The IMEX V2
A Plastic Model Conversion Project


Introduction

The V2 is primarily the creation of German rocket scientist Werner von Braun. Though it had little effect on the outome of WWII, except perhaps to speed the end by wasting German resources, it was amazingly advanced for its time. Von Braun and some members of his team surrendered to the Americans as Germany fell to the Allies. Despite his role in the Nazi war machine, he was accepted by the American government and went on to become the architect of the space program. All the NASA rockets from Mercury through Apollo were just improvements on the original V2 design.

Von Braun's moral default in WWII casts a black shadow on what would otherwise be a life of great achievement - one of the most significant of the 20th century. Because of the V2's origin, I do not produce any models in configurations flown by Germany. Approximately 70 V2s were captured by the Americans and transported to White Sands Missile Range for testing and scientific experiments. This model is painted in the color scheme of the second V2 to fly at White Sands.

For further information on the V2, see

Construction

The IMEX V2 is a vaccuform kit designed with a body cast in two halves. One is solid, the other clear, thus providing the option of building a model with one see-through side. The body plastic was heavy enough for flight. The fins, however, required reinforcement of a solid core throughout the entire fin to be adequate for flight.

Flights

The following sections contain flight details and photographs.


Last Updated 07/04/00