DBMiller's Apollo Moon Rocket

Post by **DBMiller** » Mon May 10, 2021 11:40 pm

DBMiller's Apollo Moon Rocket - Cliff Notes version.

Cliff Notes were (still are?) study guides. The allowed you to "study" a topic or novel in a much shortened, pamphlet version.
This space craft model is just the upper stack, Cliff Notes version, including the lunar lander and crew capsule - a shortened version of the Saturn 5.

The 1/48 scale Apollo Lander!

Here is a quick rundown of the parts and instructions. I will post more as I open the bags and get started.

A partial selection of instruction pages. You get the point quick enough. Odd that they are photo copied and not originals.

The decals. Oh, dear.

I've ordered these parts from Shapeways. The kit doesn't include the BPS - blast protection shield - that goes over the capsule. The escape tower, which is included but I want to make sure the parts match so I ordered that as well, just sits on top of the capsule! It's more than I paid for the kit but it will help the look.

Post by **BigWall** » Mon May 10, 2021 11:43 pm

Very cool! I'd love to build one of these some day.

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Tue May 11, 2021 4:15 pm

Ya sweet, watching with great interest

Post by **DRUMS01** » Tue May 11, 2021 6:06 pm

That kit specifically is kind of difficult to locate and is expensive when you find it. Sorry to see the old and bad decals associated with it. You know there are several other manufacturers out there with much better quality which are more accurate as well, right?

I built the original release 1/48 moon mission with base some time ago and had a blast with it. Your with the command module and the secondary stage for the LEM should be fantastic!

This looks to be a fun build to watch.

Ben

Post by **DBMiller** » Tue May 11, 2021 6:21 pm

DRUMS01 wrote: Tue May 11, 2021 6:06 pm That kit specifically is kind of difficult to locate and is expensive when you find it. Sorry to see the old and bad decals associated with it. You know there are several other manufacturers out there with much better quality which are more accurate as well, right?

I built the original release 1/48 moon mission with base some time ago and had a blast with it. Your with the command module and the secondary stage for the LEM should be fantastic!

This looks to be a fun build to watch.

Ben

I've read that about the accuracy - it makes me wonder why this kit goes for so much. I don't remember what I paid, it was pretty cheep though or I wouldn't have bought it! The decals won't be an issue. There are real space model companies that sell them or I can try to print some.

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Tue May 11, 2021 7:04 pm

I like Adam Savage stuff from his cave
Here he has an Apollo Rocket pre-made kit...for those interested

Post by **DBMiller** » Tue May 11, 2021 7:21 pm

Twokidsnosleep wrote: Tue May 11, 2021 7:04 pm I like Adam Savage stuff from his cave
Here he has an Apollo Rocket pre-made kit...for those interested

Thank you for this link!
I'm pretty sure mine won't be as nice as his!!!!!

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Tue May 11, 2021 7:51 pm

DBMiller wrote: Tue May 11, 2021 7:21 pm
Twokidsnosleep wrote: Tue May 11, 2021 7:04 pm I like Adam Savage stuff from his cave
Here he has an Apollo Rocket pre-made kit...for those interested

Thank you for this link!
I'm pretty sure mine won't be as nice as his!!!!!

Well I wouldn't be so sure, I have seen you model

And you will have made it yourself....which is faaar better

I am only posting for motivtion

Post by **DBMiller** » Tue May 11, 2021 8:21 pm

[/quote]

Well I wouldn't be so sure, I have seen you model

And you will have made it yourself....which is faaar better

I am only posting for motivtion
[/quote]

Thanks again for the motivation!

Post by **DBMiller** » Tue May 11, 2021 9:15 pm

How we got to the moon.

The end.

Here are some of the images I got at the Kennedy Space Center many years ago. These are scans of photo prints so the quality isn't the best.

Where it all went together. A real man cave!

The Saturn 5 was huge. Like really big.

But, you know what is also really big? The rig that carried it to the pad! Talk about a "Heavy Lifter"!

Plus a couple from the section I'm building. And a guy.

And snacks appropriate for the build.

Post by **Stokesy44** » Tue May 11, 2021 9:51 pm

Great subject.

I long for some decent Apollo kits. Oh for a crawler and LUT for the Saturn V. What a kit that would be for the 1/144 Saturn Vs from Airfix or one of the other manufacturers.

Post by **Tomcat64** » Wed May 12, 2021 11:00 am

Looking forward to seeing this come together - although you do seem to have declared 2021 the Year of the Crappy Decal.

The replacement escape tower & shield look superb so I can understand why you spent the money there.

