The plane comes nicely boxed in a window box, but is well-secured with cardboard, and the traditional plastic tray and ties. Why 21c could never pack as well in a similar-style box is beyond me. The model is really kept safe in the JSI box.
As far as the model itself goes, it is nearly identical to the 21c F-86. Clearly 21c's old tooling has received new life and JSI copied every detail that was on that plane and added a little more. I always thought the F-86 was one of 21c's best aircraft models on account of its durability, functionality and looks - and the same pretty much holds for the JSI plane. There wasn't much they could improve on. No real need to go into all the working features as we've all been familiar with them for years. JSI did not leave off anything, even the cloth seat-belts.
Where the model does differ is that they put detail in the landing gear bay (see comparison pics below) added subtle weathering, included more stenciling, and had the yellow ID bands go all the way around the wing (which 21c inexplicably never did).
Paint application is overall good, though there some slight over-spray in some places... I like the weathering and different colored aluminum panels on the plane. Its generally realistic and makes the model look more professional. However, some of the spray on the left front gun ports on my plane got botched... Not cool. They also didn't paint the ammo magazines in the little compartment under the gun bay.
No figure included, but it does have intake and engine covers. I've got a spare F-86 pilot figure that I'll put in the cockpit. It comes with the drop tanks and sidewinders. JSI did a better job detailing the sidewinders - actually painting details like the gray tabs on the fins and the sensor tip. Would have been even cooler had they ditched the missiles and included a couple 500lb bombs as a new accessory. Sidewinders weren't used in Korea.
JSI F-86 Nose Gear Bay - new interior tooling
(note: I have not yet installed the fuselage screw covers)
21c F-86 Nose Gear Bay - interior comparison
Overall, I am a little underwhelmed with this release. $139 was too much for this - $100 or less would have been better. Heck, the JSI P-38 cost $90 and that has more plastic in it. The prices we paid for the 21c F-86s at Wal Mart and the small retailers 5-6 years ago were FAR, FAR BETTER. While I do like the improved paint details, weathering, and detailed gear bays, one really doesn't get much more than the old 21c tooling and on the JSI plane - and the pilot has been replaced with engine covers. JSI also still hasn't gotten their paint QC down to perfection. I think JSI may have also left some weights out of the nose, as the plane is a little tail-heavy. (Weighting the nose will not be a hard fix, though). I can't really say this is a must-get item, but if you like the F-86, want a plane with historical significance, or want some variety, it can be a good addition.
JSI and 21c F-86 Comparison
}, have to think about spending quite a bit more for a different scheme of an aircraft they already have a few examples of. As has been mentioned, Hobby Master is a perfect example. Models that were $55 just a couple of years ago, are $75 now. Know I have slowed down significantly, and any newcomers to the hobby have to pay quite a bit more per model, so most will probably purchase fewer models. Just the new normal, I guess.