Revell 03793 - 1:72 Boeing NB-52 & X-15 Platinum Edition

Plastic model kit of the Boeing NB-52 carrier aircraft with the X-15 rocket plane ("Platinum Edition") in 1:72 scale

Revell 03793 recreates the NB-52 — a modified version of the strategic B-52 Stratofortress bomber that served as a flying launch platform for the North American X-15 rocket-powered research aircraft. In the "Platinum Edition" the kit is supplemented with photo-etched parts that allow the finest details to be reproduced. The finished model is about 66 cm long.

The X-15 can be mounted under the wing of the NB-52, recreating the distinctive way the rocket plane was carried aloft for high-altitude research flights. The kit also includes an extensive selection of load parts, allowing different display options.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts (the NB-52 aircraft and the X-15)
• Photo-etched parts for the finest details (a "Platinum Edition" feature)
• Parts to mount the X-15 under the carrier's wing
• Extensive selection of load parts
• Decal sheet with X-15 programme markings
• Illustrated assembly instructions with a colour guide

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: 03793
• Manufacturer: Revell
• Assembled length: approx. 66 cm
• Number of parts: approx. 350
• Difficulty: advanced

Note: This kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

This is a large, comprehensive kit intended for experienced modellers — not least because of the photo-etched parts, which involve working with small components and cyanoacrylate glue. Given the size, it is worth planning the display and shelf space in advance. The carrier is typically finished in light, metallic tones with a black X-15; apply decals over a gloss coat and finish the model in satin.

Recommended tools:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes in various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to bring out the detail

About the aircraft – NB-52 and X-15:

The North American X-15 is an American rocket-powered research aircraft, one of the most famous vehicles in the history of high-altitude, high-speed flight research. Because of its rocket propulsion and limited fuel, it did not take off under its own power — it was carried aloft under the wing of a carrier aircraft and then released in flight.

The carrier role was filled by the NB-52, a suitably modified Boeing B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber. The pairing of these two aircraft made possible a series of research flights during which the X-15 set speed and altitude records, providing data later used in spaceflight programmes.

Specifications of the original (North American X-15):

• Length: approx. 15.45 m
• Wingspan: approx. 6.8 m
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: Reaction Motors XLR99 rocket engine
• Top speed: over Mach 6 (approx. 7,270 km/h)
• Launch: carried aloft under the wing of the NB-52 carrier

About the manufacturer – Revell:

Revell is one of the most recognisable model brands in the world, with roots reaching back to the 1940s; the European arm of the company operates from Germany. The brand offers a broad range of plastic model kits across many scales — aircraft, military vehicles, cars, ships and space subjects — alongside paints, glues, tools and gift sets. Revell kits are graded on a five-level difficulty scale, which makes it easy to match a kit to a modeller's experience. New releases and reissues of classic tooling appear every month. The kits are known for clear, multilingual instructions and accessible engineering, which makes the brand popular with beginners and experienced modellers alike.