McDonnell XF-85 Goblin
Halberd Models
1:24

The Halberd Models 1:24 McDonnell XF-85 Goblin is a limited-edition, all-resin kit (even the transparencies) and honestly builds as smoothly as many injection-moulded releases. I added a handful of 3D-designed and printed details around the open canopy, cockpit sill and replaced the supplied PE belts with scratchbuilt items, which really pay off in this larger scale.

The XF-85 was a brief but fascinating experiment: a tiny “parasite” fighter intended to be carried then launched from the bomb bay of a B-36 during extended missions. The concept was ultimately abandoned due to difficulties recovering the aircraft with the skyhook system and the emergence of aerial refuelling as a far more practical alternative.

It’s an unusual and genuinely interesting subject, which is probably what drew me to it in the first place.