1:87 scale North AmericanX-15

[hjlyuen]

I can still remember discussing the X-15 when I was in grade school. The subject was the change from a needle to a blunt nose. I can’t remember where I got the information (Weekly Reader? Science in Action?) but it was the latest news in the space race. I thought about building a model of the X-15 ever since. After all these years, I finally had a chance to do something about it.

When I started work 9 months ago, I could not find any free paper models of the X-15 at that time. A couple of weeks ago, I discovered that the X-15 model on Fiddlers Green is now available for free. Too late, I already designed and unfolded a model in 1:87 scale using Sketchup and line drawings that I found on the internet. At the very least, I wanted to include in my design what looked like the Whitcomb area rule. This is where the chines were slimmed down where the wings are located. It is barely noticeable at 1:87 scale but I am pleased to been able to reproduce the area rule in a paper model. Nevertheless, I am puzzled because the area rule is important in reducing drag between Mach 0.75 and 1.2 but the X-15 flew much faster than that and the problem NASA was trying to solve was atmospheric re-entry, not level supersonic flight.

Anyway, the model was painted using Adobe Illustrator. It was a bit confusing with 3 aircraft, many modifications and countless paint schemes. In the end I decided to copy the version that is in the Smithsonian Museum but without the wing tip pods because I could always find photos from all angles on the internet.

The attached photos will walk a builder through the steps. As a way of giving back to paper model community, I am sharing a pdf file with all of the parts.

[dhanners]

Beautiful job, and thanks for offering the model! I've always loved the look of the X-15. I've been trying to talk Ken West into backdating his great X-15 because I want to model 66670, the first X-15.

[MacSongLi]

Looks like a great little model, very nice work. Thank you so much, I look forward to seeing more of your work.

Gary

[chicharrero]

Big thanks, hjlyuen, for sharing this little gem.

[Leif Ohlsson]

That is one very detailed model for the fine scale of 1:87! Very interesting to read about you designing it in Sketchup and then developing the unfolded parts in Illustrator. The obvious impact of good research is inspiring! - Leif

[Mike1158]

Wow, a real pocket rocket, pun not intended. Thanks very much.

[richkat]

VERY COOL, the X-15 has always been my favorite plane of all time. Thanks for this great little model.....Rich

[Paper Kosmonaut]

Very nice. Great design work, hjlyuen. Thanks for sharing!