XRV from "Marooned" (1969)

Scale: 1:72
Initial Release: 2014
Medium: Resin
Length: 6.0"
Kit Rarity: 2

About the Design

Based on the 1964 sci-fi thriller by novelist Martin Caidin, the 1969 motion picture "Marooned" found three Apollo-era astronauts (Richard Crenna, James Franciscus and Gene Hackman) trapped in orbit after the main engine aboard their "Ironman One" spacecraft fails to ignite. Their only hope of rescue is the XRV (Experimental Re-Entry Vehicle), a lifting body prototype originally designed to carry a single pilot.

Although purely the invention of Hollywood SPFX professionals, the XRV incorporates many features of actual lifting bodies being developed at the time, particularly the X-24A and HL-10. The large detachable engine at the rear appears to have been inspired by the interstage engine designed for aborted X-20 DynaSoar.

About the Kit

Fantastic Plastic Models released this 1:72 resin kit in November 2014. The kit was designed in CAD by Chris Corke, then finished and cast by BLAP! Models. Original box art is by Denis Podgorny. It featured an adapter that allowed it to be placed atop any 1:72 Titan III missile kit.

This model was built from the original issue.