I have been looking forward to the T-33 for ages it seems. I always wanted a BVM one when I was a kid. Then I saw the JMP one which was even bigger and was totally in love.
I ended up owning a BVM F-80 and a pair of JMP's which I loved, but always felt they were a little too small for my liking. So when Anton emailed me about his jiust over 1/5th scale version of this classic jet, I was over the moon.
The model is the usual standard of Skymaster, painted on the outside detailing. It came with the gear, gear doors, cylinders, airbrake ( With its scale type mechanism and hinging) even the opening cockpit all pre fitted. So the build was not really that big a deal. There were a few little issues with mine as it was a pre production ( These were mainly to do with the tanks and tailpipe) Which have been taken care of by the factory. The new tailpipe was sent to me and fitted and works a treat. We modified the tanks ( Made them slightly smaller to clear the wheels when retracted) but this has now been taken care of by the factory also.
I have powered the T bird with my old Merlin 160, which has proven to be more than enough power. I actually did a flight where I took off with the throttle set at between 1/2 to 3/4 and then left the throttle alone completely, yet still managed to do a full ( Scale) aerobatic routine.
I have Jr 8411's all round
Powerbox Champion RRS
JR 12X radio
3x big Nimhs in the very nose ( it needs it to balance )
The dry weight is around 38 lbs.
I am delighted with the way the model flies. I have said it many times before, but I do love the classic jets. Firstly for the way they fly, and secondly for the way they look. The T-33 with its almost comically large tip tanks has to be one of the best of the classics for me. The shape in the sky is so distinctive and in this bright scheme it stands out a mile.
The jet tracks like an arrow and is really pure in rolling manoeuvres. Rudder coupling is pretty low, and it feels balanced on all controls.
The slow speed handling is spot on, but you do get that feeling that it will bite if provoked. I have done a fair bit of stall testing, and so far its been really well behaved. Although I haven't provoked it in a slow dirty turn as yet ( I get an idea that it will depart pretty heavily in this situation)
The narrow track undercarriage takes some consideration ion a cross wind ( My test flights were in a 13-17mph 70 degree cross wind) but nothing thats too much of an issue.
Thanks to my awesome builders
Thanks to RCpete in Canada for the great photos on the markings
Thanks top Ralle once again for great markings and most of all thanks to Skymaster, for producing yet another of my favourite jets, and making it such a wonderful flying plane.
Regards Al