And take another trip down to the Space Centre if/when you get the chance - Saturn V is now inside in a purpose built exhibit hall (first time I visited it was outside like in your photos), and the Shuttle exhibit is also awesome.

Anyway pulling up the

Stokesy44 wrote: Tue May 11, 2021 9:51 pm I long for some decent Apollo kits. Oh for a crawler and LUT for the Saturn V. What a kit that would be for the 1/144 Saturn Vs from Airfix or one of the other manufacturers.

Amen to that - I was really disappointed that nobody did any new tooling for the 50th anniversary but just re-boxed ancient kits instead

Post by **DBMiller** » Wed May 12, 2021 12:41 pm

Tomcat64 wrote: Wed May 12, 2021 11:00 am Looking forward to seeing this come together - although you do seem to have declared 2021 the Year of the Crappy Decal.

I know! I don't mind buying aftermarket decals if I don't like the kit's but those (the Macchi's) were what I wanted to use! The Apollo decals were already old when I got the kit so that was inevitable.

Stokesy44 wrote: Tue May 11, 2021 9:51 pm I long for some decent Apollo kits. Oh for a crawler and LUT for the Saturn V. What a kit that would be for the 1/144 Saturn Vs from Airfix or one of the other manufacturers.
Amen to that - I was really disappointed that nobody did any new tooling for the 50th anniversary but just re-boxed ancient kits instead

That would seem like a no brainer, especially with the U.S. manned space program ramping up toward a new moon shot!

Post by **Quax** » Wed May 12, 2021 1:04 pm

Looks very cool Mr Miller

good luck with the build and as the crawler has nearly as many wheels as a Pz 4, I can pretend I'm interested....

Paul

Post by **DBMiller** » Wed May 19, 2021 2:05 am

About this build:
There are issues with this kit - it's not an accurate representation of the Apollo that flew to the moon. This is a "Block 1" Command / Service Module and the correct version should be a "Block 2". The service module has all wrong surface details and the cable housing that goes from the service to the command module (that elbow that spans the seam right under the door) is on the wrong side! The block 2 has it on the opposite side from the door. Dragon makes a more accurate kit, and maybe I'll get it someday, but for now I'm going with the home team.
Also, being one of those old "all parts can be opened and separated to show the insides kit" the fit is not too good if you want to close it up. I want this to be a clean display model of the upper stage of the Apollo craft without all the floppy bits open so that add a bit of extra work.

The parts:

Another incorrect feature - the astronauts are in the wrong suits. Who cares - you can't see much through the windows anyway.

Masked and ready for some color inside.

The capsule. More bad fits.

The gluing rig.

This part is the nose cone cap. Those pins don't belong there. On this kit they are for the escape tower but, it didn't attach there. The only parts I'm adding to this build, as I mentioned at the start, are the Boost Protection Shield and a new escape tower. So, off come the pins.

Ah. The problems with a kit where all the sections are meant to come apart. This will be some work. By the way, the door is not glued in yet. I still have to figure out how I want to do it.

The Service Module - more bad fits.

Lovely seams. Why are the worst seams always near details you don't want to sand off and are hard to replace?

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Sun May 23, 2021 9:30 am

Oh yes, I love all things Apollo in fact anything to do with space. Off to a great start mate, I'm following along with great interest

Post by **DBMiller** » Sun May 23, 2021 4:08 pm

While other parts are setting up it's time to show off my new purchase!

First, here is the launch escape tower from the kit. It is designed to sit atop the capsule. That is wrong. There should be a shield between the capsule and the tower to protect the crew and capsule from the booster.

Here is the part I ordered from Shapeways! This is the BPC and a new escape tower! There is a fine texture to the parts that, with some work, can be smoothed out. It also seems a bit brittle - so care is in order while sanding! I think there was a smoother, but much more expensive, material available but this will work fine.

I love the one piece mounting and engine section! No worries about aligning parts and keeping them together while drying.

Here is the rest of the booster

Post by **Tomcat64** » Mon May 24, 2021 9:22 am

Great work on knocking the kit deficiencies into shape - and I'm really impressed with that custom build gluing rig

That's a neat solution.

The escape tower & shield really does look great though

Post by **BigWall** » Mon May 24, 2021 3:02 pm

Very nice. This is going to be a cool one.

Post by **DBMiller** » Sat May 29, 2021 2:05 pm

I've decided to use the boys after all. I didn't put much work into painting because you can't see much through the tiny windows.

Capsule work continues. Fill - sand - prime (to check filling and sanding) - repeat.

