TeufelHunden's (Scott) 1/72 Scale Convair Atlas Rocket

[TeufelHunden]

Relive the Dawn of the Space Race with the exciting new 1/72 scale Convair SM-65D Atlas model kit...


The race was on! After 1945 the USA and USSR both wanted to be the first to build an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). The Convair SM-65D Atlas was America's secret atomic weapon for the Cold War. The Strategic Air Command had it operational by 1959. It could deliver a 1.4 megaton yield payload over 9,000miles (14,500km). Later versions launched spy satellites, Ranger probes to the Moon, and interplanetary probes to Venus and Mars. It also sent the first Americans into orbit around the earth.

My first GB. I've been anticipating October 1st for some time. Not because I am a huge space fan, but because the subject does seem interesting and different. I scoured the web for a kit to build and chose Horizon Model's "Convair SM-65D Atlas". Horizon Models is a manufacturer that is new to me. They are from Australia and at first glance deal with space subjects exclusively.




Kit Information:


There are three variations to build. The hard part is to choose one.



Three different payload options to choose from
Finely engraved recessed panel lines
Separately moulded pressure and fuel lines
Detailed engine nozzles
High quality water-slide decals
Display stand included
Plastic injection moulded assembly kit
Detailed instructions included


Length: approx. 318mm (12.5") to 350mm (13.8") (without stand)
Diameter: 42mm (1.7")
Width: 67mm (2.6")
Parts: 36
Made in Australia
Decals printed in USA by Microscale Industries

Atlas Information:
SM-65 Atlas
Service history
In service 1959–1964
Production history
Designed 1953 (XB-65)
Produced 1959–1965
No. built 350 (all versions)
Peak deployment level of 129
(30 D, 27 E, 72 F).
Variants Atlas A, B/C, D, E/F (ICBMs)

SM-65D Atlas
Main article: SM-65D Atlas

The SM-65D Atlas, or Atlas D, was the first operational version of the Atlas missile. It first flew on 14 April 1959. Atlas D missiles were also used for orbital launches, both with upper stages, such as the RM-81 Agena, and on their own as a stage and a half vehicle. The Atlas D was used for the orbital element of Project Mercury, launching four manned Mercury spacecraft into low Earth orbit.[9] The modified version of the Atlas D used for Project Mercury was designated Atlas LV-3B.[citation needed]

Atlas D launches were conducted from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, at Launch Complexes 11, 12, 13 and 14, and Vandenberg AFB Launch Complex 576.[citation needed]

Most Atlas D launches were sub-orbital missile tests, however several were used for other missions, including orbital launches of manned Mercury, and unmanned OV1 spacecraft. Two were also used as sounding rockets, as part of Project FIRE. A number were also used with upper stages to launch satellites.[9]

Atlas D would become the basis for most Atlas satellite launchers; in 1965, when the ICBM program was ended, Convair introduced a standardized Atlas D derivative for all space launches.

By 1979, Atlas space launcher variants had been whittled down to just the Atlas-Centaur and some refurbished ICBMs. The launch rate of Atlases decreased in the 1980s due to the advent of the space shuttle, but Atlas launches continued until 2004, when the last "classic" Atlas with balloon tanks and the jettisonable booster section launched a comsat for the Air Force.

[DrSprue]

Oh great, love this rocket. A history maker for sure! following !

[aur0ra145]

Ya'll are making me want to buy a real space kit.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Cool project, looking forward to see it unfold

[DBMiller]

[Skullfish]

"Classic" Rocket indeed! ohhh shiney shiney!

Have fun

Jase

[TommyKillander]

A workhouse for the early space-age, cool subject!

Good luck with the build


Tommy

[Tomcat64]

Great subject!

Looking forward to seeing you stack this one up.

[TeufelHunden]

First Building Session

• Simple, clear instruction sheet. Really not a complicated kit though. I think the real challenge will be the finish

• The kit so far is molded well. Minimal (almost no flash)

• The sprue gates taper to a flat where they attach to the part and make it easy to cut off and sand. I've not seen this on a kit before. The Ultimate sanders make clean up very easy. This was my first time using them. I finally got my own set through Hobby World USA. I can toss my old crap off brand ones or donate them to my son.

