Author
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Topic: Market interest in X-15 desktop models
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Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 02-13-2017 03:09 PM
As part of a project I'm working on to create a small expo that uses models, drawings, pics, tools and parts to show the evolution of American Aerospace and the Design Methodology used, I'm developing items to be used for fundraising.I'd like to see if there would be interest in 1/40 scale desktop X-15 models in all the variants. They would be produced in limited numbers, would use my detailed decals that show all the rivets, panel lies, markings and such. Clear cockpit window with the pilots head but it wont open and the gear is retracted. It would have moving control surfaces and be the most accurate X-15 desktop produced. Cost would be between $400 to $700 depending on which vehicle. Probably no more than 50 of each version. And there's about eight different versions starting with the design that won the competition all the way to the orbital X-15 and the X-15D, the one pic wonder. What do you guys think? |
David C Member Posts: 1014 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
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posted 02-13-2017 03:32 PM
I'm interested but at those prices I'd not be looking at getting the whole set, probably just a couple. I'd really want ship 3 with no ventral marked for Joe Walker's last two flights.To me 1/40 is a weird scale and seriously detracts. What about a more conventional scale like 1/48? |
Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 02-13-2017 03:39 PM
That's another question... scale.1/40 is more common for contractor models so they would fit in with your Topping X-15 or your NAA X-15. And for those who want the bigger models, I have my 1/40th XB-70 that could mount the X-15A-3! The price is high because it's a fundraising item. Each model could be personalized or modified slightly. |
mode1charlie Member Posts: 1169 From: Honolulu, HI Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 02-13-2017 10:56 PM
I second David's comment about 1/48. I'm interested, but would be much more interested if they're in scale with my other 1/48 models. |
moonguyron Member Posts: 191 From: Trinity, FL USA Registered: Jan 2011
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posted 02-15-2017 01:48 PM
I too would like to see the 1:48th scale. In that case sign me up for at least one model to hang below my 1:48th scale B-52, Balls 3. |
cspg Member Posts: 6210 From: Geneva, Switzerland Registered: May 2006
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posted 02-15-2017 02:00 PM
1:48 (or 1:32) scale for me too. Where on Earth did you get 1:48 B-52? How big is it? I would love one in 1:72. |
Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 02-16-2017 01:23 PM
I have two 32nd scale B-52's available, Gene Young's version and mine, mine was built using CAD from Boeing through NASA.The reason for 40th scale is that the collectors these would be marketed to mainly collect contractor models and they are usually in metric scales, 15, 30, 40, 50 an 100. Early NASA models and model kits however were English. Contract model collectors seem to have more disposable income so I'm just being pragmatic. The scale models are more detailed and available. Also I was a NASA contractor along with the company I plan on working with so they have some value there... I think this is why the Fine Art Models P-51 is $15k and 15th scale vs. 16... 32nd scale is one that seems to be the most common between the two. And that might be an option, its just the mold cost goes much higher. |
moonguyron Member Posts: 191 From: Trinity, FL USA Registered: Jan 2011
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posted 02-17-2017 04:03 PM
quote: Originally posted by cspg: Where on Earth did you get 1:48 B-52?
The 1:48th scale B-52 was commissioned thru a Philippine company that makes custom models in wood. It has a 45 inch wingspan. Lots of problems with it as it was not a typical model. I had to do the notch for the X-15 tail and the pylon myself. Being a model builder I could fix other problems too. Turned out good and has an X-15 model hanging below the pylon to replicate Joe Walkers altitude setting flight to 354,000 feet. |
David C Member Posts: 1014 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
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posted 02-25-2017 11:55 PM
quote: Originally posted by Retro Rocket: 32nd scale is one that seems to be the most common between the two. And that might be an option, its just the mold cost goes much higher.
