Tamiya are probably the best known maker worldwide!
The Bell X-1 was the first of the US 'X-planes', experimental aircraft, and it was the first aircraft to break the sound barrier in 1947.
This model originated, in Japan, by Hobbyspot in 1989, but this boxing has been produced by Tamiya since 1998. Several other makers have produced the X-1, in 1/72 & other scales.
Standard Tamiya glossy box with nice boxart.
Sprue shots:
Identical sprues - one transparent, as interior details are provided...........................
Decals, a stand, and a ball bearing to prevent tailsitting ( it fits inside the front propellant tank )
Instructions - A4 fold out - line diagrams - very clear.
Several colour schemes, as well as the overall orange record breaker - colour referenced to Tamiya paints.....................
A few detail shots
Although there is some interior detail, it lacks any piping or wiring - so making the fuselage all transparent or half transparent will show the ( over ) simplified interior, I'd be inclined to mask off a few significant areas ( like round the rocket engine & the cockpit ) with irregular shaped masks, just to show the critical components. If you choose not to show the interior, this is a very simple model, and how good it looks will depend entirely on an immaculate finish. These aircraft were always spotless on the ground - definitely no weathering! The transparent parts may give a beginner some hesitation, but it's simple enough to be mastered.
Availability - hmmmm - some retailers have it in their catalogue, but none seem to have it in stock. Ebay & pre-owned sites do have it, but at wildly varying prices!
Dave
The Bell X-1 was the first of the US 'X-planes', experimental aircraft, and it was the first aircraft to break the sound barrier in 1947.
This model originated, in Japan, by Hobbyspot in 1989, but this boxing has been produced by Tamiya since 1998. Several other makers have produced the X-1, in 1/72 & other scales.
Standard Tamiya glossy box with nice boxart.
Sprue shots:
Identical sprues - one transparent, as interior details are provided...........................
Decals, a stand, and a ball bearing to prevent tailsitting ( it fits inside the front propellant tank )
Instructions - A4 fold out - line diagrams - very clear.
Several colour schemes, as well as the overall orange record breaker - colour referenced to Tamiya paints.....................
A few detail shots
Although there is some interior detail, it lacks any piping or wiring - so making the fuselage all transparent or half transparent will show the ( over ) simplified interior, I'd be inclined to mask off a few significant areas ( like round the rocket engine & the cockpit ) with irregular shaped masks, just to show the critical components. If you choose not to show the interior, this is a very simple model, and how good it looks will depend entirely on an immaculate finish. These aircraft were always spotless on the ground - definitely no weathering! The transparent parts may give a beginner some hesitation, but it's simple enough to be mastered.
Availability - hmmmm - some retailers have it in their catalogue, but none seem to have it in stock. Ebay & pre-owned sites do have it, but at wildly varying prices!
Dave
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