This is a spun-off thread from my B-54B build so I can enter the escorts as separate builds, the B-54B being likely yo be VERY late!

The X-13 is a Mach 2 kit and comes complete with the VTOL trailer, on which the X-13 hangs, yes, really. It has a hook under the nose and it just hung there on a wire rope suspended between two retractable supports. The intrepid pilot just opened the throttle, un-hooked himself, and flew away!

Landing must have been a bit more crucial, but apparently it worked a treat.

Here's the kit box.

You cannot view this attachment.

The X-13's launch-cum-transport trolley is a thing of wonder, and of LOTS of parts too.

Being a Mach 2 kit none of the parts that are meant to fit in holes will actually do so as the holes are always too small, so I've been drilling and filing like a madman to get some of them to fit. Not only that, the axles for the front and rear wheels aren't long enough to actually reach the wheels! How stupid is that? My trolley's wheels which be glued to the outside of the springs, so they'll look as if they're attached to the axles, but they won't actually be.

The canopy, now a little bit clearer than it started off at, fits nicely, but there's a hefty gap between it and the LE of the wing, so that's being filed as I write, and the aircraft has its tip fins attached now as well.

Both this and the F-85B Goblin will be toting a couple of 'winders each, and will also have at least one 20 mm cannon as well. (just a matter of drilling a few holes in the correct place...)

Sounds like that cart is a thing of wonder alright. Wonder what they were smoking! Do you have some metal or plastic rod to replace them with?

Yes, but not with me at my 'country home' sadly.

Start shaving down those pieces of sprue!

Toothpicks?

Posted on behalf of Kit

I've found an alternative escort for the B-54.5.

While digging around The Loft I came across a Mach 2 Ryan X-13 that I knew I had, but had no idea where it was. It's a neat little thing, and would look even better with a 'winder or two under each wing....... 

Quote from: NARSES2 on April 28, 2023, 06:52:00 AMPosted on behalf of Kit

I've found an alternative escort for the B-54.5.

While digging around The Loft I came across a Mach 2 Ryan X-13 that I knew I had, but had no idea where it was. It's a neat little thing, and would look even better with a 'winder or two under each wing....... 

By Wardukw-NZ

Oh hell yes !!!!
Brillant idea   

Posted on behalf of Kit

Considering that the X-13 is a Mach 2 kit it fits amazingly well. 

I didn't have to file any of the interior parts, bulkheads, cockpit floor etc. the two fuselage sides fit quite nicely. There's a fair amount of detail in the cockpit too, but I doubt I can polish the 'pebble dash' canopy well enough to see much of it.

You cannot view this attachment.

There's not much room for nosewieght, but that doesn't matter a damn as in its RW role it hangs from a rope on its trailer and in my application it'll be hooked up inside a bomb bay. 

Posted on behalf of Kit

Proper spinners might look even better, if I can find any.

The X-13's now got wings and a fin.  I'm going to have to think of a different designation for it though. I think the fin will need chopping or it will stick tight through to top of the fuselage, a bit like the P-80s that were carried by B-24s in the late 40s. 

You cannot view this attachment.

 Something weird happened with the 'Extra Thin Glue' that I used and it turned the styrene yellow, but it stuck OK. 

Posted on behalf of Kit

Quote from: NARSES2 on April 28, 2023, 07:03:38 AMSomething weird happened with the 'Extra Thin Glue' that I used and it turned the styrene yellow, but it stuck OK. 

I was wondering what that was ?

Posted on behalf of Kit

It's 'Ammo' glue, that I've a) never used before and b) never even heard of before either.

But it glues OK, even the brush they provide only has about 5 bristles.

Posted on behalf of Kit

Quote from: NARSES2 on April 28, 2023, 07:03:38 AMYou cannot view this attachment.

From Rheged : - Is it just my imagination, or is there really a slight flavour of Payen Pa49  and Lippisch  P.13a  in this aircraft?

After talking this through with Kit I've reposted some of his previous posts on his behalf. Apologies that they are not in date order, but it was far, far easier to do it this way then the way the site mechanics would have you do it.

Chris

It's just fine Chris, thanks very much.