JohnB

Calling this one completed. A fairly simple build with the only problem being some warpage of the forward fuselage halves. I decided to depict the Gilbert XF-120 as seen in "Toward the Unknown". I think it was a very cool looking airplane and it's too bad both prototypes were lost. Since the a/c depicted in the movie had the tail cone mod, which the kit didn't have, I had to scratch that using a couple of rocket bodies, putty and a lot of sanding/shaping. Nearly all the decals except for the "Gilbert XF-120" were from my decal stash. The "Gilbert XF-120" I made using my computer and laser printer. I used Alclad for most of the painting and some Mr. Color for the gray wing areas. I hope y'all like the results of my efforts! Let me recommend again to click on the 1st photo for best resolution and to view as a slide show.

Thanks Gaz. I agree about the warp. Now that the wings and engines are attached it's hardly noticeable. I'll be posting some RFI pics shortly.

Right now all it needs is a correct pitot tube which I will attach shortly.

Thanks!!! I've now got everything done except painting the canopy frame and attaching the gear doors. Should have it completed some time today.

Coming along well. Decaling nearly completed but still several more to apply.

Thanks Peter.

Me too Hubert. I've always liked the looks of it and watching it fly in the movie shows how maneuverable it really was. It's a shame they completely lost out to the Canberra. Sure would have been nice if they had bought a couple dozen or so.

Painting in progress. I plan to apply a couple of different shades of aluminum, etc. (I watched my disc of "Toward the Unknown" a couple of nights ago for a little "inspiration". LOL Some really outstanding flying sequences there!)

Thanks Paul. I feel like it will make a neat looking model. Something out of the usual, etc.

Priming with gloss light gray underway. When the top side is nice and dry it will be the undersides turn.

BUMMER!!!! Vacation from hell for sure. I hope you recover from Covid soon Bill!!!

Wings and tail section in place. Looking like a XF-120/XB-51 now. Weird looking airplane.

Coming along with it. Looks like something out of Star Wars LOL. Note that the tail section is just balanced on the rear fuselage for the photo.

Sounds like you made the right call on that 1/32 VAC kit. That would be a bear to build! Unfortunately there's nothing more I can do to unwarp the fuselage. You should have seen it before I corrected SOME of the warp! There was no way I could make the rear fuselage halves stay together and strait. I have a Mr. Coffee mug heater that keeps coffee warm. I laid the worst side piece on it for a bit and was able to "fix" the worst of it. I intend to keep on with the build just to see how it turns out LOL.

I just now looked at their site and will get a email from them when the kit is available. Looking at the box art it appears their kit depicts the XB-51 before the tail cone was added to the airplane. I was hoping it would be otherwise. 😧