Author
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Topic: Retro Rocket model build: 1:15 X-15 rocketplane
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Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 03-17-2014 05:06 PM
I'm almost done with my 1:15 scale X-15. This is the first model of the X-15 that I've built that's not the A2 or A3. This one will be finished as it appears hanging at the National Air and Space Museum in DC. At this point there's still the application of the silvering to make the model look just like steel. And the last thing I do is put on the fragile details like the pitot tubes and tail pipes.With each model I build I add more 3D printed/mastered parts. The next A2 that I'm currently working on will have a full cockpit and landing gear, I'm also working on a stand alone XLR-99 stripped of all the tiny tubes and wires so you can actually see the major components. Two things are helping make this possible. I signed an agreement with Xtremeprototypes to use their CAD models created for their amazing X-15 flight sim. You can fly an entire mission and all the switches/systems are simmed. I also got a copy of the XLR-99 engine manual and that has drawings and illustrations never seen befeore and I'm using that for the engine model. I've created a 2D decal layout that covers about 80% of the model including the nose. I'm using a "trompe l'oeil" process for the textured chines. Once I have this really worked out I'll be able to offer the layout in 1:32 scale. You'll still need to put on a few rows of rivets, but not the entire model. |
apolloprojeckt Member Posts: 1447 From: Arnhem, Netherlands Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 03-17-2014 05:31 PM
Very nice!! A top piece. |
Norman.King Member Posts: 375 From: Herne Bay, Kent, UK Registered: Feb 2010
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posted 03-18-2014 03:13 AM
Beautiful. |
AussiePete Member Posts: 104 From: Adelaide, South Australia Registered: Jan 2014
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posted 03-18-2014 06:14 AM
That looks great. |
Jurg Bolli Member Posts: 977 From: Albuquerque, NM Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 03-18-2014 10:08 AM
Great plane, great model! |
moonguyron Member Posts: 191 From: Trinity, FL USA Registered: Jan 2011
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posted 03-18-2014 02:06 PM
It keeps getting better, if that's possible. We have talked before. Is this model for sale? |
Gilbert Member Posts: 1328 From: Carrollton, GA USA Registered: Jan 2003
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posted 03-18-2014 03:32 PM
Great model! |
history in miniature Member Posts: 600 From: Slatington, PA Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 03-18-2014 04:56 PM
That is simply stunning, photoshop it and I'd swear it was real!! |
Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 03-18-2014 06:24 PM
Thank you! I try to improve each model thru the details and the processes. My goal is to have the most accurate CAD and 3D X-15 model available. If everything works out I'll be able to do a book similar to Sullivan's "Virtual Apollo/LEM" on the X-15. Michelle Evans is a good friend and she's already gotten me some great connections to do this. I can get the story on how many of the X-15's systems were designed and built! I also want it to be a definitive resource for model builders. On the 3D side, the CAD would be used to do a large scale complete cutaway model I'd like to donate to NASM and have displayed on the second level right near 66670. These are for sale but they take a good part of a year to build, mainly because I'm disabled and slooowww. The A2 I'm building for one of the collector's here will have the cockpit and landing gear along with the XLR-99. I don't know if I'll be building another white A2 or an X-15 without the cockpit, etc.. |
Skyforce1 Member Posts: 200 From: Vineland NJ, USA Registered: Aug 2009
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posted 03-19-2014 11:13 PM
WOW! Absolutely outstanding! That's a work of art that should be in a museum. Breathtaking! |
Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 09-01-2014 09:02 PM
I'm almost done I just need to add a few details like the pitots and tail pipes. I save those for last because they are the most fragile. Also the tip pods need to be added.The look I'm after for this model is something that looks like the real vehicle and the model itself looks like it's been around for a while. Although it doesn't look much different than it did six months ago, more work went into it in that time than it did to build to that point. I developed a few new 2D layouts and getting those to fit on a compound surface like the nose cose is difficult, I think I've applied the nose decals at least three times before I was satisfied. The metallic finish is something that doesn't come thru in the pics at all, but it looks good up close. I'm working on an A2 with a detailed coclpit and landing gear. It's a lot of CAD work but once it's done the printed parts should make a pretty neat model. The printed parts are small and fragile so molding and casting would be harder than just printing each one. Also molds only make sense if I do more than five of something. What I'd like to do is make a 1/18th scale model that would be finished. A 1/12th scale master could be made to be used as a pantograph master. I know that's old school but it still works well. Then I could make the 1/12th scale model that I want to donate to the National Air and Space Museum in time for the new gallery. |
Norman.King Member Posts: 375 From: Herne Bay, Kent, UK Registered: Feb 2010
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posted 09-03-2014 01:39 AM
That's a stunningly detailed and beautiful model. Are you sure you didn't use a ray gun and shrink the real thing |
rjurek349 Member Posts: 1190 From: Northwest Indiana Registered: Jan 2002
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posted 09-03-2014 04:20 AM
Absolutely stunning. I am a big x-15 fan, and that model is beautiful. Thanks for sharing! |
albatron Member Posts: 2732 From: Stuart, Florida Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 09-03-2014 08:48 AM
Wow. Simply WOW! Congrats, a fine job! |
onesmallstep Member Posts: 1310 From: Staten Island, New York USA Registered: Nov 2007
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posted 09-03-2014 09:45 AM
Great looking model showing skill and attention to detail! The ultimate 'finishing touch' would be to get Gen. Engle to sign the base, as he flew that particular X-15 seven times. |
Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 09-03-2014 12:17 PM
Thanks everyone! Some of you know my situation and that's one factor in why these take sooo long to build.I need to contact Gen. Engle and see if he'd sign a few models. I'll have a 1/50 shuttle that's available as a full stack or on the SCA, and the 1/15th X-15. I could also do just the shuttle with the X-15 in 1/50, that might make a nice set. I'm going this week to talk about making the 1/18th model as a finished model like the Blue Box and 21st Century models. I know sometimes they can be toy like, but I'd make sure this one would be as accurate as possible. |
Lou Chinal Member Posts: 1306 From: Staten Island, NY Registered: Jun 2007
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posted 09-03-2014 03:22 PM
Just as a side note; there was on display an X-15 model at the 1964-65 New York World's Fair. It was pretty big, 1/2 scale I think. Armstrong had signed it in white paint. I often wonder what happened to it? |
Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 09-19-2014 02:22 PM
Done! |
Jurg Bolli Member Posts: 977 From: Albuquerque, NM Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 09-19-2014 02:36 PM
I am speechless! |
SpaceAholic Member Posts: 4437 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-19-2014 03:15 PM
Agreed; magnificent. |
apolloprojeckt Member Posts: 1447 From: Arnhem, Netherlands Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 09-20-2014 08:24 AM
Great work!!
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Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 10-16-2014 10:23 PM
Delivered! Now it's at it's new home with the three smaller siblings I built a few years ago. |
Rick Mulheirn Member Posts: 4167 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 10-17-2014 09:16 AM
Awesome! |
keymichael1855 Member Posts: 176 From: Virginia Beach, VA, USA Registered: Feb 2012
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posted 10-17-2014 10:11 PM
JP, that is gorgeous- very well done!!! What is the length of the finished model? The other ones look like miniatures compared to the 1:15 scale version! |
Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 10-20-2014 12:47 AM
The model is about 42" long if you measured it from the tip of nose to the end of the tail pipes. Thanks to all for the compliment. I asked for an appraisal, when I find out I'll let you know. |