RichB
Well-known member
In 1951 the RCAF selected the T-33 as its new trainer. Canadair was selected to license built the new Silver Star and Rolls Royce Canada the Nene Mk.10 Engine.
As the production line was being established, 20 aircraft were received on loan from the US. These early T-33's arrived with the underslung Misawa wingtip tanks and no ejection seats. They became known as the Silver Star Mk. 1 and received full RCAF codes, serials and national markings
To meet training needs, an additional 10 were received on loan in Aug 1952. These aircraft were known as T-33A's while in RCAF service and flew with their USAF serial and buzz numbers and RCAF roundels on the upper wings and aft fuselage.
Most of these loaners were sent to No. 1 OTU (Sabre Conversion) at Chatham, the Central Flying School in Trenton and No. 3 (AW) OTU (CF100 Conversion) at North Bay. When the Silver Star Mk. 3's began arriving in 1953, the survivors were returned to the US. Some of the aircraft were upgraded and transferred to Greece and Turkey under the MDAP. Several have since been put on static display.
So, with the GWH T-33A kit and decals for RCAF roundels and USAF buzz numbers in hand, a split personality T-33A of the second batch on loan will be the subject of this build.
Cheers,
Rich
As the production line was being established, 20 aircraft were received on loan from the US. These early T-33's arrived with the underslung Misawa wingtip tanks and no ejection seats. They became known as the Silver Star Mk. 1 and received full RCAF codes, serials and national markings
To meet training needs, an additional 10 were received on loan in Aug 1952. These aircraft were known as T-33A's while in RCAF service and flew with their USAF serial and buzz numbers and RCAF roundels on the upper wings and aft fuselage.
Most of these loaners were sent to No. 1 OTU (Sabre Conversion) at Chatham, the Central Flying School in Trenton and No. 3 (AW) OTU (CF100 Conversion) at North Bay. When the Silver Star Mk. 3's began arriving in 1953, the survivors were returned to the US. Some of the aircraft were upgraded and transferred to Greece and Turkey under the MDAP. Several have since been put on static display.
So, with the GWH T-33A kit and decals for RCAF roundels and USAF buzz numbers in hand, a split personality T-33A of the second batch on loan will be the subject of this build.
Cheers,
Rich
