IPMS-USA 2008 Convention Special 

Three expert craftsmen from IPMS Tidewater have teamed up to provide a very limited edition (25)  multi-media 1/72 scale model kit of the Langley developed HL-20 engineering research model. This kit builds into an attractive and unique addition to any real space collection. These kits will only be available at the IPMS-USA 2008 National Convention. Cost is $30 and all proceeds go to the club. 

Mastered by Ben Guenther – Nationally recognized, award-winning modeler and retired NASA Langley model maker

Casting by Ben Guenther & David Merriman – expert pattern maker noted for his studio model and RC submarine work

Decals by Bill Kluge – artist, modeler and convention graphics artist. 

Background on the HL-20

During the late 1980's NASA, Langley Research Center developed their entry for the Personnel Launch System. It was called the HL-20. (Horizontal Landing-20th type). Designed for manned orbital missions complementing the Space Shuttle, it was to have had a low operational cost and improved flight safety. A full scale engineering research model of the HL-20 was constructed for studying crew seating arrangements, habitability, equipment layout and crew ingress and egress. The engineering research model provided full external and interior definition of the HL-20 for studies at the Langley Research Center. 

Kit contents:

• 3 resin pieces (main body and two wings)

• 9 white metal pieces (main and nose gear/tires)

• 4 Styrene pieces (gear doors)

• Color decals (Alps printed, coated with Microscale Decal Film)

• Assembly, painting and decaling instructions

• NASA Fact sheet on HL-20

Completed model dimensions:

• length 5.7 inches

• height 2 inches

• span 4 inches

Click on images below to see larger images