1/72 Bell X-1 (Tamiya)
Discussion
This is one I found part built whilst rummaging through the stash. I think it must have been started around 20 years ago and then abandoned. I'd forgotten all about it but decided it was worth reviving. The main wheels have gone missing so I'll be completing in a wheels-up "in flight" pose.
I plan to finish it in the all white scheme it wore when being operated by the NACA.
I plan to finish it in the all white scheme it wore when being operated by the NACA.
ecsrobin said:
That seems a very basic model. How many parts are involved in the build?
Depends how you paint it - it's got internal detail and a transparent fuselage:
Or you can just paint the transparent bits, in which case as you say it is a very simple kit - probably less than 20 pars including undercarriage.
Builds into a nice model - Typical Tamiya you even get a steel ball bearing as a nose weight/oxygen tank. My example was done about 25 years ago before I got modellers OCD, but it's one of the few old builds that I still have on my shelves.
It's a nice little kit although mine has suffered from 20 years of part built neglect - so it will be nothing like Dr Grn's.
Mine will be white in an inflight pose with no internal detail.
The reason I'm building it is to get a representative selection of NASA/NACA aircraft form my collection - and to help populate the NASA SIG stand at Telford next November.
On Saturday, I retrieved from my stash the Special Hobby Bell X-1E which might be a good follow up to the Tamiya X-1.
In actual fact, the Tamiya X-1 I am finishing off is the exact same airframe as the X-1E (46-063). Bell rebuilt 063 as the X-1E after the programme lost two second generation X-1s to explosions.
Mine will be white in an inflight pose with no internal detail.
The reason I'm building it is to get a representative selection of NASA/NACA aircraft form my collection - and to help populate the NASA SIG stand at Telford next November.
On Saturday, I retrieved from my stash the Special Hobby Bell X-1E which might be a good follow up to the Tamiya X-1.
In actual fact, the Tamiya X-1 I am finishing off is the exact same airframe as the X-1E (46-063). Bell rebuilt 063 as the X-1E after the programme lost two second generation X-1s to explosions.
Doesn't look too bad - maybe the flat white hides some mischief?
Aah, zoomed in and agree it is a bit rough in places, plus the decal film has yellowed on the Xs.
I do like the transparent variation; is it this kit?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/U-S-Bell-X-1-Mach-Buster/d...
There's a drawer at my parents' house full of horrors from 30 years ago. The worst was a Sabre; I'd really like to strip it and have another go sometime - any idea where I'd be able to get hold of replacement decals? Can't remember the kit manufacturer but it was almost certainly 1:72 and had the position of the USAF insignia outlined in raised detail on the fuselage.
Aah, zoomed in and agree it is a bit rough in places, plus the decal film has yellowed on the Xs.
I do like the transparent variation; is it this kit?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/U-S-Bell-X-1-Mach-Buster/d...
There's a drawer at my parents' house full of horrors from 30 years ago. The worst was a Sabre; I'd really like to strip it and have another go sometime - any idea where I'd be able to get hold of replacement decals? Can't remember the kit manufacturer but it was almost certainly 1:72 and had the position of the USAF insignia outlined in raised detail on the fuselage.
sad61t said:
There's a drawer at my parents' house full of horrors from 30 years ago. The worst was a Sabre; I'd really like to strip it and have another go sometime - any idea where I'd be able to get hold of replacement decals? Can't remember the kit manufacturer but it was almost certainly 1:72 and had the position of the USAF insignia outlined in raised detail on the fuselage.
If you go to Hannants website, and do a search for 1:72 Sabre decals, you'll find loads of options.If you want the originals, and know the make of the kit, you could ask on Britmodeller. From the sound of it it's an old kit, so any original decals would probably be yellowed and brittle anyway. You'd probably be better spending a few quid and starting with a new kit TBH, unless there is some sentimental value in restoring it.
It has arrived, just in time for the bank holiday weekend. Came from Jadlam Models and properly packed with a decent cardboard outer wrapper to protect the box.Couldn't resist a quick look inside and there are two fuselage/canopy sprues, one transparent and one normal grey plastic; another sprue of internal detail that looks really crisp (and delicate); plus a big ball-bearing for nose weight masquerading as a nitrogen tank. Think all the instructions are in Japanese, though I've not unfolded them.
sad61t said:
; plus a big ball-bearing for nose weight masquerading as a nitrogen tank.
The ball bearing ballast fits inside the forward oxidiser tank (behind the cockpit). The nitrogen tank in front of the cockpit is just a plastic sphere. I remember initially thinking that it was the nitrogen tank, but it's too big. I don't think a small version would have been heavy enough.
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