Eagles Talon vacuform
XB-42 model in 1/72 scale : modelling report
The Douglas Mixmaster was a project started in 1944 to provide the USAAF with a fast, medium bomber. The aircraft has two counter rotating props at the tail with a sleek wing resulting in a very clean design. The aerodynamics were superior, enabling the XB-42 to attain 450 mph. The first flight was in 1944. The project was terminated in 1948 as engine problems could not be solved, although a XB-42 was flown with a jet engine in 1948.
The kit is a vacu-form model in 1/72 from "The Eagles Talon". It is an excellent kit although only comprising the basic airframe in plastic. Gear and details were made from rod and cart.
The kit's instructions are excellent and an example on how it should be: clear, good drawings, interesting information and history details.
The wheel wells were opened and boxed in, the doors being kept for later on.
The canopy with framing added from painted decals! The strips cut-out provide a clean result and fixation was done with varnish.
The nose area with bomber-aimer position. The crew got access through a ladder in the nose gear, the hatch on the right side being used to bail out in emergencies.
The propeller configuration at the
tail. The two counter rotating propellers gave the XB-42 a good performance
but the engines caused vibration and troubled the excellent design. The
props were made from spare ones as the kit provides only some "plastic
shapes"..
The model was airbrushed in plain silver
paint as no high gloss metal was obvious from photo's. Some details were
highlighted with different paint and the markings came from the spare box.
How good it is to keep everything you have from old kits!
.... at Muroc test base
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Created November 26, 2000