X-15 in 1/72nd scale

[dhanners]

I wanted to build a model with a low parts count that would be a relatively relaxing and straightforward one-day project. I’ve seen Henry Yuen’s X-15 in our downloads section for a few years so I decided to give it a try.

The model is 1/87th scale, but I resized it to 1/72nd. Henry’s model is of 66670, the first X-15, and is in “generic” markings. It is the later XLR-99-engined version of 66670, and I wanted to backdate it to the XLR-11 version.

The change required extending the rear fuselage a couple of millimeters, which I did with some black cardstock. The XLR-11 engines (there were actually two of them) were then scratchbuilt out of card.

I shortened the model’s ventral vertical stabilizer by a couple of millimeters; the model has it the same size as the upper stabilizer, but the ventral stabilizer is actually shorter.

Other changes and alterations were made throughout. I toned down some of the panel lines with a dark gray marker. It turned into a two-day project, and I still need to fashion a stand for the model.

This is one of those models that makes me want to learn how to repaint. The X-15s carried a variety of markings, particularly on the upper vertical stabilizer and wings. It would be cool to model some of those different versions.

[aansorge]

Try it! Copy the plans and change the name of the file. What can possibly go wrong?

[dhanners]

Originally Posted by aansorge

Try it! Copy the plans and change the name of the file. What can possibly go wrong?

I’m not quite sure how to interpret that....

[aansorge]

Originally Posted by dhanners

I’m not quite sure how to interpret that....

just pointing out the obvious; work on a backup, not the original copy. That way you only (!) loose the hundreds of hours spent learning and trial and error.

[dhanners]

Originally Posted by aansorge

just pointing out the obvious; work on a backup, not the original copy. That way you only (!) loose the hundreds of hours spent learning and trial and error.

Thanks for the tip.