1:48 US T-38A Talon

Northrop T-38A Talon 1:48 — injection-molded kit from Trumpeter

A plastic kit of the Northrop T-38A Talon supersonic trainer in 1:48 scale from Trumpeter. It is an injection-molded model in gray plastic with finely engraved panel lines; the box contains clear parts for the tandem cockpit and photo-etched parts for the fine detail. The model captures the classic American jet trainer with two seats one behind the other.

The real subject

The T-38 Talon was the first supersonic trainer in the world and became the most widespread machine of its kind. It first flew in 1959 and joined the US Air Force in 1961. It was powered by a pair of jet engines; thanks to its slender fuselage and thin wings it reached supersonic speed, and generations of fighter pilots were trained on it. It remains in service to this day.

Building and painting tips

Glue the parts with a thin plastic cement and sand the joints once they are dry. Apply a primer before painting, which will reveal any flaws, and spray in thin coats with an airbrush. Mask the clear cockpit parts; a gloss coat helps under the decals, and a matte or semi-gloss final coat then evens the whole surface out.

Who the model is for

• For collectors of American Cold War aircraft.
• For modelers with experience of building jets.
• For fans of trainers and display aircraft.
• For builders of 1:48 scale for the display case.

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.