I’m trying to build a collection of aircraft stationed at Glenview NAS in the 1960-70’s. Monogram had a kit back then that I thought was a T2V-1 or TV2 with NAS Glenview markings (7V on the tail), but I’m not sure which plane it was. Does anyone know (1) if that kit has ever been re-released, perhaps with new markings, and (2) which plane was the common jet trainer at Glenview in the mid-late 1960’s. Any recommended reference materials? ( I have Ginter’s Naval Fighters #42 on the Seastar). Thanks
I think it was Hawk that had a Navy jet trainer based on the T-33. I don’t remember what the exact differences were but the canopy comes to mind, I think the backseater was raised a bit and a tail hook of course.
Hawk released their T-33 in Navy colors many, many, years ago. Hawk is long since gone as a producer of kits and I think Testors has the molds. However, the TV-2 is a T-33 in Navy colors and the Acadamy T-33 is an excellent kit in 1/48th scale. I do not recall any TV-2 with arresting hooks. The TO-2 and the TV-2 is exactly the same airplane. The Navy changed its designation for Lockheed aircraft from “O” to “V”. As far as I know thus far the TV-2 is no different than the USAF version of the T-33, but I’m still in the research process.
I’m building the Blue Angels TV-2. If I find any notable differences I’ll post them for you. I’m looking for aftermarket decals for my bird and I do recall some decals for TV-2s but do not recall seeing Glenview NAS markings. Squadron has vacuformed canopies for the T-33 (about $2.50 IIR) and Verlinden (I think) has a nice detail set with resin and photo-etched parts. The update set is expensive, $35.00 US IIR, but it is very nice and complete. Enjoy your project. I seem to recall A-4 C Skyhawks at Glenview, as well as PV-2 Neptunes, in thre same timeframe that the TV-2s were there.
Thanks for the info–the info on detail kits will come in handy. I’m pretty sure it was a Monogram kit, though–Monogram was located in Morton Grove at that time, right next to Glenview. The reason I think it was the T-33 variant is that I clearly remember fighting with the multi-piece main gear doors (like those I see on photos of T-33s), and the T2V-1 had a simple door on the main gear. Glenview NAS had FJ4B (F-1E) Furies, T-34 Mentors (white and DayGlo), P2V (later SP2E) Neptunes, S-2F trackers, and at least one Twin Beech transport. Later, early A-4 Skyhawks replaced the Furies, and P-3 Orions replaced the Neptunes. The the Marines got some hump-backed Skyhawks (A-4M?E?). After a fatal Skyhawk crash in 1968 a few houses down from mine, movement began to gradually close down the base. Now it’s been completely redeveloped for housing, shopping, and community centers. BTW, a privately-operated Glenview NAS museum recently opened up on Lehigh Ave. on the east side of the base. I plan to visit next time I’m in Glenview. Maybe they’ll have the info I’m seeking.
Here is a little more info for you. The Navy ordered a small number of Lockheed P-80s and designated them TV-1s. They also ordered T-33s and designated them TV-2s which were used to do “jet” training as well as instrument flight training (under a hood).
The aircraft alluded to above was an upgraded T-33 that Lockheed built with an elevated rear seat, catapult attachments, beefed up landing gear, and an arresting hook. It was intended to be used for carrier qualifications training. This aircraft was designated the T2V-1, and the later designation was the T-1A. The aircraft does have the appearance of the T-33 but is noticably different. The Navy ordered 50 of these aircraft from Lockheed. I have not been able to find any referrence to an injection molded kit of this aircraft. The only 1/48th scale kit of the T-33/TV-2 was the Hawk kit untill Acadamy/Minicraft released its T-33.
I think I saw a resin molded kit of the T2V-1/T-1A somewhere but do not remember where. Monogram did release a 1/48th scale kit of the P-80/F-80 in the early 1980s or late 1970s. Do a google search using “Navy TV-2” and you will get numerous sites with pictures. Now if I can find Blue Angel decals for my T-33/TV-2 I can move forward with my build.
Acadmy kit #2185 T-33 Shooting Star, $26.00 US at retail but should be $20 to $23 if you shop around.
Squadron vacu-formed canopy SQ9633 $2.96 in the 05 catalogue, True Details cockpit set resin) TD49017 $8.96 in the same catalogue, Verlindedn detail set- resin cockpit and photo etched details VE0854 $35.86 same catalogue. Hope this helps.
Collectaire Models makes a resin kit of the T2V-1 in 1/48th scale. I did not look for the price, but it will be expensive. their kits have a good reputation but I have not worked on any so I cannot add a personal endorsement.