Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series
HA4305
RCAF Canadair Sabre Mk.6
23707, 434 "Bluenose" Squadron, No.3 (Fighter) Wing
RCAF Station Zweibrucken, West Germany
Production Limited 600 Units
In 1957, the RCAF's 1 Canadian Air Division consisted of twelve Squadrons (over 300 aircraft) of Canadian built F-86 Sabre 6s and was a major contribution to NATO's deterrence against Soviet Aggression during the Cold War.
The Canadair Sabre 6 was the ultimate version of the F-86 and was powered by the Canadian designed Orenda 14 Engine which had 43% more thrust than the American J-47 powered variant (while the aircraft was also lighter in weight). The Sabre 6 had the “6-3 Hard Wing” of the F-86F but reintroduced the leading edge slats for improved low speed handling. As a result, the Canadian Sabre 6 Squadrons were virtually unbeatable in a dogfight and were unmatched by any other NATO Air Force.
The model represents a 434 “Bluenose” RCAF Squadron aircraft from No.3 (Fighter) Wing based at Zweibrucken, West Germany in 1959. This is the second RCAF Sabre 6 to be released by Hobby Master.
This Sabre was a suggestion of mine as my father was a Navigator with 434 Squadron on Halifaxes and Lancasters during the War.
434 was the last of 15 RCAF Bomber Squadrons formed in 1943. The squadron was adopted by the Rotary Club of Halifax, Nova Scotia and to show its connection to the city adopted the nickname "Bluenose Squadron", the common nickname for people from Nova Scotia and a tribute to the famous racing schooner Bluenose; an image of the schooner appeared on the squadron badge.
Canadians will easily recognize the Bluenose Schooner as it has appeared on the Canadian dime since 1937.
The squadron was reformed flying the Canadair Sabre and stationed as part of 3 Wing at RCAF Station Zweibrücken, West Germany on 7 March 1953, but was stood down on 16 June 1962. It was re-activated on 8 April 1963 as a Canadair CF-104 Starfighter unit in the strike/attack role and disbanded again on 1 March 1967.
434 Operational Training Squadron formed at CFB Cold Lake as the Canadair CF-5 operational training unit on 15 February 1968. The squadron later gave up OTU duties to 419 Squadron and became an operational squadron, moving to CFB Bagotville on 15 July 1982 later moving to CFB Chatham in July 1985.
The unit became 434 Composite Squadron and reformed at CFB Shearwater on 4 July 1992. The name was changed to 434 Combat Support Squadron and the unit moved to CFB Greenwood in mid-1995, flying the CC-144 Challenger and Canadair CT-133 Silver Star in the electronic warfare role. The squadron was finally disbanded there in May 2000.
The Model
This model was produced at the same time as HA4309 which was the Grostenquin, France based 421 “Red Indian” RCAF Squadron version released in 2014. As a result, all of the correct hard fought for details (that were included for the previous release) have been incorporated on this model as well. Since both models were painted at the same time the paint matches both models perfectly.
As with the first release the wing leading edge slats are in the deployed position which is correct anytime the aircraft was parked, taxiing, taking off, on approach, or basically anytime the aircraft was flying below an airspeed of 210 knots (including during the hard maneuvering of a dogfight). Both models have the additional engine inlets (“sugar scoops”) underneath the fuselage that were unique to late model Canadair Sabre 5s and 6s due to the higher thrust Canadian Orenda engines. Previously these inlets have only been available as aftermarket parts in the plastic kit world.
There are some minor differences between the two models however. The Bluenose Sword has a raw fiberglass coloured range finding radar rather than black on the previous release and the external fuel tanks are PRU Blue in colour rather than silver. I also asked for and got the additional “No Step” stencil located on the leading edge of the Vertical Fin. The only other difference is that the markings reflect a later standard with "RCAF" titles along the rear fuselage rather than the previously used two letter squadron codes.
Overall the model is a very pleasing and accurate representation of a Canadian Sabre 6 during the height of the Cold War. Highly recommended.
Dan
Below: Seen with the previously released (HA4309) 421 "Red Indian" Sabre 6.
