X-15 scratch build

Started this today using the nose cone I made 10 years ago for my X-15 Delta kits I sold. The filets will be of a balsa box to round shape. Vertical fins will be wedged as per the original.

It uses a BT60 tube and will fly on D-E motors. I have always loved the X-15. They will get bigger from here.

Looks nice. You got the proportions just right on it. Do you realize the grain on the wings and fins is in the wrong direction? I hate to see you put all the effort into finishing it just for them to shear off first flight

-Bob

Good catch. Those wings and fins are in trouble unless steps are taken.

Yes Bob I do. I did this quickly for a look and the only 1/8th I had leftover wouldn't allow me to have the grain going the right way. This is a prototype for a kit. The wings will be replaced with new wood when I fly it. They are just tacked on right now.

I think you’ll get a very good reception for a well-crafted X15 kit.

I hope so. It was such a sexy ship. I miss the days of the rocket planes and the edge of space. Thanks!

Are you going to be offering a kit for sale of this?
It looks great. I also love rocket planes.

Yes later this week. The Delta version is currently available. https://sngaero.wordpress.com/

SteveNeill said:

Yes later this week. The Delta version is currently available. https://sngaero.wordpress.com/

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What is the difference between the Delta kit you have out and the kit you have coming out shortly?

KILTED COWBOY said:

What is the difference between the Delta kit you have out and the kit you have coming out shortly?

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Just look at the wings. In the last picture Steve posted you can see the Delta in the upper right; compare that to the model under construction.

The one is the actual X-15; I *think* the Delta was just a concept (others will correct me on that I'm sure ).

SteveNeill said:

I hope so. It was such a sexy ship. I miss the days of the rocket planes and the edge of space. Thanks!

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I like them too. That's what led me to design and build my spoof scale Lockheed Defender. For some reason it came out too heavy for Estes black powder 24mm motors. I am following this thread (and the Delta) not only because the rockets are cool but I also want to see how they come out weight-wise.



-Bob

Thanks guys.
I see the difference now in the wings.
I think i like the non delta X-15 coming out in a few days.
I believe that is my next purchase.
I have not bought from this company yet, hope the kit is good.

If you guys want to know a little bit more about us:

A bit more progress on the beta build. Hoping to finalize the kit soon. It's been slow go as I have been filling orders and starting all this up again after 10 years with only two people n the job has been busy.

A little more work today on the beta X-15 build. No decals because in trying to apply them I discovered somethings are not the same 10 years later. The blacks aren't black enough, the decals don't apply as well and I have decided to stop using them or including them in the kits.

I contacted Mark at Sticker Shock and he will be making vinyl decals for all my kits. So if you have a problem with the decals sent with the first wave of kits please email me and I will send you a set of Sticker Shock decals. Sorry for any inconvenience.

The X-15 builds very well and the 1/32 balsa tunnel skins worked out perfectly to simulate the actual plane. She really looks the part. And it builds fast and easy.

So I'll be waiting on the decals but I will put up a per-order button on the website this weekend. Be advised there will be a bit of a hold up until I get the decals. Soon as I have them I can start filling kit orders.

I'm so pleased that this build really represents the plane. This version is the early version with the shorter fuselage.

I want one bad.
I will be waiting to order one as soon as you have a button up on your website.
Checked this morning, still can't order. Good luck on getting your business back up and running
I am like a kid on the night before Christmas.
Guess this hobby brings out the kid in us.
If I like the X-15 and I think i will, will then have to order the Delta model also so I have both versions.
I love Rocket planes.

I'm working on it. Decals are the hold up mostly. soon. thank you.

SteveNeill said:

The X-15 builds very well and the 1/32 balsa tunnel skins worked out perfectly to simulate the actual plane. She really looks the part. And it builds fast and easy.

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Are you thinking about changing the tunnel skin-on the delta wing model like on the new X-15? I do like it better than the one on the delta wing.

I can it's just adding the 1/32 balsa skin. Dead easy.

SteveNeill said:

A little more work today on the beta X-15 build. No decals because in trying to apply them I discovered somethings are not the same 10 years later. The blacks aren't black enough, the decals don't apply as well and I have decided to stop using them or including them in the kits.

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This looks really nice Steve! Are the front and rear wings in line with each other or is the rear wing tilted slightly downward compared to the front?

cheers - mark

from the photos they look like they are not in line, but tilted like the actual plane.
Hope Steve gets back to the workshop, I want this bad.

The tails are angled down about 45 degrees as per the original. Thanks Mark!

https://sngaero.wordpress.com/products/ I have had many request to pre-order. Be sure you read the text before you order. Thanks a bunch.

Yes just went on the site and says that I could order now.
Just ordered the X-15.
I will be patient.
Thanks, Steve

Thank you!

More progress. Tailcone is a resin part too. Decals will be here from Sticker Shock today. This is the beta build. I have been taking pre-orders. Kits will be shipped in next week.

Looks great Neil.
I am anxiously waiting for mine.
I was wondering if you have a favorite color black you like to use.
Can't tell if it is a gloss or semi gloss finish.

KILTED COWBOY said:

Looks great Neil Steve.

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Fixed.

Sorry Steve.

Looks awesome.. thats a lot of lumber for sure!

KILTED COWBOY said:

Looks great Neil.
I am anxiously waiting for mine.
I was wondering if you have a favorite color black you like to use.
Can't tell if it is a gloss or semi gloss finish.

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I just used Krylon Satin. Nothin special.