Service Module. Face Palm. Those seams are being difficult! I've sanded off and damaged several details already and most were pretty soft to begin with! I have had to start replacing them with thin stock.

On to something with fewer parts - the LM housing. I will be gluing it shut since the lander has it's own Moon surface display base. In these shots I've glued the hinge mounts in place then taped the panels shut just to keep it together while the glue sets. This will be TALL when all together!

This base is supposed to be sky and clouds.

Post by **RangerNeil** » Sat May 29, 2021 7:43 pm

Looking good despite the issues!!

Post by **Stokesy44** » Sat May 29, 2021 7:55 pm

Nice work on an iconic subject

Post by **BigWall** » Sat May 29, 2021 7:58 pm

Looking nice! I too wish they would come out with a modern tooled kit for this. I think they would sell like hot cakes.

Post by **DBMiller** » Sun Jun 13, 2021 5:16 pm

Selective Laser Sintering [SLS]
Selective laser sintering (SLS) uses a laser as the power source to sinter powdered material, aiming the laser automatically at points in space defined by a 3D model, binding the material together to create a solid structure.

The material used for the 3D printed parts, white versatile plastic, is evil. It isn't a liquid resin or a filament off a spool - it is a nylon powder that is laid down in thin layers and fused with a laser. It is rough and tough and difficult to prime and sand smooth. I've already got four coats of primer applied and sanded down and it is just now getting smooth. The white is an automotive primer and the gray is Mr. Surfacer 500 out of a spray can.

I've even used metal files on some areas!

Starting to smooth out!

This is being a pain to sand!

First coat of primer. Yes, I sanded this first!

Post by **Casper** » Sun Jun 13, 2021 6:39 pm

"This is being a pain to sand!"
but worth all your hard work

Post by **digger303** » Sun Jun 13, 2021 11:35 pm

Admire your dedication ( stubbornness ) to get this done. I generally don't bin kits, but this might have found it's way onto ebay.

Post by **Tomcat64** » Mon Jun 14, 2021 8:36 am

DBMiller wrote: Sun Jun 13, 2021 5:16 pm This is being a pain to sand!

...and the award for "Understatement of the year" goes to...

Great work sticking with this, hope it starts to behave soon

Post by **DBMiller** » Tue Jun 22, 2021 5:47 pm

Setting aside the endless sanding for a bit I started on the LEM housing. I decided to leave one panel open; either to display the LEM folded away or just to keep the Service Module engine visible. I haven't decided if I want the Lander on the Moon base or not. Notice the yellow tape in the back. That was so I didn't forget which panel was to open and glue it by mistake. Like THAT would ever happen to me!

The inside is pretty sparse and the "hinges" look terrible! Still, I'm not going to go crazy fitting it out much better.

I've glued the upper section to the middle section of the escape tower. You can see the different primer I used. Still needs some work but I think one more shot of primer and a good sanding and it will be ready for a final pass!
However, I am NOT looking forward to sanding that lower section!

And another sanding pass on the Boost Protection Shield. This should be the last one until the final primer coat. I think.

Post by **Stokesy44** » Tue Jun 22, 2021 8:19 pm

Looks great, the booster cover and the tower will look superb

Post by **DBMiller** » Tue Jun 22, 2021 11:18 pm

Up next!

Post by **Casper** » Wed Jun 23, 2021 8:15 am

Boost Protection Shield came up great after all your sanding

sintering sounds like a very unhealthy way to 3D print, does it give off any fumes when printing and does it give a fine powder when sanded. I've been sanding PLA and it leaves very fine dust but I believe its has organic properties. not sure

Post by **DBMiller** » Wed Jun 23, 2021 1:27 pm

Casper wrote: Wed Jun 23, 2021 8:15 am Boost Protection Shield came up great after all your sanding
sintering sounds like a very unhealthy way to 3D print, does it give off any fumes when printing and does it give a fine powder when sanded. I've been sanding PLA and it leaves very fine dust but I believe its has organic properties. not sure

I don't know anything about the process - I bought the parts from Shapeways. There is a fine powder but I use wet sanding quite a bit with them so it's not so bad.

Post by **DBMiller** » Wed Jun 30, 2021 12:32 am

Started on the Lunar Lander.

A couple sections needed some special help.

These space suits look more like the the suits from Alien.

Cutting the windows for the lander and the Command Module.

Windows in so I can close it up.

Looking at you!

Post by **DBMiller** » Tue Jul 06, 2021 1:37 am

The top of the crew module on the lander is open. Why? Because the kit doesn't come with a hatch! One more issue to address with this kit.

