Hello all.
This
recent submission is one of my favorite experimental aircraft ,though its history
is troubled and tragic. The development of this "X" plane was long and
difficult ,requiring over ten years from its conception in 1945 to its final
flight in 1956. In that time span the X-2 logged only twenty glide and
powered flights, reaching the pinnacle of its development with Capt. Milburn G.
Apt's record breaking Mach 3.196 run in September of 1956. Sadly, seconds after
reaching that speed Capt. Apt lost control of the X-2 in a phenomenon known as
'inertial coupling', with the aircraft rotating around all three axes.
Although he
was able to initiate the first part of the escape sequence (separating the
cockpit from the rest of the aircraft), he was unable to bail out of the cockpit
and was killed. This marked the end of the X-2 program.
Click on
images below to see larger images
This kit shares many
similarities with the real X-2, for building it is difficult and time
consuming. Its low pressure injection molded parts, while accurate in shape
and dimension, are very thick and require a lot of cleanup. The mismatch
between the wing root and the assembled wing halves is the worst
area. Getting the vacuformed canopy to blend smoothly with the fuselage was
another problem spot. Be prepared to get friendly with your many sanding
mediums. The decals seemed a bit large, but laid down nicely with some
setting and solvent solutions. The white metal seat and instrument panel
and the resin cockpit tub have a minimum of detail, so be prepared to
scratch build if you're going to display the cockpit open.
The big plus of
this kit is the beautiful white metal trolley that is included to display
the aircraft. The other advantage is the price, when
compared to the Collectaire resin kit of the same scale at 90 USD. Also, I think
it looks great sitting next to my Special Hobby X-15-A2. So, if you're up for a
challenge and you want a 1/48 X-2 on your shelf, give this kit a try...
P.S. The
final picture is of another project I was working on at about the same time as
the X-2. It is a Revell 1/96 Apollo CSM Modified to Block II configuration.
Vince
Click on
image below to see larger image
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