2007. 

This kit contents is identical to the first release except for the decal sheet. 

Kinetic’s 1/32 scale Golden Hawks Sabre Mk.5 is beautifully detailed and is certainly an improvement over the dated 1/32 scale Hasegawa F-86 kit.

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As the only difference in the two kits is the decal sheet, I can refer you to the comprehensive review of the plastic parts by Brett Green posted previously on HyperScale.

The decals provided in this kit depict the five Mk.5 Sabres used by the Royal Canadian Air Force “Golden Hawks” aerobatic team.  The aircraft were finished in overall metallic gold with polished metal leading edges and black anti-glare panel.  The aircraft had a white and red eagle’s head stretching along the entire fuselage length.  The tail fin featured the RCAF flag painted on each side and full national markings are included.

The decal sheet also includes a large decal of the Golden Hawk insignia patch and a decal of a gold patch to use as a name plate on a plaque.

The decal sheet is superbly printed by Leading Edge Models of Canada and the decals have good colour saturation and excellent register.  The carrier film is ultra thin and my experience is that they usually snuggle down into the surface detail well.  I would test any decal setting solution on a serial number decal that you will not be using before using them on the main decals.  The carrier film should almost totally disappear under a coat of clear.

Kinetic also provides a nice A4 colour instruction sheet depicting the aircraft in a four plan view displaying the colour scheme and decal placement.

Thanks to Lucky Model for the samples

Review Text Copyright © 2009 by Mick Evans
Images Copyright © 2009 by Brett Green
Page Created 22 April, 2009
Last updated 23 April, 2009

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