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McDonnell XF-85 Goblin
Full Kit

Halberd Models, 1/48 scale

S u m m a r y :

Description and Item No.:

Halberd Models - McDonnell XF-85 Goblin Full Kit.

Contents and Media:

38 parts in green coloured resin;16 x 3d printed detail parts; 48 photo-etched partsfour photo-etched parts; instructions; decals for one marking option.

Price:

Will be available from Halberd Models' website.

Scale:

1/48

Review Type:

First Look

Advantages:

Interesting subject; crisply recessed surface textures; simple preparation of the resin parts; instructions included.

Disadvantages:

None noted.

Recommendation:

This is a comprehensive and well executed conversion for the XF-85 in 1/48 scale.

The quality of the surface textures and casting is outstanding. Its design, easy cleanup and manageable assembly also means that minimal modelling experience will be required to tackle the project.

Other Halberd conversions over the last few years have been snapped up in hours, so grab one of these while you can!

Reviewed by Luke Pitt

Introduction

 

The Mc Donnell XF-85 was a response to a USAAF requirement for a fighter to be carried within the B-36, then under development. This was to address the limited range of existing interceptor aircraft compared to the greater range of new bomber designs.

The XF-85 was a diminutive jet aircraft featuring a distinctive egg-shaped fuselage and a forked-tail stabiliser design. The prototypes were built and underwent testing and evaluation in 1948. Flight tests showed promise in the design, but the aircraft’s performance was inferior to the jet fighters it would have faced in combat, and there were difficulties in docking.

 

 

The XF-85 was swiftly cancelled, and the prototypes were thereafter relegated to museum exhibits.

 

 

FirstLook

 

I’ve always liked different, and Halberd Models’ XF-85 Goblin serves it up in spades.

The full kit comprises 38 green resin and two clear parts. These boast remarkable finesse in the casting and attention to detail. For example, the recessed rivet detail is breathtaking in their execution and completeness.

 

  • Halberd Models - McDonnell XF-85 Goblin Full Kit.: Image
  • Halberd Models - McDonnell XF-85 Goblin Full Kit.: Image
  • Halberd Models - McDonnell XF-85 Goblin Full Kit.: Image
  • Halberd Models - McDonnell XF-85 Goblin Full Kit.: Image
  • Halberd Models - McDonnell XF-85 Goblin Full Kit.: Image
  • Halberd Models - McDonnell XF-85 Goblin Full Kit.: Image
  • Halberd Models - McDonnell XF-85 Goblin Full Kit.: Image
  • Halberd Models - McDonnell XF-85 Goblin Full Kit.: Image
  • Halberd Models - McDonnell XF-85 Goblin Full Kit.: Image
  • Halberd Models - McDonnell XF-85 Goblin Full Kit.: Image
  • Halberd Models - McDonnell XF-85 Goblin Full Kit.: Image
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16 x 3d printed parts are included together with 48 photo-etched parts on one fret. 

 

 

The 12 instruction pages include 30 easy to follow construction sequences.

 

 

One small but highly comprehensive decal sheet is offered for the aircraft tested at Edwards Air Force Base in 1948.

 

 

When reviewing this kit I was very impressed with the surface textures, the scale thickness of the wings and their trailing edges, the crystal clear resin cast canopies and the small but perfectly formed decal sheet. A trailer is also included and this is also highly detailed and accurate with even the tyres having tread detail. 

 

 

Comparisons with the now out of production Special Hobby kit released in 1999 will be inevitable and this kit clearly show how far kits have progressed over the last 25 years.

 

 

While the Special Hobby kit was good if somewhat basic, this new kit from Halberd Models  is state of the art, and represents a quantum leap in finesse, design technology and detail.

 

 

If you are like me, you’ll love this little model.

 

 

Conclusion

 

This is the kit to get and it is my firm belief that it will not be bettered.

Highly Recommended.

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Text Copyright © 2024 by Luke Pitt
Images Copyright © 2024 by Brett Green
Page Created 11 December, 2024
Last updated 11 December, 2024

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