Base has a quick primer so I can attach the gold Mylar. I found this at Michael's Craft Store - it is gold foil for a Cricut cutting machine. A bit of a crumple and it looks OK. I really should have held out for a gold foil balloon. It would have been easier and much cheaper!

Here is a test on some scrap. As I said, not bad, but it is a bit too thick to conform well.

The kit doesn't show how the foil is laid out so I found these diagrams online to help.

The work has begun!

Post by **Stokesy44** » Tue Jul 06, 2021 7:34 am

The LM is looking very cool. I always remember the episode 'Spider' from the HBO series 'From the Earth to the Moon'. The episode was all about the design and building of the LM and its first manned flight on Apollo 9. Great stuff.

Post by **Casper** » Tue Jul 06, 2021 12:55 pm

gold Mylar looks excellent and those online diagrams look really helpful.

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Tue Jul 06, 2021 5:13 pm

Super cool work
Great progress

Post by **Tomcat64** » Wed Jul 07, 2021 11:18 am

This is coming along really nicely despite all the challenges the kit is throwing up at you

If it'd help at all I took some photos around my Franklin Mint replica a couple of years back when we had the Space Sig - they might be useful for reference if you want me to dig them out?

Post by **DBMiller** » Tue Jul 20, 2021 1:34 pm

I didn't like the way that gold film looked so I went back to my original plan of using a gold mylar balloon. I wish I had done this from the start - I would have saved me about $15!
Of course it never occurred to me that the inside of the gold balloon was silver and I didn't need a silver balloon!

This material looks much better!

This is a tricky bit. I'm using the engine to hold it in place.

This is an even trickier bit! Fitting the gold around the silver and getting it to settle down while the glue set was a pain!

Found a cap for the LEM. It is part of the kit escape tower. A little cutting and filling and it should work. By the way - did NASA have to go with such a complex shape? It is such a pain to sand the seams!

The inside of the LEM container is very plain. I found some good photos and figured I could add some detail without going crazy. I have a sheet of "metal siding" from Evergreen and though I could use it for the ribs. I cut off every other ridge (that left a raised bit with wings for rivets) to get a nice looking reinforcing strip and measured out a gluing layout.

Not too bad and very quick!

Post by **Casper** » Tue Jul 20, 2021 2:01 pm

excellent

The gold and silver balloon works perfectly and much better than the gold film, very affective

Post by **digger303** » Tue Jul 20, 2021 2:45 pm

innovation....love it.

Post by **Tomcat64** » Mon Jul 26, 2021 10:04 am

Nice work - the metallic balloons worked brilliantly!

The additional ribbing inside the LEM housing is really effective too.

Post by **DBMiller** » Sun Aug 08, 2021 8:52 pm

Here it is! The rest of the ribs started:

Ribs done!

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sun Aug 08, 2021 10:42 pm

Keep at her DB

Post by **RangerNeil** » Mon Aug 09, 2021 10:09 am

Still catching up here... The effects with the gold balloon are certainly more visual than the mylar - that was an excellent call on your part. And adding the ribbing to the "jaws" of the LEM container has added considerably to the look.
Congratulations on two excellent decisions!!

Post by **DBMiller** » Wed Aug 11, 2021 1:35 am

Moving on. I've been letting this slide for a while so it's time to push a little harder. Although last Sunday I gave myself a day off because of a lawn mowing incident. I ran over an underground yellow jacket wasp nest with the mower. Eight stings in my legs - 3 in each knee plus 2 more - and I gave up on the rest of the day. I almost tore off my knee caps with the itching!

Here are several major sections primed in several shades of primer. I was using spray cans of Mr. Surfacer and Tamiya Primer and ran out of each - so - multi color!

Post by **ForeverPlasticKits** » Wed Aug 11, 2021 4:17 pm

Such huge work on such a big kit,

!

Post by **DBMiller** » Wed Aug 11, 2021 6:50 pm

ForeverPlasticKits wrote: Wed Aug 11, 2021 4:17 pm Such huge work on such a big kit, !

It won't look like much up close - but from a distance it will be pretty imposing!

Post by **DRUMS01** » Wed Aug 11, 2021 9:59 pm

I'm really liking this build. I built the Monogram 1/48 version with the moon base a couple years ago so your build of the LEM, Command Module, and LEM stage of the Apollo is right up my alley. I agree with what everyone has said about your extra details and improvising to improve the kit.

P.S. Who ever would have thought that cutting the yard would be so eventful? Good to hear you didn't let them get the best of you....

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Sun Aug 15, 2021 7:28 am

Just loving it

I built the Airfix version as a kid it was huge

Hope the legs are on the mend mate.