posted 08-06-2012 04:00 PM               

In his office hanging on the wall was his fantastic large X-15 model. He built one for the National Air and Space Museum and then made one for himself. Sadly, Gene passed away a year ago and someone took his molds and models to the Pomona Swap Meet and sold them for a fraction of their true worth.

I contacted the person who bought them and was able to get one X-15 that was not finished. So I've used the markings I created for my X-15 and used them on the model.

The model is accurate in terms of the overall dimensions and shape. The difference between this model and mine is the degree of accuracy and detail. My model is built using molds I made off the original wind tunnel model at Edwards, AFB. Also I try to show every detail down to the last rivet.

Many people who are collectors of aerospace models have been to Gene's shop and are familiar with his X-15. Since it was done for the National Air and Space Museum and he only built a few, this model would be worthy of any collection.