Muroc
Models 1/144 Bell X-2
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History
The Bell X-2 was an extension of the X-1 testing envelope, this time
designed to push into Mach 3. A completely new design, the X-2 was designed
before the X-1 had even flown, and by the time the X-2 was built, the
desire to explore faster speeds and higher altitudes was high. For an
excellent history of the X-2, I strongly recommend reading "A Shadow
over the Horizon," by Robert W. Kempel. Originally printed in the
Spring 2003 issue of the American Aviation Historical Society Journal,
it has been reprinted online at the Bell
X-2 website.
 The
Kit
The people at Muroc Models have been known for producing simple yet
detailed resin kits, and with this new X-2 kit they continue that tradition.
Molded in tan resin, this kit has a total of eight pieces, with a single
vacuformed canopy. This limited number of parts by no means indicates
a lack of detail, as the kit also comes with a nearly complete interior
(all that is needed is a control stick). The decals are very nicely done
as well, but more on that later.
The breakdown of the parts is designed in such a way as to make construction
very simple. The nose is separate at the rear cockpit bulkhead, and a
quick test-fit shows that it will have an almost perfect fit. The main
fuselage incorporates the wings and vertical tail, leaving only the horizontal
stabilizers, landing gear, and rocket nozzles as separate pieces. With
care, this model could be assembled and ready for paint in an afternoon.
 What
might slow things down a bit, though, is the cockpit. This is open, with
detailed decals for the instrument panel and side consoles, as well as
for the seat cushions. Interestingly, the instructions state that it is
uncertain just what the interior was painted (either interior green or
gray or perhaps some other color). I would have thought that the interior
of this plane would have been well documented, but apparently that is
not the case. At any rate, once you pick your color and apply the decals,
you will have a very nice looking interior for such a small model.
The vacuformed canopy comes with a resin plug to help prevent it from
being crushed in packaging. This is a very nice touch and I wish other
companies would catch on to that. It also provides a very solid base to
trim the canopy Also of interest regarding the canopy is the innovative
method for masking it. The folks at Muroc Models have provided a decal
to mask it with. This is an ALPS-printed decal and they suggest rinsing
off most of the adhesive, then applying the decal. Once painting is complete,
a piece of tape is used to pull up the decal. It will be interesting to
see how well this works.
 Speaking
of decals, finishing the X-2 is going to be pretty simple, thanks to the
extra effort put into the decals. Like I mentioned earlier, the decals
are ALPS-printed, which means that we have excellent metallic representation
here. But wait, you say, the X-2 was painted white! Yes, it was, and the
instructions have you paint the airframe white. Additionally, there are
some small detail areas that you will need to paint, such as a red wingtip
and the bare metal rear section. Where the silver decals come into play,
though, is with the representation of the chipped paint as seen in September
1956. The decal artist has gone to great lengths to meticulously lay out
all of the areas of chipped paint, resulting in a very realistic finish.
With all of that effort, I cannot imagine anyone building this kit and
not using those decals. But for those who prefer a pristine example, the
decal sheet includes plenty of extra striping to apply on the tail, sans
silver chipping.
Conclusion
This is truly an outstanding kit of the X-2. Its small scale should
in no way deter modelers that yearn for detail, as this kit has lots of
it. I look forward to building this kit both for its simple construction
and weathered appearance. I guess I'll have to get going on my 1/144 B-50
as well. All I'd have to do is take a Minicraft Boeing 377 and use the
tail and wings on a Minicraft B-29, right? My thanks to Muroc Models for
the review sample. Muroc Models are available from the AFFTC Museum gift
shop. Contact Doug Nelson,
Director, AFFTC Museum, phone: (661) 277-8050 for ordering information.
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