OK, RCAF "Bluenose" Sabre arrived an hour ago. Ripped tail section off (all plastic) while prying her out of the crate. Glued back on and all is well. Similar camo scheme as "Red Indians", of course, but the underbelly and drop-tanks painted in the medium matt blue is killer! Very happy with detail on this Sabre and makes nice addition to my Canadian Collection.
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OK, RCAF "Bluenose" Sabre arrived an hour ago. Ripped tail section off (all plastic) while prying her out of the crate. Glued back on and all is well. Similar camo scheme as "Red Indians", of course, but the underbelly and drop-tanks painted in the medium matt blue is killer! Very happy with detail on this Sabre and makes nice addition to my Canadian Collection.
Congrats on your purchase. It's a terrific little model.
You'll find that Medium Matt Blue is better known as PRU Blue - which was worn on Photo Reconnaissance Unit (PRU) Spitfires during the War.
Congrats on your purchase. It's a terrific little model.
You'll find that Medium Matt Blue is better known as PRU Blue - which was worn on Photo Reconnaissance Unit (PRU) Spitfires during the War.
Dan
Thanks Dan! Good historical info on the PRU Blue (Recon Spits) and happy to see it "resurface" on the RCAF Sabre.
The PRU Blue, IMO, compliments the "Bluenose" camo scheme perfectly. Cheers,
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OK, RCAF "Bluenose" Sabre arrived an hour ago. Ripped tail section off (all plastic) while prying her out of the crate. Glued back on and all is well. Similar camo scheme as "Red Indians", of course, but the underbelly and drop-tanks painted in the medium matt blue is killer! Very happy with detail on this Sabre and makes nice addition to my Canadian Collection.
I ripped the tail off my Red Indian when pulling it out. It's a bit frustrating to hear that this is a reoccurring issue. I'll be extra careful with my Bluenose (which Don at Flight City has on hold for me).
I ripped the tail off my Red Indian when pulling it out. It's a bit frustrating to hear that this is a reoccurring issue. I'll be extra careful with my Bluenose (which Don at Flight City has on hold for me).
Plastic lockups were crazy-tight around nose and wings of Bluenose. Gentle but firm pressure had to be increased to almost splitting the plastic wide open in order to release her. Good luck!
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Yes, they do make a great pair! My Dad was stationed at RCAF, 2 Wing, Grostenquin, France with 430 Squadron "Silver Falcons" (54/55) and believe "Red Indians" were there at same time. Unfortunately my photo technique is lacking as I used a flash which caused reflection and affected focus. Could count rivets on your great photos Dan. Perhaps I need a new camera or light-box and tripod. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Cheers,
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Yes, saw that one - very nice. I like both photos. There were a couple others you posted of Bluenose Sabres in and outside a hanger. Those were exceptional!
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Oh, I see your point Dan... On closer inspection it appears both photos could very well be the same - just different lighting. Whoops, sorry about that Can't recall which thread had photos of the Bluenose Sabres testing their engines. The Sabre in the hanger stands out for me and I'm pretty sure you posted it
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Oh, I see your point Dan... On closer inspection it appears both photos could very well be the same - just different lighting. Whoops, sorry about that Can't recall which thread had photos of the Bluenose Sabres testing their engines. The Sabre in the hanger stands out for me and I'm pretty sure you posted it
Slightly different photos (check the relative position of the clouds), but could have been photographed on the same flight.
Hangar photo is from a slightly earlier period when Squadron Codes ("BR" for 434 Squadron and "AX" for 421 Squadron) were used on the fuselage rather than "RCAF" which is on the model.
Appreciate the repost! Out of all the photos that members have posted, these two really stand out for me and are among my favorites. Mainly because it's the RCAF Sabre, of course, but also due to my preference for seeing aircraft being "made ready" in and around their hangers. These photos of No. 434 Squadron "Bluenose" Sabres must have been taken at 3 (Fighter) Wing, Zweibrucken, Germany. Hope that guy in the hanger is wearing some ear protection!
Thx!
