F-86 Sabre "Mig Mad Marine" Die-Cast Model

Developed during the 1940s as the United States first swept-wing fighter, the F-86 Sabre was a high-speed, high maneuverability aircraft intended to take on opponents like the venerable MiG-15 over the skies of Korea. Throughout its lifespan, nearly 10,000 of the type were manufactured, spanning across several decades and dozens of variants. It served in many nations’ air forces and is legendary for its successes, gathering the high ratio of 8 enemies downed for every combat loss of its own during the Korean war.

Expected to face MiG-15s as their main opponent, the F-86 had several key advantages over its adversary, one of which being its superior high-speed maneuverability. This was not just down to its design though, it was assisted by the advent of the G-Suit, which had fluid channels to assist blood flow under the force of gravity, preventing blackouts. This led to the Sabre being able to dictate engagements, since the MiG-15 was unable to quickly maneuver at top speed, needing to slow down in order to regain advantage. On the weaponry side, the Sabre was also largely had an upper hand, with six of the 0.50 caliber M3 Browning machine guns as the offensive armament. Compared to the MiG’s lower rate of fire and harder to aim 37mm and 23mm cannons which were intended to rip apart bombers, the F-86 could easily get guns on target with a longer window of effectiveness.

Flown by Major John H. Glenn during the Korean war, this F-86F Sabre was stationed at Suwon Air Base. Though he had already attained multiple victories in the conflicts, he was often noted as complaining about the lack of enemy MiGs to fight. Not too long after, Glenn would discover his aircraft one morning with “MIG MAD MARINE” painted boldly on the side of it, added by some of his comrades. Die-Cast version has this same authentic paint scheme, etched panel lines, pad printed decals, and pre-installed fuel tanks. Also includes retracted or deployed landing gear and display stand to show the model in flight. Measures 6.25”l with a 6.5” wingspan at 1:72 scale.

• Features a high-quality paint scheme, etched panel lines and pad printed decals with precision crafted surface details.
• Includes retracted or deployed landing gear, pre-installed fuel tanks, and display stand to show the model in flight. 
• Measures 6.25”l with a 6.5” wingspan at 1:72 Scale.
• Highly collectible.