X-20 Orbital Configuration

X-20
X-20 engine detail

The X-20 is shown here in its orbital configuration. You can see some of the complex curves involved in the "truck" section. The main engines (as seen in the second photo) were turned out of Plexiglas and cast solid. Glenn then put the resin parts on the lathe and hollowed them out. The walls are really thin - better than injection styrene, but not as thin as vacuform. The two large fuel tanks were turned from Plexiglas. Since he only needed one of each, he didn't cast these parts in resin. This model is also to be displayed at the USAF Space Museum in Cape Canaveral.

Base kit: Collect-Aire X-20, truck and engine section scratchbuilt
Scale: 1/48
Models by: Glenn Johnson
Photos by: Glenn Johnson