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This is a nice model and, fortunately for those who might want this on this side of the atlantic, it sold in the UK at GBP 20 (usd $28 or so - 60% off RRP based on US prices) (after all discounts) recently (GBP 24.95 less 20%). A sale price of $47 is a nice discount in the USA and represents a 35% discount off RRP. Whether that qualifies as a dump, I can't say. What I can say is that if we want this hobby to succeed, we want manufacturers to produce models that will earn them a profit to continue to operate as a going concern. Do they make a profit at a retail price of $28? Perhaps yes, if the model is sold sufficiently in its home market at or near RRP.
Here's to hoping some individuals find something better to do on what for them is friday evening than getting excited about how others might characterize sale prices on model aircraft. If the weather holds (marginal at this point) I'll be out today giving my daughter her first ever non-airline airplane ride (in a tiger moth). Take care, champs.
It's sad to see HM struggle with certain releases, especially considering the uncertain financial markets. Apparently Canadian Sabres Bluenose and Red Indians were produced at the same time. Of the 600 HA4305 Bluenose pcs produced HM has sold 434 to retailers which, unfortunately, leaves 166 pcs left at the factory. Just goes to show how difficult the diecast business can be when trying to decide which military aircraft would have the most potential for interest and sales. I wasn't able to take advantage of the USD $46.95 "sale" for this sabre but got mine from a Canadian dealer for, what I consider, a reasonable price - which is fine by me! For what it's worth, I absolutely love this little Sabre and I'm happy to have it in my Canadian collection.
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Apart from the obvious "suspects" [cough] JR F-14 [cough] it is difficult to determine what will sell at a given time. I have noticed a number of models on sale at "dumped" prices and after selling out, then go for high bids on ebay.
This is a nice model and, fortunately for those who might want this on this side of the atlantic, it sold in the UK at GBP 20 (usd $28 or so - 60% off RRP based on US prices) (after all discounts) recently (GBP 24.95 less 20%). A sale price of $47 is a nice discount in the USA and represents a 35% discount off RRP. Whether that qualifies as a dump, I can't say. What I can say is that if we want this hobby to succeed, we want manufacturers to produce models that will earn them a profit to continue to operate as a going concern. Do they make a profit at a retail price of $28? Perhaps yes, if the model is sold sufficiently in its home market at or near RRP.
Here's to hoping some individuals find something better to do on what for them is friday evening than getting excited about how others might characterize sale prices on model aircraft. If the weather holds (marginal at this point) I'll be out today giving my daughter her first ever non-airline airplane ride (in a tiger moth). Take care, champs.
Oh, but waiting for your response was so very exciting Fucqunit One! News of your having spawned is endlessly fascinating too!
It's sad to see HM struggle with certain releases, especially considering the uncertain financial markets. Apparently Canadian Sabres Bluenose and Red Indians were produced at the same time. Of the 600 HA4305 Bluenose pcs produced HM has sold 434 to retailers which, unfortunately, leaves 166 pcs left at the factory. Just goes to show how difficult the diecast business can be when trying to decide which military aircraft would have the most potential for interest and sales. I wasn't able to take advantage of the USD $46.95 "sale" for this sabre but got mine from a Canadian dealer for, what I consider, a reasonable price - which is fine by me! For what it's worth, I absolutely love this little Sabre and I'm happy to have it in my Canadian collection.
600 pieces is a reasonable estimate for production, but the Indian Sabre is virtually identical...I guessed they wouldn't have sell very well when the pre-pros came out. (Not that I don't mind it was released, I'm very happy for that and have one for my collection) They will eventually sell out, and as someone put it, when it goes on eBay, up we go! (Btw, has HM ever done a lower release than 600? I'm just curious)
Thanks for adding the drum roll for FoSo's entrance UF!
I'm glad someone around here got it
Always love hearing how models dump in the UK and then how the rest of the world should be paying RRP to prop up the manus He does realise that it's the dealers taking the hit not the manu, the manu has long since made their money well before a model "dumps"
Oh and Dan, since you didn't get it, my comment was not about the model, I actually like it even thought I don't collect RCAF, I have many RCAF pilots in my RAF WWII collection and even have a 30x40 RCAF WWII recruitment poster on my wall. I'm far from a Canuckophobe
The recent 1/32 SBDs were I think 250 or 200 and the last 1/32 hellcat may have been similar. 600 is low but not too low these days especially for split run type stuff like these sabres and I think things like the new soviet p-39s and the 'triple' of the most recent helldivers.
