Caracal Models CD 48016: ANG T-33A part 1

Units: See review

Price

$14.99 which includes US shipping

Reviewer:

Scott Van Aken

This next sheet from Caracal Models is for the T-33A Shooting Star in 1/48 scale. There is no specified kit and I'm unaware of any new kits on the horizon so the modeler has a choice between the old Hawk kit that has been reissued by Testors in the past, or the newer Hobbycraft kit, itself at least 15 years old. There are markings for four aircraft, all of them in overall ADC Grey (FS 16473) with black nose anti-glare panels. Basically an easy paint. All of these schemes are from the 1980s before the type was retired from service during 1988/89.

First up is from the 159 FIS, Florida ANG. This aircraft is from 1983 and while the instructions show the outside of the tip tanks to be Fluorescent Red, the USAF stopped using that shade in the late 1960s as it faded so badly. I am going to go out on a limb and state that this was probably International Orange as that was the norm for these applications. I could be wrong so check your references.

Next is a nice, clean bird from the 101 FIS, Massachusetts ANG during 1984. These planes were often used as hacks to give desk pilots their flight hours.

The third option is from the 171 FIS, Michigan ANG in 1980. In addition to the aforementioned task, the T-33 could also be used for intercept practice by the unit's interceptors. Most units had more than one on hand.

Finally with nicely done black tip tanks and tail section is this plane from the 146 FIS, Pennsylvania ANG in 1984. Actually, I believe that date may be 1974. In 1984, the unit was the 146 TFS as they stopped flying the F-102 in 1975, transitioning to the ground attack A-7D at the time.

There are enough insignia and data markings for one aircraft. The sheet also includes wing walk markings, a nice touch. You should be able to glean additional insignia from the kit markings to do more. The decals themselves are superbly printed by Cartograf and the full color instruction booklet provides all the information you need to complete your kit. In all an excellent sheet for the T-33.

October 2013

Thanks to www.caracalmodels.com for the review sheet. Get yours today from this link or have your local shop order it for you.

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