Star Of The Sea

Great Wall’s Trainer as a TV2

- Rick Greenwood

The P-80 Shooting Star entered service with the United States air force in late 1944. Designed during World War II it displayed typical unswept wings in keeping with this era of jet aircraft development. Quickly outclassed by the superior MiG-15 in action during the Korean conflict it was eventually replaced by the swept wing F-86 Sabre. The aircraft did however find further service in the role of advanced jet trainer. The fuselage was lengthened and a second seat and flight controls added to the airframe. This proved successful and in 1948 the aircraft became known as the T-33 Shooting Star.

The T-33 went on to have a long operational lifespan serving with whole host of nationalities around the globe. Over five thousand examples had rolled off the production lines when production finally stopped in the late 1950s. The US Navy also operated the T-33 in the trainer role as the TV1 and 2, but the aircraft, never being suitable for carrier use, was eventually replaced by the T-2 Buckeye. T-33s were subsequently used as hacks, aerial targets, drone controllers and saw service with the air National Guard before finally being retired from US service in 1997.

Hitherto the academy and Hobbycraft kits were the best way to a reasonable 1/48 replica for one's model collection. These can now be considered dated as they originate from the mid to late 1990s and Great Wall Hobby have seen fit to please the modelling world with a modern example. Following on from my quick look in the box review in the September issue, here is a closer look at this new kit.