I removed the locator pins on the body of the rocket after dry fitting with them on. Once again, touched up the edges with my new sanders, and they fit together better. Thank goodness for Tamiya thin also, I love the way capillary action draws into the seam. Obviously there will be sanding and I am anticipating scribing along the seams. So far I am happy with the kit and how its going together. Really simple build, not a lot of parts.

[DrSprue]

Cool., by the looks of the decals and your building so far, it seems like the kit is really nice!

[TeufelHunden]

Cool., by the looks of the decals and your building so far, it seems like the kit is really nice!

It is. Too bad Horizon Models doesn't offer more than space. Maybe I'll do them all. Got this one off Amazon.

[DrSprue]

Cool., by the looks of the decals and your building so far, it seems like the kit is really nice!

It is. Too bad Horizon Models doesn't offer more than space. Maybe I'll do them all. Got this one off Amazon.

Oh great, I just checked them out after your reply today and I see that they have just 4 models so far, but I am really impressed about there space stuff. Yours and the 1/72 scale Mercury-Redstone looks very cool. Thanks for this so far. Another few added to my wishlist!!

[TeufelHunden]

A little more progress

Trying to make the seam disappear. Not too bad a fit. I still had some sanding to do to bring the ridges down though. I used thin CA glue to flow into the gap that was left and then hit it with some accelerator. That seemed to fill it in fairly well.


Now it's time for some scribing. You must replace that which you sanded off. Kind of feels like one step forward, two steps back. I've never successfully scribed before. So it was with some trepidation I began. I tried to recall all the tips I've seen/read about on the FB page and magazines. One that I remember is using Dymo tape as a guide for the scribing tool. Well, I don't have any Dymo tape. Think, think, think. I came up with foil from the neck of a wine bottle. Yes, I do drink wine on occasion. Taped in place, that seemed to work well enough. It was awkward on the tapered part of the rocket body though. In the end, I found that putting the tool tip in the panel line and rolling the rocket body worked better.



After all the scribing was completed, I spot primed to check the work up to now. I am happy with the results and only have a few parts to rework.

[DrSprue]

Wow some really nice scribing there Scott!

[TeufelHunden]

Wow some really nice scribing there Scott!

Thanks Doc, I think the tool makes the difference I guess. I've never tried a different scribing tool but I am happy with the results of the one I used.

[bfrd]

You should be a magician with the way you made that seam disappear.

[TeufelHunden]

You should be a magician with the way you made that seam disappear.

Thanks. I am just applying techniques I've seen on the ISM tutorials on YouTube and FB advice. Lurking pays off sometimes.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Nicely done with the razor saw, I have been liking method that as well for panel lines
Your putty and sanding work is exemplary

[Tomcat64]

Great work on sorting those seams out - stunning result

[TommyKillander]

Great work done, dealing with those seamlines and rescribing the panellines.


Tommy

[TeufelHunden]

Nicely done with the razor saw, I have been liking method that as well for panel lines
Your putty and sanding work is exemplary

Actually it is a scribing tool that fits in a hobby knife. I found it at Hobby World USA. I do have a razor saw but haven't tried it for scribing. I will have to compare.

http://www.hobbyworld-usa.com/Store/ind ... er=product

[Twokidsnosleep]

Nicely done with the razor saw, I have been liking method that as well for panel lines
Your putty and sanding work is exemplary

Actually it is a scribing tool that fits in a hobby knife. I found it at Hobby World USA. I do have a razor saw but haven't tried it for scribing. I will have to compare.

http://www.hobbyworld-usa.com/Store/ind ... er=product

Ooo no fair sending a tool junky a link like that!!!!
I like the scriber, but really like the riveter tool below...not too pricey, hmmmmmmm

[TeufelHunden]

A Little More Progress (very little).

Mk 3 Re-entry Vehicle primed and painted gloss white. I just wanted to get it done and out of the way as it is the only part that will be white.
I placed it on top for test fitting before priming the rest of the rocket. I will be doing the priming of every thing else soon.





A couple of fellas working on an R/V. Probably would've had warheads in theirs. Mine will have a satellite or something benign.

