Author Topic: Topopesto's model kits (Read 59719 times)

topopesto · « **on:** 05/27/2017 10:20 am »

I guy!

I have to start to built the DELTA IV-EFT model kit of the Real space model (1/144). This model is good base model, but is very poor of the particulars.

I have improve the model with more particulars thanks the scratchbuilt.

1 photo: the box model kit with the cover;
2 photo: the box is open and you see the bits;
3/4 photo:bit by bit.

Ronpur50 · « **Reply #1 on:** 05/28/2017 04:22 pm »

I can't wait to see your build!

I did one a few years ago and did some mods, and printed some decals.

topopesto · « **Reply #2 on:** 05/29/2017 09:26 pm »

It's a beautiful model; Very nice!

topopesto · « **Reply #3 on:** 05/30/2017 09:29 pm »

The photo's 005 show the two booster core nosecone.
The photo's 006 the Orion's fairing and launch abort system and the second strage interstrage covering for Delta IV.

The Orion's fairing is very poor, and the second strage is crooked!

topopesto · « **Reply #4 on:** 06/03/2017 01:39 pm »

I have to start my work to the fairing on the Delta IV-EFT.

Thanks to the AXM's paper space scale modelling incredible drawing, I have realized the improvement on this piece.

In this series of rotates views you can see the my work.I'm very satisfied!

topopesto · « **Reply #5 on:** 06/04/2017 01:36 pm »

Other photos!

OW1978 · « **Reply #6 on:** 06/05/2017 08:12 am »

Looking nice... How tall is the model (I know it's in the 1:44 scale, but I'm at work and unable to find the details)? I was thinking about getting one some day.

topopesto · « **Reply #7 on:** 06/06/2017 08:00 pm »

At the end of the work, the model is tall 51 cm; It's very big!

You can star to built and improvement your model kit to do a small particulars thanks to the AXM's drawing. It's easy!

topopesto · « **Reply #8 on:** 06/09/2017 06:14 pm »

With a skilful work, I have realized a new Delta IV's interstrage, with a new and correct wrinkled and measure.

In the photo n°7-8 on the left side the RSM's bit, in the other my's new bit.

topopesto · « **Reply #9 on:** 06/18/2017 02:18 pm »

After the completion of the Delta' interstrage, I have to go on the particulars around it.

In this photos the rotation view of the my last work.

topopesto · « **Reply #10 on:** 06/22/2017 05:57 pm »

I don't like my last work on the Delta's interstrage; I remove all particular!

topopesto · « **Reply #11 on:** 06/22/2017 06:12 pm »

I realized a silicone rubber mold to do a copies of the Delta's interstrage for this model and the other to built in future.

On the photo, left side the new piece, on the center my peace, and in the right side the RSM' peace.

topopesto · « **Reply #12 on:** 06/28/2017 07:52 pm »

My work to go on the built of the two booster. I have glue the booster' down piece with the body and, on the top, I have glue the nose cone.

My down piece is very rich of bools. I remove these with the cutter and to fill this one with the putty.

I have built olso the Delta' main body with the down piece.

Photo 14a/b: the Delta' down pieces with remove parts.
Photo 15: the booster.
Photo 16: the Delta' booster core.

topopesto · « **Reply #13 on:** 07/02/2017 05:19 pm »

I to go my work with the built of the three fuel lines to the common booster cores. This work is simple and without problem.

topopesto · « **Reply #14 on:** 07/08/2017 07:43 am »

Now, my work to go on the Delta' two booster with the built of the particulars.

I have to finish the puttying in full the boosters. After this work, I have to go to realized all the particulars on these.

Show in the photos you go to look the puttying work and the full lines.

topopesto · « **Reply #15 on:** 07/08/2017 07:44 am »

More photos!

topopesto · « **Reply #16 on:** 07/16/2017 08:56 pm »

I to go with my work on the two booster to built the other particulars.

In this photos you see the work.

IanThePineapple · « **Reply #17 on:** 07/16/2017 09:06 pm »

Wow, those look awesome!

topopesto · « **Reply #18 on:** 07/19/2017 04:39 pm »

You can see another defect on the Delta' booster (inside the red circle). I have remove this and to have to restore new with the plastic rod of the Evergreen (cod.212). I have to do this wwork on all booster and on the common booster core center.

In the other photo (IMG-31), you can see the new bit (inside the red circle).

topopesto · « **Reply #19 on:** 09/02/2017 12:52 pm »

Hi guy, I'm in back; I have finished my vacancy!

I to leave again with my work on the Delta' model kit. I have to start with the realization of the particulars on the midle of boosters and Delta' core strage.
In this photos the particulars to added on the model.

topopesto · « **Reply #20 on:** 09/05/2017 06:38 pm »

I have to move my attention in the botton of the lover booster to improve the section near the main engine RS-68.
I have cover this part with a piece of cloth to feign the real material.

