Temco TT-1, 4-View
May 1957 American Modeler

May 1957 American Modeler Table of Contents These pages from vintage modeling magazines like Flying Aces, Air Trails, American Modeler, American Aircraft Modeler, Young Men, Flying Models, Model Airplane News, R/C Modeler, captured the era. All copyrights acknowledged.

Walter M. Jefferies, Jr., was one of the premier illustrators for model aircraft magazines in the era that this 4-view drawing of the Temco TT−1 "Pinto" jet appeared in American Modeler magazine. The Pinto was designed to be a rugged military trainer. Temco (Texas Engineering & Manufacturing Company ) was in competition with Cessna Aircraft's T−37 "Tweet" ( an embarrassing name) which we all know by now based on its familiarity won the bid. Once you have heard the loud, extremely high pitched sound of the T−37 sitting on the tarmac, you'll never forget it. A primary difference between the two airplanes is that the Pinto was a tandem seating arrangement, while the Tweet was side-by-side. I would have given a month's pay when I was in the USAF to be able to get a ride in a T−37. Of course month's pay for a non-NCO airman back in the 1970's was a pittance, so it would have been a cheap ride.

Temco TT-1

Scale Presentations by Walter M. Jefferies Jr.

Temco's Model 51 is first primary jet trainer purchased by any U.S. military service; Navy's slick little plane will carry designation "TT-1". Has maximum speed of 285 knots, cruises at 235 knots. Plane is unrestricted for all conventional aerobatic maneuvers. Sustained aerobatics are given wide allowable speed range by high max dive speed of 450 knots. Rate of climb, 1,900 feet-per-min; service ceiling, 30,000'. Landing approach speed, 70-75 knots with comparatively docile stall speed, power oft, 63 knots. For stability in getting on-off deck, has hydraulic-retract tricycle landing gear. Wing flaps and speed brakes hydraulic-operated. Student and instructor seat in tandem. Essential controls are duplicated in rear cockpit for instructor. Visibility enhanced by large 1-piece plexiglass clamshell canopy. Has liquid-type oxygen system. Built ruggedly to take rough treatment normally imposed on primary trainers.

Posted February 4, 2023