Reviews

Very few decal sheets have been produced focussing on the T-38, despite it having been the backbone of the USAF training fleet since 1961. Caracal Models sheet CD48032 provides markings for ten different airframes in a variety of schemes.

The airframes featured are:-

1. T-38A 67-14833 “HO” from the 49^th FW based at Holloman AFB during 2011. The aircraft was painted overall gloss black with all markings in white, including “HO” tailcodes and a white fin band containing three F-22 outlines (the 49^th FW used the T-38A as a companion trainer for the F-22A);
2. T-38A 68-8150 “HO”, also from the 49^th FW at Holloman AFB during 2005. Overall gloss black with markings in white, including “HO” tailcodes and a white fin band containing three F-117 outlines (the 49^th FW used the T-38A as a companion trainer for the F-117A);
3. T-38A 62-3702 “FF” from the 1^st FW based at Langley AFB during 2012. This was painted gloss black with white markings including “FF” tailcodes. It carried a green fin band containing 5 crosses; these aircraft were used as aggressor aircraft by the 1^st FW;
4. AT-38B 63-8215 “HT” from the 586^th FTS at Holloman AFB during 2005. This was painted in a two tone grey scheme comprising dark grey (FS36081) upper surfaces and light grey (16473) lower surfaces. All markings were in light grey, with “HT” tailcodes and “ROADRUNNERS” in dark grey on a light grey fin flash;
5. T-38A 65-10470 “EN” from the 90^th FTS at Sheppard AFB during 2006. This carried a two tone vertical camouflage scheme comprising Light Grey (F16473) and Dark grey (FS16081) All markings in light grey with “EN” tailcodes and “BOXIN’ BEARS” in yellow on a blue fin band. The 90^th TFS provided training for NATO and the aircraft carries the NATO emblem on the fin;
6. T-38A 66-4389 “RA” from the 560^th FTS during 2001, based at Randolph AFB. This carried a two tone vertical camouflage scheme comprising Light Grey (F16473) and Dark grey (FS16081) All markings in light grey with “RA” tailcodes and a blue fin band containing white stars;
7. T-38A 64-13216 “XL” from the 87^th FTS based at Laughlin AFB during 2005. This carried a two tone vertical camouflage scheme comprising Light Grey (F16473) and Dark grey (FS16081) All markings in light grey with “XL” tailcodes and “RED BULLS” on the tail in grey with a red/yellow bull’s head;
8. T-38A 70-1564 “MY” from the 49^th FTS at Moody AFB during 2003. This carried a two tone vertical camouflage scheme comprising Light Grey (F16473) and Dark grey (FS16081) All markings in light grey with “MY” tailcodes and a green fin flash outlined in blue with yellow stars, containing “Black Knights” and a multi-color knight’s head;
9. T-38A 68-8110 “VN” from the 25^th FTS at Vance AFB during 2005. This carried a two tone vertical camouflage scheme comprising Light Grey (F16473) and Dark grey (FS16081) All markings in light grey with “VN” tailcodes and “Shooters“ in black on the fin;
10. T-38A 67-14850 “CB” from the 50^th FTS at Columbus AFB during 2003. This carried a two tone vertical camouflage scheme comprising Light Grey (F16473) and Dark grey (FS16081) All markings in light grey with “CB” tailcodes and a blue fin band, outlined in yellow and containing “Strikin’ Snakes” in yellow.

For schemes 1-5, left and right side views are provided, with just a left hand view for schemes 6-10. Additional drawings are provided for upper and lower camouflage layouts for all three schemes.

As usual for Caracal, the decals are printed by Cartograf in perfect register.

Yet another great and highly recommended sheet of a rarely-covered subject!

Review and images by Chris St Clair

• CD48032 001
  
• CD48032 002
  
• CD48032 003
  
• CD48032 004
  
• CD48032 005
  
• CD48032 006
  
• CD48032 007
  

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