A couple of years ago, I proposed a group build dedicated to X-planes and prototypes. Unfortunately, I had to cancel due to health issues. Now I’m going to resurrect the proposal to see if anyone is interested. The conditions are pretty much the same.
I want to build!
This is a suggestion for a group build that’s out there. Build an aircraft (or vehicle) that did not get out of the prototype stage, or at least only a few were made. This could include the Valkyrie, the YF-12, the N-9M Flying Wing, the X-15, the NF-104A, YF-23, etc. Heck, even the Wright Flyer was experimental at one time! I’ve expanded it to include experimental vehicles of all types (tanks, cars, ships, monkeys…)
Builds are open to suggestions. Only kits that are under 50% completion considered. Builds will begin this autumn (dates are up in the air depending on interest) and last until whenever (its experimental, after all).
Please sign up below, and if enough people express an interest, we’ll see about funding this X-periment.
Yes, they were serious attempts to build an experimental aircraft. Do you happen to have either one of those as models? I know Anigrand made the XF-103.
I have lots of candidates for something like this, like 2 Douglas Skyrockets in 1/72.
My opinion on Anigrand is you better do your research before buying, some are naughty and others are nice. I have the XF-103 and XF-108 and they aren’t too bad.
I was reading up on the D-558-3. I wonder how the magnesium with copper leading edge would have held up under re-entry versus the ceramic tiles they used on the shuttle? Great unanswered questions!
My opinion regarding Anigrand is that their subjects are great, their execution less so. Their cockpits and gear wells are usually simplistic. If you treat their kits like a vac-form and bring your own details, they can look incredible.
Thei XF-103 is typical of their line. Panel lines are super heavy and a little wavy. Refilling and rescribing the trenches are in order. The wheel and missile wells are just boxes with a little strip detail. I don’t think the resin landing gear will hold up to the weight of the model over time.
The XF-103 is a fantastic looking beast though, and deserves a quality build up to showcase it’s 1950’s space age features.
It looks like there’s enough interest, so I’ll post up the official GB thread at the beginning of September. Right now, the GB will begin in the middle of October (unless someone has a better idea).
As of now, I have an X-1, an X-15, a D-558-2, and hopefully a Maus. I think that will about cover it. [:D]
As usual, try not to over-engineer something. I advise people to “keep it simple” (advice I sometimes don’t follow). Remember, the idea is to have fun!
The Me-509 certainly qualifies. I wonder if anyone makes a kit of the Japanese Yokosuka R2Y Keiun, a similar aircraft? That would make for a fine model for the Japanese Group Build.
FineMolds does make a R2Y1 Keiun in 1/72nd. Looks like a nice kit in the box. I’ve got one but it’s another thing that I haven’t gotten around to starting yet.