Lowest production release I'm aware of was in 2005 when Corgi produced it's limited edition US35704 Me-262 "White 3", (flown by German Ace Adolf Galland). There were only 262 pieces worldwide and not to be confused with Corgi's aviation archive "White 3" version AA35701 (gear down only). US35704 sold out in just two days and over the years has rapidly escalated in value on the secondary market. Interesting posts... Dec. 01, 2006: "I got to ask, what's so special on this one that could command $200.00?" I like this response: "There will be no more, you missed it, you got to pay for it." On May 17, 2014 one of the 262 "White 3" Me-262s sold for $375.00 US! I was fortunate to find one a few years ago, No. 194, and have it safely stored, mint condition, in it's box. The aviation archives (Legends) version of "White 3" I have on display.
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Lowest production release I'm aware of was in 2005 when Corgi produced it's limited edition US35704 Me-262 "White 3", (flown by German Ace Adolf Galland). There were only 262 pieces worldwide and not to be confused with Corgi's aviation archive "White 3" version AA35701 (gear down only). US35704 sold out in just two days and over the years has rapidly escalated in value on the secondary market. Interesting posts... Dec. 01, 2006: "I got to ask, what's so special on this one that could command $200.00?" I like this response: "There will be no more, you missed it, you got to pay for it." On May 17, 2014 one of the 262 "White 3" Me-262s sold for $375.00 US! I was fortunate to find one a few years ago, No. 194, and have it safely stored, mint condition, in it's box. The aviation archives (Legends) version of "White 3" I have on display.
I don't really see the appeal of purchasing diecast a/c with the sole purpose of it being an investment. Demand may probably drop if it's priced at $375 US. I sure as hell wouldn't pay that much.
As a model, it should be displayed (although I would say keeping a few very rare pieces BNIB and put away would be wise). Rotate your collection if you bore easily. Just my thoughts though.
I don't really see the appeal of purchasing diecast a/c with the sole purpose of it being an investment. Demand may probably drop if it's priced at $375 US. I sure as hell wouldn't pay that much.
As a model, it should be displayed (although I would say keeping a few very rare pieces BNIB and put away would be wise). Just my thoughts though.
At the time, when I purchased "White 3", it was to complete my Corgi Me262 collection. I knew this one would be htf (only 262 pcs) but never expected it to escalate in value as it has. I already had the Legends "White 3" so thought it best to display it instead. As mentioned earlier, "There will be no more, you missed it, you gotta pay for it"
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At the time, when I purchased "White 3", it was to complete my Corgi Me262 collection. I knew this one would be htf (only 262 pcs) but never expected it to escalate in value as it has. I already had the Legends "White 3" so thought it best to display it instead. As mentioned earlier, "There will be no more, you missed it, you gotta pay for it"
Ah, I see. I've got a viper or two and a BNIB Avro tucked away. I wonder if anyone would pay $375 for your limited edition Me262 at the moment...you should test the waters.
Not the best photo of an RCAF Sabre, sporting PRU blue underbelly, and I suspect weathering and sunlight would greatly affect the colour. The HM "Bluenose" model is a fine example of how this real life Sabre's paint scheme would have looked straight from the paint shop. I also believe Dan had a hand in this model's QC details and expect getting the PRU blue correct would have been an absolute must.
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Not the best photo of an RCAF Sabre, sporting PRU blue underbelly, and I suspect weathering and sunlight would greatly affect the colour. The HM "Bluenose" model is a fine example of how this real life Sabre's paint scheme would have looked straight from the paint shop. I also believe Dan had a hand in this model's QC details and expect getting the PRU blue correct would have been an absolute must.
Gosh, that photo makes it look really like the wrong shade. I had really been considering this model, but now I am not sure whatsoever.
We all know what the issues are with paint colours, it's just a shame this one came out quite so "over-blued"
I wonder why it's blues in particular that seem to cause the greatest difficulties with colour matching and scaling?
REVIEW: Hobby Master HA4305 RCAF Canadair Sabre Mk.6, 434 "Bluenose" Squadron
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