1/48 Classic Airframes Gloster Meteor T7

Gallery Article by Ulysses Almeida on Feb 28 2013

 

 

Brazil were the second major export customer for the Meteor taking delivery of 60 F8's and 10 T7 trainers which were designated the TF-7.  The Meteors were ordered in April 1947.  Interesting fact about the acquisition is that at the time Brazil was hard pressed for foreign currency so payment was made in the form of 15,000 tons of raw cotton.  This model shows the first paint scheme used.  I built it straight from the box, with the addition of the 3 handles, navigation lights and antennae.  Decals are FCM and the paint was just common silver paint. 

 

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The Meteors served with the 1st Fighter Aviation Group (1°/1° and 2°/1° GAvCa) at Santa Cruz, near Rio de Janeiro (This is the one I built) and the 1°/14° Aviation Group at Canoas, near Porto Alegre, in southern Brazil. The last flight of a TF-7 was made by FAB 4309 on October 7, 1971.

To extend their range they could also carry underwing drop tanks in addition to the standard ventral tank. Brazilian Meteors were also fitted with the Bendix AN/ARN-6 automatic direction finder in a housing on the fuselage spine in a similar position to that of RAAF Meteors in Korea.

Ulysses Almeida

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Photos and text © by Ulysses Almeida