Anigrand Craftworks 1/72 scale Douglas D-558-2 Skyrocket

Kit: No. AA-2052
Scale: 1/72
Manufacturer: Anigrand Craftworks, from Nostalgic Plastic, 410-672-7159, www.NostalgicPlastic.com
Price: $33
Comments: Cast resin, 21 parts (1 vacuum-formed), decals
Pros: Good resin castings, clear vacuum- formed canopies, good fit
Cons: Air bubbles on edges, rocket-only setup, incomplete decals, landing-gear inaccuracies

Douglas built three D-558-2 research aircraft in the late 1940s to explore the limits of supersonic flight. Unlike the USAF's air-dropped X-1, the Navy's Skyrocket was designed for take-off from the ground. At first powered by a jet engine, a rocket was added later, and many flights used both propulsion units. However, to get the maximum performance, the aircraft was air-dropped from modified B-29 and B-50 bombers, and the Skyrocket was the first aircraft to exceed Mach 2.

Anigrand's resin Skyrocket is a simple kit, with only 20 resin parts and one vacuum- formed canopy. The kit comes with a small decal sheet that includes some markings for the Skyrocket, and for Anigrand's Skystreak and Skyflash kits.

The parts are molded warp-free but have little detail. A few air bubbles mar the edges of the wings and vertical fin. The vacuum-formed canopy is clear but has to be carefully trimmed to fit over the cockpit. The cockpit has only a basic seat and control stick.

Overall, the parts fit well, with a little filler and sanding needed on the wing and fin seams. I installed weight in the nose, but not enough as the model is tail heavy.

I decided not to keep the tiny windows clear and painted the entire model first with Mr. Surfacer primer, then with a spray can of Tamiya gloss white. I painted the antiglare panel with flat black, and simulated the windows with gloss black decal film.

The finished model looks alright, but there are some accuracy "issues." The Skyrockets went through many changes, and the model is molded as an all-rocket outfit. The markings provided are for the first of the three Skyrockets in early Navy service, which should have the jet intakes and exhaust. The tip of the vertical fin was too pointed, so I shaved it down to match photos. Also, the nose gear strut should be mounted at the rear of the bay with the yoke on the left side. The kit strut has the yoke on the right side and places the strut about three-quarters of the way back in the bay.

I spent only 18 hours on my Skyrocket. The best reference is Ginter Publications' Naval Fighters Number 57, Douglas D-558-2 Skyrocket by Scott Libis. Anigrand's model is attractive, and can be made accurate with a little effort and a well-stocked spare decal bin.

- Paul Boyer