Lindberg Convair X FY-1 VTO Pogo

Not much guidance for painting and overall instruction sheets just aren't up to what you'd expect today. And molding of parts is rough; again not up to what you'd see in Tamiya or Air-Fix. So took some extra effort but came out pretty well. The Pogo was one of the early models I assembled many, many, many years ago. Just don't have high expectations.

While the model came out OK, it took a lot of work. With the sinks, ejector pin marks, flash and short shots, the plastic parts were horrible. The pilot seat was a short shot and there was so little of it, I had to scratch build a replacement. The canopy was crazed internal to the plastic so there was no way to polish it out to a clear state. The decals were old and so brittle I had to piece them together on the model because they broke no matter how long they stayed in the water before application. If you are an experienced modeler and like the challenge of making a poorly done kit look good, this is the one for you. Otherwise, STAY AWAY!

It was a easy build, but the working counter rotating propellers were cool

Old but decently accurate kit of the Pogo. Because of its age, well over 50 years the molds do leave some flash and mold lines. You can build it right out of the box and it will look good (only 32 parts or so, including the ladder) with some sanding and test fitting it will look better. If you have the time and some talent replace the cockpit and pilot. There's a book or two on the airplane or google it and find your information. Very unique aircraft, it was in storage at Silver Hill in Wash. DC.

Fun simple example of odd aircraft with lots of upgrade potential, add weapons and build two or three for a squadron

The parts are very basic, and there are not many. It does take some work to fill in the gaps and join everything together. The propeller rotate with a unique gear assembly inside. A model ladder it included as well. I have built two of these, simply because they look unusual. As long as you don't expect to much detail, it can be a fun kit to throw together.

This kit was long out of production for many years. I'm glad it came back, because I didn't get make one when I was a kid. It's a very odd looking aircraft, but that's what I like about it. Check out the you tube on it and see it on its test flight. The kit is simple to put together, great for beginner modelers . I wound up putting it on my toy train layout, looks great with my Marx train cars and buildings.

I bought this because of its uniqueness. Yes, it may be a very simple model to build, but what are your options? Looks like only Lindberg makes this model. The fit is generally acceptable. I didn't have to do much putty work. Definitely recommended for young, amateur modelers.