I have remove the parts to reproduce the CBS LOWER ATTACHMENTS of the three booster; no good!

topopesto · « **Reply #21 on:** 09/16/2017 10:40 am »

Hi guy!

The pieces that reproduce the engines are good; they have only a small holes that I go to closed with the putty. I'm very happy for this!

jgoldader · « **Reply #22 on:** 09/16/2017 11:55 am »

Thanks for these updates, this is going to be a very nice build.

topopesto · « **Reply #23 on:** 09/18/2017 07:39 pm »

Thanks! I'm happy for this!

topopesto · « **Reply #24 on:** 09/23/2017 10:53 am »

My work to go with the realization of the master of the CBS LOWER ATTACHEMENTS of the three booster. I have realized this with the plasticard of the EVERGREEN.

In first two photos you see the master. In other photos you see the first bite that I have to obtain. Now I go to realized the other pieces.

topopesto · « **Reply #25 on:** 10/14/2017 08:41 pm »

After that I have realized all CBS LOWER ATTACHMENTS and gluing them on the Delta' boosters, my work has shifted to realization of the Delta' COMMON BOOSTER CORE. I have made it with metal wire.

In this photo the test and the latest stuffing.

topopesto · « **Reply #26 on:** 10/15/2017 01:42 pm »

After the complieton of the works of final touches, I have to do a coat of primer on all the model. On this two photos the Delta' core strage after the primer.

I'm sorry, but I no remember to take the photos of the Delta' booster.

topopesto · « **Reply #27 on:** 10/25/2017 06:09 pm »

With the primer dried, I have proceeded in my work by mqking the masking and painting the top of he model with the white household appliance. I have laid two coats of paint.

topopesto · « **Reply #28 on:** 11/05/2017 01:29 pm »

Now, my work then moved on the DCSS cryogenic tank.

I have paint the spum-formed spray using in the first Humbrol n°4 (yellow), and the second paint the Humbrol n°100 (brown).
With the color draied, I have masked the Delta' body to paint the other parts with the white.

topopesto · « **Reply #29 on:** 11/07/2017 08:10 pm »

The partss white are painted. Good work!

topopesto · « **Reply #30 on:** 11/09/2017 06:35 pm »

Dried the white, I have realized another masking for the new paint.

I have used the brown n°100 Humbrol on all parts of the Delta IV.
This paint was applied using brush.

In the photo a Delta' booster in part paint.

topopesto · « **Reply #31 on:** 11/18/2017 08:32 am »

My work on the Delta' model kit, to make the right paintwork, has been shaping a brown coat on the whole model, so that the right shade will be created later.

I have realized the right color for the model kit using a 50% brown Humbrol n°100, and the remaining whit the white n°134 of the Molak.

I applied the color using a kitchen sponger.

I like the result obtain, it is well done!

In the photos 59-61, you will see the Delta' booster whit the correct paint applied whit the sponger.
In the photo n°62 the color using and the bite of sponger using.
In the photos 63 and 65 the Core strage.

topopesto · « **Reply #32 on:** 04/30/2018 01:50 pm »

I guys! I'm back after a long time becouse a my commitments. Unfortunately I had a problem with my camera and I had lost more and more photos that thay showed the various steps of my work.

Now I have finish my model and I see you the incredible model kit that I have realized.

topopesto · « **Reply #33 on:** 05/01/2018 09:20 pm »

I guys!

I show you other photos of the model kit.

Alpha Control · « **Reply #34 on:** 05/01/2018 10:45 pm »

Nice work, Topopesto! The finished rocket looks great. A lot of hard work. Good photos, too.

You know, I would love to see a photo of your finished Delta IV Heavy taken outdoors, with the real sky and clouds in the background. Would that be possible?

jgoldader · « **Reply #35 on:** 05/02/2018 01:28 pm »

Really nice job! Your build log was a great example of how to take a kit to the next level.

topopesto · « **Reply #36 on:** 05/03/2018 08:29 pm »

I'm very greatfull for your complimrents!
I'm sorry ALPHA CONTROL, but I prefer to keep my model closed in the showcases.

topopesto · « **Reply #37 on:** 05/03/2018 08:36 pm »

Another set of photos!

topopesto · « **Reply #38 on:** 05/19/2018 05:28 pm »

In conclusion, It's my opinion that the RSM's Delta IV is too much for what it offer, but is a good model base.

topopesto · « **Reply #39 on:** 07/14/2018 07:34 am »

ARV
ADVANCE RE-ENTRY VEHICLE
(1/72)

The ARV is the best solution, for the ESA, to had a manned spacecraft to transport the our astronauts of the eart to the space. I'm very sad that this project is remain on the paper and not had to see of the realization but, thank of the my hobby, I can see realized this interesting subject with a model kit in scratchbuilt.

topopesto · « **Reply #40 on:** 07/15/2018 01:23 pm »

The ARV uses most parts of the ATV. I have to take the propulsive module of the ATV, that I had realized most years a go, and have edited this part. In particular I have edited the lower part removing the old pieces and realized the new pieces.

