1:72 X-1E

Bell X-1E 1:72

An injection-molded plastic kit of the American experimental rocket aircraft Bell X-1E in 1:72 scale. The model is supplied as an unassembled and unpainted set of parts to be glued and varnished. The exact contents of the package, the number of parts and the choice of marking options are given on the sheet enclosed in the box.

The real subject

The Bell X-1E was the last stage of development of the pioneering X-1 series — the machines with which American research first broke and then systematically studied supersonic flight. The X-1E came about by rebuilding one of the original X-1 airframes and received a new, thinner wing, turbine-driven fuel pumps and a characteristic wedge-shaped windscreen. It was powered by a liquid-propellant rocket engine. The machine flew in the second half of the 1950s exclusively within the research program of the American aeronautics agency of the time, and its task was to collect data on high speeds and aerodynamics. Operations were ended by fatigue in the airframe structure.

Building and painting tips

First clean the parts of their sprue stubs and excess plastic, glue them with a thin modeling cement for plastic and sand the joints down once dry. Before varnishing it pays to spray the surface with a primer, which unifies the base and reveals imperfections. The striking orange, or rather glossy, color schemes of the X research machines come out best with an airbrush; a glossy surface is enhanced by subsequent polishing and a coat of varnish. The small lettering and markings are carried by water-slide decals.

Who the model is for

• for collectors of aircraft and rocket hardware and lovers of the era of the X research aircraft
• for modelers who will appreciate an unconventional, elegant subject from the beginnings of supersonic flight
• for more advanced beginners and experienced builders in the popular 1:72 scale

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.