The X-15 stands in a unique position in the annals of aviation history as one of the most ambitious projects to ever explore the envelope of aerial performance. Flying a total of 199 missions in only three aircraft, it broke every record in the 1960’s, with a top speed of 4,520 miles an hour (Mach 6.7) and an altitude record of 102, 100 feet – records for a manned aircraft that remain unbroken to this day.

Both aircraft and engine were developed in the mid-1950s but weren’t operational until 1959. Made from a number of heat-resistant alloys and the most advanced developments of its day, the original version used a set of two rockets similar to the Bell X-1 rocket, each with four ventura and delivering 16,000 pounds of thrust. In time, the XLR99 rocket became available, delivering a whopping 57,000 pounds of thrust.

The UMM three-piece (3 pc) bending handle set are molded in black cured resin for use in bending Photoetch brass, copper, aluminum and other malleable metal sheet. It is intended to avoid scratching the part or bending jig.

These three handles are 90 mm long, 10 mm diameter and are tapered on one end in widths of 4, 5 and 6 mm. The narrow tips allow a specific feature or segment to be bent without disturbing surrounding areas not being bent. The ergonomic handle of each handle is 10 mm diameter with an rounded end opposite the tapered tip. The basic shape of these handles are similar to other UMM hand-held tools such as their earlier reviewed Shanked Reamer ( https://reviews.ipmsusa.org/review/micro-pyramid-shanked-reamer-rm-25mm ).

While Kagero has an established reputation for quality books that modelers appreciate and use on their library shelves, the References for Modellers series focuses on WWII aircraft. The series is now listed at 19 with Number 18 focusing on the Focke-Wulf (Fw) 190D. The brief, 26 pages are filled with visual information and captions provided in both Polish and English. While no table of contents is provided, nor necessary, the book is broken into the following sections:

ICM has reboxed its He 111 kit for a unique Captured Heinkel scheme in 1/48^th scale. The Part 2 review is a continuation and conclusion of what was written from Part 1.

Review Process for Part 2

This is a box stock build with no aftermarket products used during the assembly process. From Part 1, we move on to painting and final assembly.

The landing gear parts are thin and fragile. It is highly recommended to use good side cutting nippers to remove them from the sprue tree. For assembly, I used the wheel wells as a jig to put the parts together but waited to permanently install them later down the road after painting.

The model is primed with Mr. Surfacer 1000 gray. The engine nacelles, vertical tail edges, rudder, and some windows were painted flat white in preparation for masking to match the box illustration.

The non-profit UK based group known as the Great War Aviation Society publishes their journal, Cross & Cockade International, four times a year. Issues are available in English as printed [Softbound, A4 (8.27” x 11.69”), 80 pages plus centerfold] as well as digital copies (or both). A new magazine, Contact!, is now available in both print and digital download. The Society also provides a free newsletter (sign up on their website) and occasionally publish WWI themed books like the Sopwith Dolphin monograph I reviewed earlier for IPMS USA. This Journal is the sister of the US Journal, Over The Front. The Great War Aviation Society also hosts a lecture series available through Zoom. If interested, you will need to register early as the call is limited in attendance.