What happened to this beauty? Any new pics or updates?

Let's see...where to begin. First, things are progressing, albeit slowly, on the the Sabre. About a month ago I did the full power engine runs required for the annual. We strapped the mains to two big tugs, and went for it...it's a little unnerving running an Orenda 14 at 100% knowing that if one of those straps breaks...you're goin' for the e-ticket ride of your life! Everything checked out, so we're good to go on the engine. All that's left on the annual is to put the jet on jacks and swing the gear to check out the utility hydraulic system. I'm looking forward to doing it, because while it's on jacks, we're gonna strap ourselves into the seat, and do an emergency gear extension. If you've ever sat in an F-86, you'll know that the cockpit is TINY! An emergency gear extension is something I hope I never have to do while in the air , but I'll really rather practice on the ground first in case it ever comes up.

The jet is polished, and as soon as the annual is done the flight controls are coming off, and the paint scheme will be applied...don't ask, I ain't tellin'.

As far as flying the thing, I've flown the T-33 with the the F-86 instructor and received his letter of recommendation to the FAA for a TLOA to fly the Sabre (anyone know where I can get my hands on a couple thousand gals of Jet-A REALLY cheaply?!?). The guy I flew with is a regular at Reno, he's even one of the check airmen that racers in the unlimited class must fly with and pass a checkride from in order to race.

We're making progress...

Originally Posted by dangerboy

The jet is polished, and as soon as the annual is done the flight controls are coming off, and the paint scheme will be applied...don't ask, I ain't tellin'.

hey what kinda paint scheme you got in mind??
sorry I had too

A cool one...

A hint: 120th CO ANG...run with it.

If you figure it out, feel free to PM me, but keep it to yourself!

well was my guess right??? I sent the pm and I like it.
though I would edit out the clue b/c if you knwo your aircraft markings the clue is a dead give away

If it is what I think it is, it should be nice! Great to see progress on a beautiful airplane.

Good guesses, guys...but No and No.

Come on...consider the airplane...it's era specific!

Wait, so it's not what I think it is? How do you know what I'm thinking?

JK LOL

Man, this is a really cool thread! The guy I just got my AMA turbine waiver from used to fly P-51's and F-86's in the National Guard. He even had to eject from one after a rocket misfired and exploded inside the fuselage. He and I fly RC alot together, so I might have to print off this thread and show him. He's got some kickass stories.

I can get ya some cheap Jet-A only thing is you gotta fly the plane out here to KVBW to get it.... and then i wanna ride!

I'd love to...the only rub is, it's a single seat fighter. There was only 3 2-seat versions ever built, and none of them survived. It was ugly anyways...had a clamshell canopy, very much like a T-33. It's by far the smallest cockpit I've sat in. I'm 5'10" and it's a tight fit, I have to duck to close the canopy. The T-bird and F-100s are much roomier. I've talked to several Sabre pilots, and one of the things they liked about it was that it felt very much like an extension of yourself, 'cause you're damn near wearing it.

Very much like the F-16

Originally Posted by dangerboy

I'd love to...the only rub is, it's a single seat fighter. There was only 3 2-seat versions ever built, and none of them survived. It was ugly anyways...had a clamshell canopy, very much like a T-33. It's by far the smallest cockpit I've sat in. I'm 5'10" and it's a tight fit, I have to duck to close the canopy. The T-bird and F-100s are much roomier. I've talked to several Sabre pilots, and one of the things they liked about it was that it felt very much like an extension of yourself, 'cause you're damn near wearing it.

Sounds like it fits like the BD-5 i used to own "like a glove"

Any progress?

Re-bump.

How's the plane comin?