T-38A Talon - "Thunderbirds Bicentennial Scheme" No.1 plane, USAF, 1976, 1:72 Hobby Master HM-HA5416

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T-38A Talon - "Thunderbirds Bicentennial Scheme" No.1 plane, USAF, 1976

T-38A Talon - "Thunderbirds Bicentennial Scheme" No.1 plane, USAF, 1976

$104.95

SKU:

HM-HA5416

Brand:

Hobby Master

Shipping:

Calculated at checkout

Expected release date is 30th Nov 2025

Hobby Master 1:72 HA5416
T-38A Talon - "Thunderbirds Bicentennial Scheme" No.1 plane, USAF, 1976

Scale:
1:72 Length:
7.75" Width:
4.25" Composition:
Diecast SKU:
HM-HA5416 Period:
Modern

Hobby Master 1:72 HA5416 T-38A Talon - "Thunderbirds Bicentennial Scheme" No.1 plane, USAF, 1976
Scale: 1:72	Length: 7.75"	Width: 4.25"	Composition: Diecast	SKU: HM-HA5416	Period: Modern

Historical Note:

Preorder Expected Arrival - SEP 2025

Historical;: T-38 Talon Era

The team flew only six air shows in 1973 and was grounded for some time. Due to the 1973 oil crisis, they switched to the more economical T-38 Talon for the 1974 season, as five T-38s used the same amount of fuel as one F-4 Phantom. The switch saw an alteration of the flight routine to exhibit the aircraft's maneuverability in tight turns, and ended the era of the black tail on the No. 4 slot plane, now regularly cleaned and shined like the others.

In 1982, the Thunderbirds suffered a catastrophic loss during pre-season training on 18 January. While practicing the four-plane diamond loop, the formation impacted the ground at high speed, instantly killing all four pilots: Major Norman L. Lowry (commander/leader), Captain Willie Mays, Captain Joseph N. "Pete" Peterson, and Captain Mark Melancon. The cause of the crash was determined by the USAF to be the result of a mechanical problem with the No. 1 aircraft's control stick actuator. This resulted in insufficient back pressure by the formation leader on the T-38 control stick during the loop. Visually cueing off the lead aircraft during formation maneuvering, the wing and slot pilots disregarded their positions relative to the ground.

Info: T-38A Talon - "Thunderbirds Bicentennial Scheme" No.1 plane, USAF, 1976

Product Videos

USAF Thunderbirds T-38 Talon Film - Airailimages (05:45)

Take a look at a vintage film, circa 1974, from the U.S. Air Force introducing the Northrop T-38 Talon as the new jet of the Thunderbirds flight demonstration team. Step back with a synthesized music track and references to the fuel shortage of that era -- a great time capsule. And please give this video a Thumbs Up. have you subscribed to the Airailimages Channel on YouTube? We appreciate it. Want more great vintage Thunderbirds? Try this illustrated radio clip from the F-4 Phantom era: https://youtu.be/uU0l3JmOrHw