Two Bobs Aviation Graphics

1/48 T-38A Ebony Talons decal sheet

Product #48063

Product Article by Steve Bamford on Dec 19 2003

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With the release of the new Sword T-38 sheet, it was just a matter of time before Twobobs started banging out some sheets for this kit!  The T-38 is one of the most historically significant A/C in modern aviation history and every US fighter pilot out there has cut his teeth in this jet.  Talk to any USAF pilot out there and they'll tell you that they hold a special fondness in their hears for the Talon. 

Three aircraft are represented on this sheet and all three are used by the USAF as "Companion Trainers" for their respective squadrons.  Companion trainers are used in order to maximize flight training time for the host unit's pilots.  It's pretty expensive to generate a B-2 sortie every time someone needs some training time so they use the T-38 in order to fullfill this requirement.  In other cases (F-117), there simply isn't a two seat trainer version of the aircraft available so they use the Talon in order to upgrade their pilots to the F-117.

OK, on to the sheet!  HO, BB and WM A/C are represented here and full stencil data and markings are available to make all three jets.  Since the decals are being placed on a black/gray model, Twobobs wanted to make sure that they showed up as opaque as possible.  

 

That's why there are two complete sets of identical markings available on this sheet.  After putting the first set of markings on, if the gray/red is still too translucent, then apply the second set.  Microscale decals are the thinnest in the world so putting multiple layers of decals onto a model isn't a problem at all.  Decals are also provided for the pitot static boom on all three A/C. 

References were provided by Lt. Damron of the 7th CTS and Willy Peters.  Lt. Damron is currently at Holloman awaiting his UPT class start date to begin pilot training and you all know Willy Peters of Black Box fame.  Willy provided The TwoBobs with some GREAT line art of the Talon and he definitely made this part of the instruction sheet a lot less painful.  The TwoBobs wanted me to express their thanks!

This is one of three sheets that will be available soon for the Talon.  Look for Twobobs' two other sheets, 48-064 Aggressive Talons and 48-066 Press to Test Talons in the near future!

The decals themselves are contained on one sheet.  They are printed by Microscale and are very clearly printed.  The instructions are easy to follow and list the paint scheme colours for 4 different manufacturers.  My favourite choice would be the Black T-38 from Holloman which has silliettes of the F-117 on the band at the top of it's tail.  There is also a decal of a sinister looking character as you can see in the low res scan of the decals at the top of this review.  All 3 jets are great....but the Holloman Tallon is my favourite.

I definately recommend this sheet to anyone wanting an T-38 as well as anyone that wants to add a Hollman T-38 to their F-117 in their display case. 

This sheet is available through http://www.twobobs.net/ and select US Hobby Shops.  Overseas customers can purchase these from Twobobs site or through Twobobs network of overseas distributors.  Remember, shipping is always FREE to US Customers at Twobobs!! 

Steve

Photos and text © by Steve Bamford