1/32 Bell X-1E "Little Joe"

[umtutsut]

Gang,

Here's the latest addition to my research aircraft collection: a 1/32 Bell X-1E built from Aaron's most excellent kit. I reduced the model to 1/32 from its original 1/26 scale. Some construction notes:

• The only way I could figure to do the natural metal control surfaces was to cut them off, paint, and then reattach them. Tedious, but it worked well.
• The fit of the rearmost spine section is dicey, IMO. You have to make a sharp peak at the aft end but a curve at the forward end. I wasn't exactly happy with how it turned out.
• I only added a few plastic bits, including the nose probe, propellant dump lines and stabilizing fins. The latter were added to the real aircraft for its last few flights.
• The "Little Joe" nose art and a couple other markings are...decals! I oversprayed the model with clear acrylic and had no issues putting the homemade decals on. "Little Joe" was painted on the real aircraft to honor the X-1E's major project pilt, Joe Walker.

Enjoy the view....

Les (The Voice of Authority -- VoiceofAuthority.net - The Voice Stylings of Les Dorr, Jr.)

[Paper Kosmonaut]

Hi Les, nice job you did there on one of the lesser known versions of the legendary X-1.

[MacSongLi]

I love the added details, and the painted metal surfaces really add to the model. Great work Les!

Gary

[dhanners]

Yet another fine piece of work!

[eatcrow2]

Excellent modeling, beautifully displayed!!

[hyair]

Very nice Bell X-1E. The added parts always make it looks better.
Well Done !

Yair