Going head-to-head with Avro Canada, North American Aviation offered the Royal Canadian Air Force an F-86D company demonstrator for their test and evaluation, attempting to sway them from the CF-100. While pilots were impressed the handling and speed, they expressed concerns about the single-engined reliablity of such an aircraft, and testing proved the superior effectiveness of the Canuck's powerful radar system, combined with a second operator. After being in the hands of the RCAF for a few months, the airframe was retired to NAA with a 'Thanks but no thanks', and with a few bottles of rye as an added extra.
Airfix F-86D, an older model but still a good build in my opinion. Easy enough for a beginner, with sufficient detail to please someone with growing skills. The only part missing from the kit was the fuel dump pipe, which was replaced with sprue. No point bothering Airfix for a tiny part like that.
Decals were home-printed, far from great, but way better than previous efforts. Still some silvering despite applications of Micro Sol, and being applied over a glossy surface. Matt finish is Revell from a rattle-can.