I'd be interested in that, depending on detail, features and price. |
Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 02-27-2017 02:15 PM
If it was 1/32nd scale and had an opening cockpit and movable control surfaces, it would probably be in the $300-$450 range depending on which vehicle and configuration. If it just had the moving control surfaces that would lower the cost by $75. It would still have clear windows but the canopy would be closed and all you'd see inside is the pilot's head. The prices would be the same for almost every scale 1/32nd and under. A 1/24th model would double the cost. Any input would be appreciated. I'm trying to avoid any overseas production. |
mode1charlie Member Posts: 1169 From: Honolulu, HI Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 02-27-2017 04:11 PM
Sorry, not to be a spoilsport but 1:32 is a little large for my taste. I just don't have the space to display it. |
David C Member Posts: 1014 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
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posted 02-27-2017 04:17 PM
1/32 is my preferred scale, I'd take three or four. Out of curiosity, would the opening canopy option also feature gear down?1/48 is OK, but I'd buy less, one or two. |
Kevmac Member Posts: 267 From: College Station, TX Registered: Apr 2003
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posted 02-27-2017 06:27 PM
Could you provide length and wingspan dimensions for 32nd and 48th scales? Also can the gear be displayed up or down on the different scales? You're going to get many different opinions, but while you asked for them, my desire would be greater detail in the model and markings and less in the opening hatch and movable control services. The cost to detail the cockpit with an open hatch will certainly drive up the cost and I don't think I'll be "flying" it around the house so don't need the control services moving. Guess I'm asking for a typical desktop model with no features but really nice outside detail. And agree that 32nd might be too large for us people with normal house space. Thanks much. |
Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 02-28-2017 01:34 AM
Thanks for the feedback! I could do both scales, but I don't know if the gear down would be a good option, at those scales the rear skids would be really delicate. |
David C Member Posts: 1014 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
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posted 02-28-2017 02:19 AM
quote: Originally posted by Retro Rocket: ...at those scales the rear skids would be really delicate.
That's what I figured. In that case I wouldn't want an opening canopy. Clear windows and pilot yes, but opening, no.Moving controls would be nice, not to fly round my house, but the accurate depiction of some notable X-15 events requires that control surfaces are not in the neutral position. Also, as these are "all moving" surfaces, I believe it can be done without making the model with out of scale gaps etc. |
Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 03-02-2017 03:25 PM
I can make pretty accurate scale gaps and the moving control surfaces isn't a problem as the are separate castings to start. I had moving surfaces on my 100th scale X-33's for NASA with almost zero gap. the flaps were cast into the wings but they had mold reklease and steel wire for the pins so all I had to do was a slight trim with an Xacto and move them up and down, worked every time! |
mode1charlie Member Posts: 1169 From: Honolulu, HI Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 06-26-2017 03:03 AM
Any progress or decisions on this project? |
Philip Member Posts: 5952 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 06-27-2017 09:24 AM
A white version of the X-15 would be awesome among a collection of scale NASA aircraft... |
Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 06-27-2017 11:15 PM
Nothing yet just planning on doing one high fidelity model of the A2 in white in 1/16th scale for the upcoming anniversary. |
Philip Member Posts: 5952 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 04-28-2019 01:27 PM
50th anniversary passed unnoticed although I did some articles and blog posts on the use of the Accutron "Astronaut" wristwatch by the X-15 test pilots.It looks like Topping only made "regular" paint scheme scale models of the X-15 as I never saw a Topping model with the yellow NASA band on the tail. YouTube has the Joe Engle X-15 Experiences talk where he uses a nice X-15 scale model. Anyone who has the details on that model? |
Philip Member Posts: 5952 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 04-30-2019 02:07 PM
The model used by Engle might be the 1/32 SilentThunder or a repainted Topping scale model?Anyway this June 8, 2019 we'll celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first free (glide) flight of the X-15 rocket plane and on September 17, 2019 60 years since the first powered X-15 flight... |
Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 04-30-2019 07:43 PM
Yep, it looks about 1/32. |