Muroc Models 1/72 X-36

History

The X-36 is a 28% scale tailless fighter agility research aircraft. The two airframes were built by McDonnell Douglas, which later merged with Boeing. The first of 33 flights was made on May 17, 1997, at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center (DFRC). As of June 2003, one of the X-36s is in the collection of the Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio, while the other remains at Dryden. More information on the X-36 program can be found at the DFRC website, including over two dozen photos.

The Kit

This is an all-resin model and is the perfect kit for those who just need to finish something, like me. The sum total of parts is under ten, and the only real challenge will be painting the false canopy section. You get a single casting that makes up the entire fuselage and main wing assembly, while another casting contains the parts for the separate canards, landing gear, and wheel well doors. This simple construction means about half an hour’s work and the model is ready for paint.

Construction is really that easy. Other than trimming the parts from the resin gates, the only other work needed is to hollow out the exhaust section in the back. The canards need a small piece of wire to attach to the fuselage, and looking at the photos at the DFRC site I can see that displaying the plane with the canards sharply angled dramatically changes the look of the plane.

The decals are printed on an ALPS printer and include all the stenciling and the leading edge gradients for the wings and canards. The detail in the decal sheet is excellent and really simplifies the painting process of the model, as all you really have to do is paint the whole thing white.

Conclusion

This is a very nicely cast model of a rather unique aircraft, and the simplicity of the model ensures that it will be a quick build, even for me. With a price of only $9.95, this is a very affordable kit that almost builds itself. Highly recommended.

All Muroc Models kits are available from the AFFTC Museum at Edwards AFB. They can be ordered via email through the Flight Test Historical Foundation. The cost is $9.95 plus the cost of shipping and any CA sales tax.