"X-plane"
X-4 MPM model in 1/72 scale
The X-4 was one of the American X-planes flown in the end nineteen-forties and early fifties. It was to the test the tailless aircraft design and also the higher MACH speed region. It was unreliable through its systems, fuel leakages and it was later decided after a number of test flights to stop the program. The second prototype was also scrapped.
The MPM
kit in 1./72 scale is really nice of this very small plane. It has all
the parts needed and has a good decal sheet.
The small intake is done nicely with
a boundary layer fence. You also get some smaller resin parts for the antennas
and wing fences.
The cockpit
was detailed with some sprue and card, the seat headrest was made smaller;
otherwise it will not fit inside the canopy. The canopy hatch as provided
in the kit can be set open, hinged to the rear. It is a bit thick but nothing
can be done about that except filing the edges somewhat thinner.
.
Also the small main undercarriage bays were boxed in with card. The rear exhaust pipes were drilled open and the gaps saw in of the rudder and ailerons.
The remaining
small gaps were filled through a "special trick":
- fill the
gaps carefully with body putty (e.g from Tamiya)
- let dry for
10 minutes
- get an old
shirt or thick paper tissue
- dip a small
portion of the shirt/tissue into NAIL POLISH REMOVER
- remove the
excess putty from the model
- repeat until
you get a nice smooth result, with fresh parts of the shirt with plenty
of REMOVER.
So you get a good gap filling result with NO SANDING REQUIRED!
The X-4 kit
will be given an overall white gloss color with high visibility markings
later on.
The decals are very good but thin. X-4 NACA 6677 was chosen and also as final touch the canopy was set in an open position. As the weight of the aft part of the model is large... I still had to use a small "pogo stick" to prevent a tail sitter...
The model is only about
3 inches long and very small!
Note the added details in the cockpit...
from strip and sprue. Cute, isn't she?
Reference: X-planes, Jay Miller, Aerofax
.
(c) Copyright Meindert "designer"/ All rights reserved. Your comments are welcomed by webmaster
Created January 16, 2003