RS Models XP-79B

Conceived in the 1940s as a speedy, rocket-powered fighter aircraft, the XP-79 was one of Jack Northrop's early flying wing prototypes. The aircraft was constructed from welded magnesium to be sturdy but light; the pilot flew the craft lying down to help contend with high-g forces (purportedly 21-g). From this position, foot pedals were used to actuate outer wing flaps for yaw control in the absence of a tail rudder. Originating as a flying wing glider with no tail surfaces (and pulled behind a Cadillac during testing), the project evolved into a rocket-powered prototype, and finally the jet-powered XP-79B in 1945. Sadly, the aircraft flew only once: after 15 minutes of uneventful flying, the XP-79 lost control during a roll and impacted the ground in a vertical spin. Test pilot Harry Crosby lost his life.

Various sources claim that the XP-79 was actually intended to serve as an aerial ram: its reinforced wings and monocoque construction would enable it to slice through the wings and tails of enemy bombers. It was also to be furnished with 4 50-caliber machine guns, though, so who knows. In this interesting thread it is suggested that its magnesium construction would not have been particularly conducive to situations involving lots of friction, owing to its flammability. However, bulk magnesium has apparently low combustion risk, and so this argument might not bear out. In any case, a very cool idea and a very cool jet.

The Kit

The RS models 1/72 XP-79B Flying Ram is short run kit introduced in 2013. It includes 31 pieces in gray styrene and 2 clear canopy pieces. Decals are for the test article (tail code 352437) as well as two hypothetical craft, including a fun British version. It is a straightforward, easy build without any surprises. The air intakes are sealed not very deep, and so I opened these up,

The instructions call for ballast inside the engine housing, but don't specify the amount. I used six 18g tungsten shot on each side (for a total of 216g), which was the weight at which the model would just tip forward when balanced at the wheel wells. This is a significant amount of weight for such a small model with such dainty landing gear.

Landing gear flaps are partly closed: this is a little tricky since there is no "lip" upon which to rest the flaps and so instead they need to be glued in as flush as possible,

Also, the front flaps are canted in photographs. Interestingly, while the instructions don't call for it, the flaps are scored on one side marking the cut point for canting them. I tried this out, though the flaps required a bit of reshaping,

Paint was done with Tamiya flat white with yellow green (XF-4) interior. After a coat of Aquagloss, I gave the wheel wells, landing gear, and control surfaces a Tamiya Dark Gray enamel pin wash. The remaining panel lines were done in Gray. No wear and tear, since this thing crashed as a baby.

I installed the canopy last, glueing the two halves in separately: they aren't actually joined in the middle. It's a nice snug fit.

It's a small model with really just the right amount of detail, and it builds up to a nice representation of the real thing.