For decades, the most common aircraft to be found at any USAF, ANG or USAR base was the T-33. Used for years as a pilot's first jet trainer, the T-33 was replaced in training command by the T-37/T-38 duo in the late 1950's early 60's. Many of the surplus aircraft went overseas, but many of them stayed to be used as squadron hacks, proficiency aircraft and as threat  aircraft. The last ones were taken out of US service in the mid-1980s, but continue to soldier on in many countries. Canada still has a viable number of them and they are prime candidates for jet warbird enthusiasts.

This Superscale sheet covers a rather broad spectrum of T-birds and includes an early USAF hack, a Navy plane and a late use ANG bird. There are enough  insignia and common markings to do all three aircraft on the sheet. As for kits, there are really only two choices in 1/72. There is the very old Hasegawa kit and the newer Heller version. Most everyone will want to choose the Heller kit as it is much better detailed than Hasegawa's offering, though both can be built into nice models.

The first aircraft is a 52 FW hack in overall natural metal. I think the forward of the two intake warning arrows is a misprint as I have never seen a USAF T-33 so marked.

Next is another natural metal plane, but this time from the Navy's VX-4. The forward intake warning arrow is standard on Navy T-33s.

Finally a 123 FIS T-33 painted in a sort of Hill Grey II scheme. Those T-birds that lasted into the 80s were often painted in such a scheme as they were used as target or threat aircraft to check local defense capabilities.

Overall, a very nice sheet. There are schemes that are a lot more colorful, but this one will result in some interesting birds.

Review copy courtesy of me and my wallet.

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