Revell 1/32 Bell X-1 (Glamorous Glennis)

[RalphSarc]

Aces High Basement Air Force FB Group Build Entry.
Revell 1/32 Bell X-1 Glamorous Glennis!

On October 14, 1947, the Bell X-1 became the first airplane to fly faster than the speed of sound. Piloted by U.S. Air Force Capt. Charles E. "Chuck" Yeager, the X-1 reached a speed of 1,127 kilometers (700 miles) per hour, Mach 1.06, at an altitude of 13,000 meters (43,000 feet). Yeager named the airplane "Glamorous Glennis" in tribute to his wife.

Air-launched at an altitude of 7,000 meters (23,000 feet) from the bomb bay of a Boeing B-29, the X-1 used its rocket engine to climb to its test altitude. It flew a total of 78 times, and on March 26, 1948, with Yeager at the controls, it attained a speed of 1,540 kilometers (957 miles) per hour, Mach 1.45, at an altitude of 21,900 meters (71,900 feet). This was the highest velocity and altitude reached by a manned airplane up to that time.

[Peterpools]

Awesome for sure and will be onboard for the build. 

[BlrwestSiR]

Looking forward to seeing what's involved with the build. 

I started this kit but haven't gotten past engraving some of the panel lines. 

 

[RalphSarc]

3 hours ago, BlrwestSiR said:

Looking forward to seeing what's involved with the build. 

I started this kit but haven't gotten past engraving some of the panel lines. 

 

Not sure how far I’ll go with it either. I built this kit 13 years ago so looking forward to building it again at my present skill set!

[RalphSarc]

Completed step 1 assembling the rocket motor.
Since it will never be seen once the fuselage is closed up I’m going to present it as a stand alone next to the X-1. That way I can do some painting using actual pictures as a reference.

[RalphSarc]

Complete step 2 assembling the cockpit. My first build years ago was a wheels up version. This time I’m building it wheels down with the cockpit hatch open minus the pilot showing off the cockpit interior.
I was unable to find any PE cockpit parts including harness however I think I have enough old parts and decals to really do the cockpit justice this time around!!

[RalphSarc]

I rummaged around my leftover decal bag and found a few things I can use to add interest to the cockpit!! Even found some cloth seatbelts!!! 

 

[RalphSarc]

Priming the cockpit and rocket motor with Stynylrez.

[RalphSarc]

The instructions suggest paining the cockpit interior grey but the Smithsonian pictures clearly show it’s a military green color. Almost looks like a Tamiya XF-13 JA Green or XF-61 Dark Green.

 

[BlrwestSiR]

Looks like a Dull Dark Green to me. 

Nice progress too.

[RalphSarc]

Sprayed an undercoating of XF-16 Flat Aluminum so I can spray with hairspray then paint with XF-13 JA Green to add some chipping and scratch details.

[Peterpools]

Nice progress on the X-1. Completely agree with Carl, the interior does look like Dark Dull Green. 

 

[RalphSarc]

After letting the hairspray dry while I ran to HomeDepot I over coated the cockpit with a base of XF-13 which compared to pictures is pretty darn close I think. 
might do some shading using Dark Green XF-61.

[RalphSarc]

I’m also going to use my Artistro Acrylic Paint Pen Set to highlight as many cockpit switches as possible.

[Peterpools]

Ralph Nice progress and the Artistro Acrylic Paint Pen Set sounds more then interesting. When you are using it, how about a mini-how too, would be much appreciated.  

[RalphSarc]

2 hours ago, Peterpools said:

Ralph Nice progress and the Artistro Acrylic Paint Pen Set sounds more then interesting. When you are using it, how about a mini-how too, would be much appreciated.  

Thanks Peter. The Artistro Acrylic Pens are a game changer when adding fine detail. I highlighted all the X-1 cockpit switches plus I used it exclusively to paint and highlight the X-1 rocket engine.

[RalphSarc]

Something new for me. Did some scratch building behind the pilots seat to add some interest rather than a blank bulkhead. The reference photo clearly shows equipment mounted there!

[RalphSarc]

Did a bit a shadow shading using XF-61 Dark Green.

[RalphSarc]

Worked of and on all afternoon detailing the X-1 cockpit. While slightly embellished I think it has plenty of interest especially with the hatch open.

[Peterpools]

Ralph

Some mighty nice work in the front office - detailing and weathering look spot on the money. 

[RalphSarc]

1 hour ago, Peterpools said:

Ralph

Some mighty nice work in the front office - detailing and weathering look spot on the money. 

Oh thanks Peter. I’m enjoying building the kit a second time using my current skill set. I’m essentially a Dark Side kit builder now however I do enjoy the odd aircraft build one in a while. The X-1 is for a FB group build over at The Basement Air Force.

[shark64]

Such a great subject. Been following your progress.

[RalphSarc]

1 hour ago, shark64 said:

Such a great subject. Been following your progress.

Oh thanks. I hope you’ve enjoyed it.

[RalphSarc]

With a bit of help from HobbyTown’s Tammy Tyrannosaurus I was able to find the correct paints needed to complete my Bell X-1 kit.

[shark64]

Would the 3 color mixed together give you International Orange.?