XP-55 Ascender, Modelsvit Kit & XP-56 Black Bullet, Czech Model Kit.

Started by Walt · 63 · 1 year ago · Ascender, Black Bullet, Curtiss-Wright, Czech Model, Experimental. Northrop, modelsvit, XP-55, XP-56
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    Walt said 2 years ago:

    During the late 1930's before the US was actively involved in WWII, the US Army Air Corp put out a proposal R-40C for development of a new type and style of fighter. Three fighter prototypes from three different companies were developed for this proposal. The Vultee XP-54, the Curtiss-Wright XP-55 and Northrop's XP-56 were all built and tested. Each had their benefits and faults, but none of them were good enough to warrant any further development. All three have been subject to limited run kits, Collect-Aire Models being the best option in 1/48 for the XP-54 but rare and very expensive. The XP-55 has two options in 1/48, the 2001 Czech Models or the 2018 Modelsvit edition (the one I have). The XP-56 was done by Collect-Aire and Czech Models, I have the Czech Models kit and it looks pretty nice, and will be joining this build a later.

    The Modelsvit kit has very nicely injection molded parts, with little flash and very fine detail and engraved panel lines. The fuselage halves to not have locating pins but the fit seems to be very good. The cock pit detail seems to be very nice. I was take back by the size of this plane, considering it is a single seat, single engine fighter, it is not small, and I have a picture of the fuselage next to the Bf-110 I am working on to give you an idea.

    10 attached images. Click to enlarge.

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    Spiros Pendedekas said 2 years ago:

    Another superb entry, my friend @luftwaffe-birdman! A fine kit for sure, but limited run in nature, something that, of course, will be easily tackled by your superb skills.
    Indeed a big single seater!
    Looking forward to your progress and eagerly waiting for the XP-56!

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    John vd Biggelaar said 2 years ago:

    A beautiful kit of a beautiful aircraft, Walt @luftwaffe-birdman
    Even including a nice sheet of PE.
    Strapped in to follow this one progressing.

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    Walt said 1 year, 11 months ago:

    I didn't even realize it had been almost three weeks since my first post. Even with work, the Holidays and life in general I have made some progress. I can recommend to anyone interested, that so far this kit is spectacular. While the fit is not exactly Tamiya, it is also not second rate, it is definitely pretty damn good, The detail in the cockpit is very good. I failed to make the most of it, but once enclosed in the canopy it will be acceptable. I hope to have the fuselage and wings assembled by next weekend, where of course construction will slow down due to Christmas, but I am looking forward to time with my son when he visits.

    5 attached images. Click to enlarge.

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    John vd Biggelaar said 1 year, 11 months ago:

    Really nice interior, Walt @luftwaffe-birdman
    Sure your son will enjoy those results.
    Enjoy your Christmas time being together.

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    Tom Cleaver said 1 year, 11 months ago:

    it is a nice kit, @luftwaffe-birdman. In case you get stuck with anything, here's my M2 review from a couple years ago. I did find out some information on painting the wheelwells that is different from the kit callout.

    https://modelingmadness.com/review/allies/cleaver/us/usaaf/fighter/tc55.htm

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    Spiros Pendedekas said 1 year, 11 months ago:

    Progressing nicely, my friend @luftwaffe-birdman!

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    Walt said 1 year, 11 months ago:

    Well with the holidays, and other things, I haven't had too much bench time. I did manage to get the wings glued together, and all sanded down. The trailing edge of the wing is almost knife sharp, which is really nice. In order to glue the fuselage together you have to install the nose gear. Lets hope I don't break it off before I finish. Tom, @tcinla, sent me a link to his build over on modeling madness which had some great information and pictures of his nice looking build.

    There are no locating pins on the fuselage halves, but I found for the most part with the way the cockpit fits in you don't need any. The fit of the fuselage is actually very good. I doubt I will use much if any putty along the seam. In the pictures the Wing to Fuselage join is just dry fitted and is also very good but will probably require a little more work afterwards, but NOT much!.

    The canopy is just sitting there and it too appears to fit very nicely. Really I can not say enough about how good this kit really is. It may not be Tamiya, but this is no second rate limited run kit.

    4 attached images. Click to enlarge.

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    Spiros Pendedekas said 1 year, 11 months ago:

    Solid progress, my friend @luftwaffe-birdman! Really nice to know how good this kit is.

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    Tom Cleaver said 1 year, 11 months ago:

    @luftwaffe-birdman - when you glue the wing to the fuselage, just wrap a rubber band around the wing - that will squeeze the wing on the upper side so you have a nice tight joint with no need for filler.

    This is looking really nice.

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    John vd Biggelaar said 1 year, 11 months ago:

    Good progress indeed, Walt @luftwaffe-birdman

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    Walt said 1 year, 11 months ago:

    Well some more progress was made. I finished sanding the wings and the fuselage and then joined them together. The fit of the wing to the fuselage is great, and as Tom, @tcinla said just a little tape to hold the wing in place and the seam is perfect. I glued the vertical stabilizers on afterwards and their fit is very good also. The horizontal stabilizer/elevator fit nicely and the pieces closing it out went together without any issues. Really this is a GOOD fitting kit.

    4 attached images. Click to enlarge.

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    Spiros Pendedekas said 1 year, 11 months ago:

    Greta progress, my friend @luftwaffe-birdman!

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    John vd Biggelaar said 1 year, 11 months ago:

    Looks great indeed, Walt @luftwaffe-birdman
    A great fit makes modelling for sure more enjoyable.

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    George R Blair Jr said 1 year, 11 months ago:

    Nice work on some unusual planes, Walt (@luftwaffe-birdman). I have the Ascender floating around in my stash somewhere. I think your build will probably push it farther up the queue.