Author Topic: Modelling Mars  (Read 221383 times)

Offline mike robel

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Re: Modelling Mars
« Reply #80 on: 11/14/2014 10:46 pm »
I also picture Bolden as I read the books.  I never really picture a real astronaut for Natalie.  I have been thinking of doing a fake crew photo using astronaut photos, so this discussion may help.  But that comes after the MEM and ordering tube for the next Mars Mission model.

I've met and talked to Bolden two times for about 20 minutes each.  He does NOT remind me of Bolden

Offline Ronpur50

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Re: Modelling Mars
« Reply #81 on: 11/14/2014 10:50 pm »
It is just the mental image I got, and keep in mind, he wasn't Administrator when I first read it, lol.   And you agree with the writer! 

Offline MATTBLAK

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Re: Modelling Mars
« Reply #82 on: 11/15/2014 02:47 am »
I too met General Bolden a couple times - in 2011 at KSC during events surrounding STS-135. He is a good man and was patient and polite with the likes of me! It was only after I re-read the book 'Voyage' later in 2011 that I was struck by the similarities. But the character of Gershon is quite a bit more politically incorrect than General Bolden. Also, to further augment the so-called resemblance - the actor who portrayed Gershon on the BBC audio play had a voice and accent pretty close to Bolden's. And they both flew combat strike missions in Vietnam. But also, like I said; Stephen Baxter denied that Gershon was based on any real person.

I hope that seals the matter for everyone! ;)
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Offline Ronpur50

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Re: Modelling Mars
« Reply #83 on: 11/15/2014 11:14 pm »
Well, now that is settled, who would Dr. Dana have been!?

Back to my models.  I obtained some black decal sheets and finally did the roll markings on the SRBs on the Saturn VB.  I used Mike's idea of Titan style roll patterns on the top of the boosters, but alternated the boosters with Shuttle style blocks and my original idea of the pattern on the S-1C continuing onto the SRBs.

I merged a series of rotated views to show what I did. 

I also added fin letters to the S-1C but since the "I", "II","III", and "IIII" would be hidden in their correct location, I moved them to the skirt of the SRBs.

Offline Ronpur50

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Re: Modelling Mars
« Reply #84 on: 11/15/2014 11:17 pm »
I have a problem with the patch in that none of my software allows me to add the names on a curve.  So, I printed it, glued them on and the scanned it.  I will take it to work sometime next week and do it on my computer there....on my break, of course.

Offline Ronpur50

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Re: Modelling Mars
« Reply #85 on: 11/16/2014 09:22 pm »
Sitting on Kennedy Space Center's Pad 39C, Ares-Saturn VB awaits it's launch.

Offline Ronpur50

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Re: Modelling Mars
« Reply #86 on: 11/17/2014 12:32 am »
The MEM Challenger is almost finished.  I painted it silver first then masked off the CM and thruster ports.  I used thermal blankets for the crew module/airlock and gold foil for the interior of the decent stage.  I need to dig into my parts box to see if I have any LM thrusters to use on the ascent stage.  Decals will be a red NASA worm and some CSM decals, I think.  Then I will work on the Mars surface.

I know that technically, the Challenger wasn't named until well into the flight, Jan 28, 1986 to be exact, I still would like to add the name here. Maybe the name is painted on before launch but just not revealed until that day.

Offline mike robel

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Re: Modelling Mars
« Reply #87 on: 11/17/2014 02:31 am »
Looks good Ron.

Offline MATTBLAK

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Re: Modelling Mars
« Reply #88 on: 11/17/2014 04:55 am »
Beautiful work, friend! :)
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Offline Ronpur50

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Re: Modelling Mars
« Reply #89 on: 11/17/2014 05:13 am »
Looks good Ron.
Beautiful work, friend! :)

Thanks!  I just had this idea of simulating the mission with the models next year on the 30th "anniversary" of the flight.  Then I realized how long that would take! 

I ordered Plastucts parts to make the external tanks.  As well as the tube I need to make the modules for the next Mars mission.

Offline mike robel

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Re: Modelling Mars
« Reply #90 on: 11/17/2014 12:10 pm »
If you have spare S-IIs, they work fine for the external tanks.

I'm going to to make the 3D models for the S-II noses this week.

Offline Ronpur50

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Re: Modelling Mars
« Reply #91 on: 11/17/2014 01:30 pm »
I don't, but I am figuring that they would be rather simplified versions of the S-II, so I should be able to make them look good.  I was thinking of the nosecones too, wouldn't it make more sense to jettison them once reaching orbit?  It is just extra weight that would be needed in the TMI burn?  I know it was in his diagrams, but I have already deviated from those somewhat.
« Last Edit: 11/17/2014 01:53 pm by Ronpur50 »

Offline mike robel

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Re: Modelling Mars
« Reply #92 on: 11/17/2014 04:48 pm »
Probably you are correct.  Although the tank design couild have the tank dome going up into the nose area and protruding below the S-II base.  Mine protrude on the base and I left the noses on.  I have other uses for the nose though, for my S-1D, S-II based Space Station, and the front of my IMIS booster, and the S-II based External tank for Voyager.

Just don't make the ETs the size of a space shuttle ET.  Please.  :)

Offline Ronpur50

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Re: Modelling Mars
« Reply #93 on: 11/17/2014 08:21 pm »
Yep, don't worry, not going to be that size!  The tube I have is the same as the S-II and I have corrugated plastic for the ends.

Offline Ronpur50

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Re: Modelling Mars
« Reply #94 on: 11/19/2014 04:21 am »
I added decals to the MEM.  I went in the direction I have been trying to maintain, using shuttle style graphics and logos since this is still 1985 and 1986.  So, a red NASA worm instead of grey, it is Mars after all, and "Challenger" below that as it appeared on the orbiters.  Then, Apollo style "United States" and flag on the ascent stage.

Offline Ronpur50

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Re: Modelling Mars
« Reply #95 on: 11/21/2014 07:30 pm »
Have the basic build of one external tank done and the parts cut for the second one.  I will need to make attach points before I detail them.

Offline Ronpur50

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Re: Modelling Mars
« Reply #96 on: 11/21/2014 10:06 pm »
OK, got the tanks almost finished.  I used the same metal tape that I crinkled then smoothed a bit to represent insulation.  First I put it on the sides of the tanks, then, after I added plumbing to the top of the tanks, I added it to both ends.

I will paint it a little latter, using the same white and ivory of the main MS-II stage.

Offline mike robel

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Re: Modelling Mars
« Reply #97 on: 11/22/2014 01:16 am »
That looks pretty good.  You realize the insulating foam was on the inside of the Saturn 2nd and 3rd stages, but of course, this is just thermal blankets for extra insulation, right?

Offline Ronpur50

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Re: Modelling Mars
« Reply #98 on: 11/22/2014 01:44 am »
Yep, just extra blankets, and looks cool, lol.  I figure the fuel had to stay in orbit or even on the way to Mars for quite a while, so it can't hurt.
« Last Edit: 11/22/2014 01:45 am by Ronpur50 »

Offline mike robel

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Re: Modelling Mars
« Reply #99 on: 11/22/2014 03:09 am »
Yes.  Excellent point.  I see you sacrificed two SIVB shrouds.  I rather thought you were going to jettison them and just have exposed domes on both ends?

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