eduard Bell X-1 Mach Buster 1:48 – build review

Kit Ref: 8079

Feature Article with Tim Haynes

And just before we get started, here’s a look at how it all turned out…

You may also like to see a very nice build in SMN from Mick Stephen of the Bell X-1 released by Revell in 1:32.

Background…

This build was featured in the Subscriber’s Gallery last year. So this is just a short feature focusing on some of the detail areas I worked on to obtain the finish that I wanted.

The Plan…

There are four optional schemes included;
1 – Bell X-1, United States Army Air Force, 46-062, Muroc Dry Lake Base, 1947. Orange scheme
2 – Bell X-1, United States Army Air Force, 46-062, Edwards AFB, 1950. Orange/white scheme
3 – Bell X-1, United States Army Air Force, 46-063, Muroc Dry Lake Base,1946. Orange scheme
4 – Bell X-1, United States Army Air Force, 46-063, Edwards AFB, 1947. White scheme.

With the Bell X-1 (Model 44 XS-1 to quote its original Bell company designation), for me this build was all about Check Yeager’s breaking of the Sound Barrier on 14th Oct 1947, so scheme number one was it. The build is supposed to represent the aircraft on the day in question following that historic flight. I also wanted the cockpit door open to show the interior (at least as much as can be seen), and no, I’ve not included the legendary broomstick handle (I’ll leave you to look that up if you’re interested).

References:

X-Planes No.1 – Bell X-1 by Peter E Davies – Osprey Publishing
This book although interesting to read did not provide much in terms of reference for the build

The usual Internet searches, with the photos on the National Air and Space museum web site being an absolute treasure for build references.

Extras:

This version of the eduard kit has an additional PE fret with instrument panels, seat belts and an exhaust enhancement piece. Further it includes a set of resin wheels and the eduard Die Cut Canopy Mask set XF-061. However, I did obtain the Bell X-1 Upgrade set as well:

eduard 48908 – Bell X-1 upgrade set

Cockpit…