Convair XF-92A Dart
![Album image #1 Album image #1](/albums/img/6/7/5/1032675-24719-90-720.jpg)
I have seen this airframe several times in Dayton and was happy to add it to my collection of experimentals. A pretty simple and straightforward build but with a few traps to look out for. You'll need some experience with limited-run kits and extensive mold-line cleanup and sanding.
![Album image #2 Album image #2](/albums/img/1/2/4/1033124-24719-60-720.jpg)
Lest I lull someone into a false sense of security, this is what I mean by "some cleanup is required" with a MACH2 kit! But as you can see, it is mainly a question of removing material which is pretty easy. Kit supplied part on left, cleaned up part on right.
![Album image #3 Album image #3](/albums/img/6/7/6/1032676-24719-95-720.jpg)
All parts are covered with barnacles and the scribing needs cleanup. Panel lines were so deep and wide I chose not to highlight them in any way. One side of the tail was taller than the other so needed some 2-part Bondo glazing and spot putty at the base.
![Album image #4 Album image #4](/albums/img/6/7/7/1032677-24719-32-720.jpg)
The overall shape is pretty good but I think the nose is a bit too pointed. The clear part was AWFUL, seemingly designed for another kit altogether. I filed and sanded it until it almost broke through in places, polished it up and carefully painted the framework. After installation I scribed some hinge detail around it.
![Album image #5 Album image #5](/albums/img/6/7/8/1032678-24719-83-720.jpg)
Landing gear is good enough. I just replaced a strut with bent wire, thinned door edges, and carefully glued them into a more realistic position than they wanted to fit into. The wheel hubs were awful so were covered with some spare PE parts.
![Album image #6 Album image #6](/albums/img/6/7/9/1032679-24719-20-720.jpg)
Front gear needed some reshaping and the addition of the long narrow center door. The wheel needed an aluminum axle.
![Album image #7 Album image #7](/albums/img/6/8/0/1032680-24719-21-720.jpg)
I printed the red lines and black dots, and a smattering of stencilling, around the fuselage on clear decal film just to get a neat look.
![Album image #8 Album image #8](/albums/img/6/8/1/1032681-24719-66-720.jpg)
Nose weight was dropped in through the open tailpipe late in the build and is barely enough.
![Album image #9 Album image #9](/albums/img/6/8/2/1032682-24719-29-720.jpg)
Kit decals were used except as noted, and were acceptable.
![Album image #10 Album image #10](/albums/img/6/8/3/1032683-24719-25-720.jpg)
There is a segment of brass tube in the exhaust, adding to the tailsitter issue.
![Album image #11 Album image #11](/albums/img/6/8/4/1032684-24719-11-720.jpg)
Paint is Tamiya primer white and X-11 chrome silver. I think I used Alclad II ALC310 gloss klear kote, applied at a distance to soften the shine.
![Album image #12 Album image #12](/albums/img/6/8/5/1032685-24719-71-720.jpg)
I also printed the XF-92A text on the nose.
![Album image #13 Album image #13](/albums/img/6/8/6/1032686-24719-11-720.jpg)
Final details included wire pitot on the tail, PE brass antenna post on the spine, and an aluminum rod for the nose probe. This is always breaking off.
![Album image #14 Album image #14](/albums/img/1/2/5/1033125-24719-61-720.jpg)
This pic reminded me that I had filled in the crudely molded dimples with putty before replacing them with decals later.
Kommentit
15 15 July 2021, 02:31
![](/profiles/img/24719-181-s.png)
Thanks, all! Wait until you see my MACH2 Sea Dart, it came out even better.
16 July 2021, 01:15
![](/profiles/img/48972-166-s.jpg)
Waiting impatiently 😉 - I have once assembled Sea Dart too, but it is nothing to be proud of...
16 July 2021, 06:51
Album info
A simple clean build of this early delta winged jet.