Hasegawa 1/72 X-29 'NASA' Kit First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | August 2016 | Manufacturer | Hasegawa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | X-29 'NASA' | Scale | 1/72 |
| Kit Number | 02206 | Primary Media | Styrene |
| Pros | Easy build, great details | Cons | Nothing noted |
| Skill Level | Basic | MSRP (USD) | $33.99 |
First Look
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Hasegawa has reissued their 1/72 scale Grumman X-29 test aircraft kit. Grumman took the fuselage of an F-5A Freedom Fighter, used landing gear from an F-16, and built a new rear section to house the F404 engine, the same powerplant used in several aircraft including the F-20 Tigershark. The aircraft was used to test several areas including wing flex versus composite materials, advanced flight control systems, and advanced maneuverability. The two test aircraft successfully completed their tests and are now on display in the National Museum of the USAF, NASA/Dryden, and a replica is on display at the Cradle of Aviation Museum.
The kit is molded in white styrene and presented on three parts trees plus one small tree of clear parts. As you would expect, the molded-in detailing is sharp and exquisite with the scribed panel lines and no sign of excessive rivet details. Among the features and options in this kit:
- Simple construction
- Nice cockpit (ejection seat needs pilot restraints)
- Positionable canopy
- Positionable canards
- Optional boarding ladder
- Optional standing pilot figure
Markings are provided to replicate either test aircraft.
This is still a nice kit of the X-29, and with the DML 1/144 kit, these are the only kit options in styrene. For now. If you're looking for an interesting project with a very simply paint job, they don't get any easier than this one.
For a look at this kit built-up, look here.
My sincere thanks to Hasegawa USA for this review sample!