**** DONE: GB-51 1/72 XP-79 - No Propellers

[T Bolt]

User Name: T Bolt
Name: Glenn
Category: Advanced
Kit: RD Models XP-79B Flying Ram
Scale: 1/72nd
Accessories: Scratch built chin rest
The XP-70 was another of Jack Northrop's flying wings. The design started out as the rocket powered MX-334. Then redesigned with two Westinghouse 19B turbojets to become the XP-79. The Aircraft had a wingspan of 38 feet and a length of 14 feet and a proposed maximum speed of 447 mph. The pilot lay in the prone position to be able to withstand greater G force. It was constructed with welded magnesium making for a very strong structure. The intention to use the P-79 as a flying battering ram to chop off the wings or tail of enemy bombers has been widely stated but is a myth for the most part. Apparently Jack Northrop mentioned this once in a letter to the Air Force as a posable way to use it but that's as far as it went.
On it's first test flight the sole XP-79 lost control for unknown reasons while doing a slow roll and crashed. The test pilot, Harry Crosby bailed out but was struck by the aircraft and killed. The XP-79 project was than canceled.

 

[T Bolt]

The Kit:
Not too much to this one. It should go pretty fast

 

[fubar57]

Very interesting looking machine

 

[rochie]

and were off !

nice one Glenn, going to try and finish my zombie He111 before committing to the Javelin.

 

[T Bolt]

I made a pretty good start on this one. The interior, what there is of it is done and it will be ready to glue the upper and lower halves together as soon as add some lead in the forward ends of the engine compartments to keep the nose down.

 

[Crimea_River]

Can't imagine laying on my stomach for the length of a mission. Nice start Glenn.

 

[Wurger]

 

[A4K]

Good (and fast!) start Glenn! Interesting subject.

 

[T Bolt]

Looking at that close up of the front it appears that there was a chin rest for the pilot that was not included in the kit. might see if i can scratch something up.

 

[fubar57]

Good find but I can't seeing that being anymore comfortable

 

[N4521U]

If you have some Free time you Could finish my Zombie..........

 

[rochie]

Should be finished this time tomorrow !

 

[T Bolt]

Should be finished this time tomorrow !

Might just be, except for the paint

 

[T Bolt]

I've made a lot of progress today

First, the chin rest after I carved it out of a bit of sprue before I cut it loose

The chin rest installed along with as much lead as I could squeeze into the engine conpartments.

Here the jet exhaust cones have been painted and installed. I would be lost without my needle nosed tweezers doing this work

The wing glued up and the jet intakes installed. Now I have to wait a few days for the glued plastic to completely harden before I start working on the joints.

 

[Wurger]

 

[fubar57]

Beauty, real fast build

 

[T Bolt]

Yep, there's not a whole lot to it

 

[Wayne Little]

Most interesting little Bird.......

 

[Crimea_River]

Nice.

 

[N4521U]

Good gosh ahmighty!