Naked T-38
In 1990, I was an instructor pilot and wing staff officer assigned to Randolph AFB in San Antonio, Texas. At the time, the wing was flying T-37’s and T-38’s. I was on my way back from a meeting and happened to pass the wing paint shop and noticed they had a T-38 completely stripped of paint awaiting a new paint job. I had never seen a T-38 without paint before, so I stopped in and asked if I could take some pictures. They kindly allowed me to walk around and snap some photos, which I thought some of you might find interesting. Enjoy.
12 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Allan J Withers said on January 6, 2019
Very interesting George, thanks for posting !!
George Johnson said on January 6, 2019
Thatt’s very cool, George. Great reference material, too.
Jeff Bailey said on January 6, 2019
Great photos, George. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Craig Abrahamson said on January 7, 2019
Now THAT would be a challenging “paint” job to replicate on a model, wouldn’t it?
George R Blair Jr said on January 7, 2019
In my mind I think of a plane as “metal”, but you don’t realize the variety of types of metals until you see the different metallic tones. Not to mention the other materials and composites that go into the construction. I will stick to painting camouflage, thanks.
Marc Barris said on January 7, 2019
Fantastic reference for building a bare metal aircraft, Great pictures.
Julio Contreras Martínez said on January 7, 2019
Gracias por estas fotos tan ilustrativas.Resulta muy interesante para un modelista ver un fuselaje sin pintar de un avión real.
Gary Wiley said on January 7, 2019
Great diorama idea. I’m glad I don’t have a T-38 in the stash. 🙂
Michael Gosse said on January 7, 2019
Thank you for that amazing inspiration, George
Greg Kittinger said on January 7, 2019
They look so weary without their clothes on!
Robert Royes said on January 7, 2019
Still sleak though.
George R Blair Jr said on January 8, 2019
It’s the only plane I flew in my career that looked fast just sitting in the chocks.
David Mills said on April 18, 2019
Just picked up on this one George, but priceless to see these photos of an aircraft waiting for the paint shop!
Many thanks