[TeufelHunden]

Did some priming on my rainy day off

These parts will be painted flat aluminum so I used Vallejo black primer.



The main rocket body will be painted stainless steel. I used Stynylrez Gloss Black for under the stainless.
My first attempt was horrendous. Airbrush was not cooperating. I had to sand it all down and respray after a thorough cleaning of what I thought was an already clean airbrush. Fussy tool.



These are the colors I will be using for the rocket. My first time using AK Extreme Metal. Hopefully it'll turn out.

[DBMiller]

Can't wait to see the shiny go on!

[Stokesy44]

Looking stunning mate. The rescribing and priming

After I was your WIP I had a look at these kits, very tempted I'd love to build the one with the capsule on it, I'm a big fan of NASA's manned space program up to the moon landings.

[TeufelHunden]

Back at it. For now.

It's overtime season at work and hunting season as well. Good thing the build is for 3 months.

All I've managed, is to get the main rocket body and some smaller parts covered with AK Xtreme Metal - Stainless Steel. I've never airbrushed enamel. This is some nice paint to begin with. It sprayed and covered very well. My little NEO handled it well. I think it may need another coat though.

[DBMiller]

It is looking good in its shiny metal paint!

[Tomcat64]

That's definitely starting to look the part - nice work

[TeufelHunden]

It is looking good in its shiny metal paint!

Thanks. I am pleased with the results thus far

[TeufelHunden]

That's definitely starting to look the part - nice work

Thank you. It's definitely getting there. Slowly

[Twokidsnosleep]

I like the paint...the XTreme Metal looks like it sprayed quite nicely
Might have to give that stuff a try

[DBMiller]

This was just posted by Fine Scale Modeler on Facebook. It's a review of Horizon Models' Mercury Atlas rocket.

http://finescale.com/product-info/kit-r ... cury-atlas

[DrSprue]

That was a cool read. Also notice that they said.."A version of this review appeared in the July 2016 issue."
I dont have that but Ill keep that in my hat of things to look for.

[TeufelHunden]

This was just posted by Fine Scale Modeler on Facebook. It's a review of Horizon Models' Mercury Atlas rocket.

http://finescale.com/product-info/kit-r ... cury-atlas

Yep. I was happy when I got my issue and saw that. Really is a nice simple kit

[TeufelHunden]

Set Back!

I primed with Stynlrez gloss black. It didn't look too terrible although I did have to do some sanding as I laid it heavy in a few spots. I put my first coat of AK Xtreme Stainless Steel. Still looked okay at this point. A few rough spots showing through. Tonight I put a second coat on and it just looked mottled and flat all over. I should have gotten a pic of that. I ended up removing the entire finish. Back to the prime stage.

20171127_174345 by Scott Herbert, on Flickr

[Kevthemodeller]

Some very nice work going on here

[TeufelHunden]

Decaling Begins

Lots of fun decals to be applied. When I was a kid, this was the part that caused me many a tantrum. I even remember smashing a car kit because of decals not cooperating. Oh how the times have changed. This is one of the parts I enjoy the most now. Two pages of decal instructions. From big to small, it's got them all.



I often realize, too late, that I should have gotten an earlier pic of the decal before application. This is a pic of decals on the pipe running up the side of the rocket. It is intended to fill in the block letters on the side of the rocket. I suppose it could have been brush painted, but where's the fun in that. I positioned the pipe and laid the decal on top lining it up with the letters underneath. I let it set a minuet then hit it with Walthers Solvaset and it curled around the pipe.


Here they are as finished.


Okay, here's one to make your eyes cross. The pic is taken through the magnifier lamp.


The fun continues a little at a time. I intend to use all the decals available.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Oh the silver looks great!!!
I love how you did the decal colour around that pipe and all the little detail decals

[DBMiller]

Decaling Begins

(snip)

Okay, here's one to make your eyes cross. The pic is taken through the magnifier lamp.


The fun continues a little at a time. I intend to use all the decals available.

These decals? I would have really considered forgetting them because I know I would have had fits!

[DrSprue]

Wow the paint work and decal-ling is just excellent!