AMT 1:72 XB-35A/YB-35 "Flying Wing"

Reviewer: Derrick Winters (rec.models.scale)

The XB-35A was a radical design that was in all, simply a massive 172ft span flying wing.  It was powered by four 3000-hp Piston engines, with contra-rotating propellors, on the trailing edge of the 'wing' that gave it a speed of about 600 km/h.  The XB-35 was developed and USAAF placed an order in 1941 for a couple of examples.  In 1943 some 13 test examples were developed and were designated YB-35 and YB-35A types but there were many problems to overcome, mainly relating to the propellors and gearboxes and the first example did not fly until 1946.  By this time the B-36 was offering far greater capabilities and the programme was scrapped.  An all-jet version was also produced which was designated the XB-49.  In the late 80's Northrop, in partnership with Grumman, developed the stealth B-2 Spirit, it is said that the design was based on these test examples.

The kit comes in a huge box that is worthy of housing a Boeing 747 or B-52, and this seems to be what the price is based on because it is an expensive kit.  Most people couldn't believe that this kit was released in injection mold and it is with some excitement that I was fortunate to get my hands on the AMT offering. 

Considering the size of the box, and the eventual finished kit, there are not really a hell of a lot of parts.  The parts come in grey plastic with etched control surfaces and a reasonable scribing of detail.  A few of my parts were a bit soft and slightly warped.  The cockpit is quite adequately catered for with sticks, panels and seats for all the crew members.  Unfortunately most is hidden once the model is completed.

The wing 'snaps' together quite well but remember to put in a little bit of 'forward wing' weight so the nosewheel doesn't lift off the ground.  I had some problems with the construction of the intakes on the wing leading edge.  These didn't quite line up correctly and the whole exercise was pretty fiddly.  You really need to spend some time and patience here because they stand out on the finished model, and any imperfection is likely to be noticed. 

The main difference between the X and Y versions of this fascinating aircraft is that the X had double contra-rotating propellors, whereas the Y had single props.  Once the version is chosen, give the rear propellors and engine mounting some attention because they are features of the model likely to be drawn upon by observers, and again, any problems will be noticed.  In particular care is needed when aligning the engine pods.

Fit of the undercarriage was fiddly but they do come with 'flattened' tyres - as opposed to weighted - so gives it a sense of staticness. The main struts, in particular, are easy to snap so be careful when trying to get it into the wheel well comfortably, which has little but adequate detail.

The kit caters for both the X and Y versions and really there is little difference between the two other than the point on propellors above.  Either way the aircraft should be finished in bare metal (unless you want to poor on a 'speculative' camouflage design) with dark propellors and yellow tips.  The decals are quite different depending on the version you choose to replicate (that is, in serial numbers etc) and they were really only of 'acceptable' standard.  They needed some setting solution on the model and were a bit 'cheap', for wanton of a better description.

The overall kit is a big 'un, and is extremely wide, so you must keep this in mind if you want to build and finish the model - it will take up more room than any other model in your cabinet by virtue of it's span.  It was a straightforward build which I enjoyed immensely and would recommend for the serious 'alternative subject' modeller.  I'm looking forward to replicating an XB-49!

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