Review: Iliad Design 1/48 T-33 Decals

Iliad Design 1/48 T-33 Decals

History:

The Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star is a jet trainer aircraft developed by Lockheed during the late 1940s. It was derived from the P-80/F-80 Shooting Star, one of the United States’ first operational jet fighters. The T-33 made its first flight in 1948, with the primary goal of training pilots to transition from propeller-driven aircraft to jets. Its development was spearheaded by Clarence “Kelly” Johnson, a famed Lockheed aircraft designer.

The T-33 was fitted with a second seat for the instructor, making it an ideal trainer for early jet operations. It served extensively with the U.S. Air Force and Navy, and over 6,500 units were produced. The aircraft became a standard trainer for many NATO and other allied nations, making it an international icon in aviation history.

Besides training, some versions of the T-33 were adapted for combat roles, reconnaissance, and other military uses. It remained in service for several decades, with some countries operating it into the 21st century. The T-33’s longevity and versatility made it one of the most successful jet trainers, providing invaluable training to thousands of pilots worldwide.

Kits:

There are three different sets of molds for the T-33 model, and over the years, various companies have used these molds to produce different versions of the aircraft. The first mold was created by Hawk in 1958 and was later used by Testors and Italeri, with the most recent re-boxing in 1989.

The second set of molds was introduced by Hobbycraft in 1992 and has since been used by Idea, Academy, and Monogram, with the latest re-boxing taking place in 2021.

The most modern molds were introduced by Great Wall Hobby in 2016. So far, they are the only company using these molds, with the latest re-boxing occurring in 2019.

Decal Subjects:

• T-33A, 48-0540 JAWS, 57th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, USAF Air Defense Command, Keflavik, Iceland, 1975
• T-22A, 56-1601, 2 Squadron, Pakistani Air Force
• CT-133, 2 Fighter Wing, Royal Canadian Air Force, Grostenquin, France, 1961
• T-33A, 9444, AG 51 ‘Immelman’, West German Luftwaffe, June 1968
• CT-133, 133542, 1 CAG, Royal Canadian Air Force, Baden-Soellingen, Germany, 1990

Decal Instructions:

The instructions are printed on two double-sided, semi-gloss color sheets with vivid, high-quality imagery. You’ll find port, starboard, and top views for all five decal options, while the fourth side offers additional details to help modelers accurately replicate the real aircraft. As always, Iliad Design includes extra information to ensure precision, highlighting unique features for each aircraft, such as an RCAF aircraft with reversed numbers on its insignia. They’ve also added color photographs showcasing key areas of the actual aircraft. Overall, the instructions are both informative and highly practical for any modeler.

The Decals:

The decal sheet measures 5 1/2 by 8 1/2 inches (approximately 140 by 210 millimeters for those using the metric system). The backing film is only visible where text needs to remain aligned, and the colors are vibrant with perfect alignment throughout. A standout feature is the set of numbers for USAF aircraft, which have a silver backing to match the unpainted tail areas where the numbers are placed, eliminating the need to mask and spray aluminum before applying the decals.

Conclusion:

The sheet is well-organized into five sections for different aircraft, with no shared decals included. Any common markings required for all five aircraft, such as no-step markings, will come from the box’s included sheet. Overall, this decal sheet upholds Iliad Design’s high standards. It’s of excellent quality and provides colorful alternatives for T-33 aircraft from West Germany, Canada, Pakistan, and the USAF—offering variety beyond the typical silver T-33s. Many thanks to Iliad Design for providing this decal sheet for review!

You can purchase these decals directly from Iliad Design here.

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