In this series of the photos you can watching the propulsion module finished with the new parts.

topopesto · « **Reply #41 on:** 07/17/2018 06:08 pm »

To be built the propulsion module of the ARV, I have to use the master that I had realized for ATV.
I decided to show you the old photos to built it to made the work done better understend.
In this series of photos you can see the many steps.

topopesto · « **Reply #42 on:** 07/21/2018 08:55 am »

The photos previously posted befor to show the different steps to realizzed the conical truncated section that unites the propulsion module to the pressurized module of the ATV.

topopesto · « **Reply #43 on:** 07/21/2018 04:07 pm »

After the completion of this work, I had proceeded with the works on the botton parts in the propulsion module and I had realized a disk that I had glue on the botton.

topopesto · « **Reply #44 on:** 07/23/2018 06:18 pm »

I had proceeded in my works with the realization of the other parts present in the lower area. Made a truncated cone is very difficolt, however, with a little trigonometry I had resolved every problem.

topopesto · « **Reply #45 on:** 07/23/2018 07:50 pm »

In this photos is show the work that I had realized to built the section where the orbital motors will then be put. This pieces they are made using a sheet of pvc.

topopesto · « **Reply #46 on:** 07/26/2018 06:02 pm »

After compleeting this piece, I proceeded with my work pasting it and adding other important pieces to details this section of the model kit.

topopesto · « **Reply #47 on:** 09/09/2018 01:21 pm »

Hi guy!
After a long holiday I'm back and I procedeed with explaining the work done to realized this pieces of the model.

I had procedeed whit the realization of the structure to reproduce the texture of the thermal coating on the propulsion module. I had used of strips of PLASTICARD of the EVERGREEN of adequate size and put at the right distance between them.

In the photo you can wath my work.

TripleSeven · « **Reply #48 on:** 09/09/2018 01:22 pm »

Quote from: topopesto on 09/09/2018 01:21 pm

Hi guy!
After a long holiday I'm back and I procedeed with explaining the work done to realized this pieces of the model.

I had procedeed whit the realization of the structure to reproduce the texture of the thermal coating on the propulsion module. I had used of strips of PLASTICARD of the EVERGREEN of adequate size and put at the right distance between them.

In the photo you can wath my work.

fantastic

topopesto · « **Reply #49 on:** 09/15/2018 08:01 am »

I used thin sheets of paper, dipped in a solution of water and Vinavil (glue), to riproduce the thermal coting in this area. The paper was previously cut to the right size for my needs. Whit the drying of the paper I proceeded to apply a layer of liquid putty Mr. SURFACER 500 for completing my work.

topopesto · « **Reply #50 on:** 09/24/2018 07:50 pm »

During the last work I had ruined the upper part of the propulsion module.I proceeded to do it again with some plasti card cut to size using a little geometry. Now this part is ready to proceeded qith other work.

topopesto · « **Reply #51 on:** 09/26/2018 06:11 pm »

After completation of the botton in the truncate cone, i had proceeded with the realization of the details in this area. THE radiators were made with pieces of brass and the other pieces in plasticard.

topopesto · « **Reply #52 on:** 10/06/2018 07:29 am »

After the completion of this work, I proceded with the realization of the part where there will be solar panels. In this case I have removed some parts of the surface by stripping the underlying part.

After that I proceded with the new work to enrich this section of the model with details.

topopesto · « **Reply #53 on:** 10/16/2018 07:54 pm »

The last work on this piece is was to cover the area near d the solar panels with a thin layer of paper impregnated with glue. Now I return to describe the works to realized the ARV.

topopesto · « **Reply #54 on:** 10/27/2018 07:43 am »

After this long I explain the procedure by illustrating the work done to achieve the rest of the model.
I made the front area of the ARV, where there is the docking ring using the lathe. The work is very easy and I completed this in little time.

The photos are not good, but you can see the details present in this piece.

topopesto · « **Reply #55 on:** 10/28/2018 01:17 pm »

I procedee in my work by coating the piece with light paper soaked in the water and glue to reproduce the termal coating and, then I added the various details that you can to watch in those photos.

topopesto · « **Reply #56 on:** 11/02/2018 07:42 am »

Thanks to my lathe I quickly made the top of the ARV, completing it with all the details that would have characterized its thermalcoating.
I had proceeded by identifying the right positions for secondary details such as access door and maneuvering rockets.

topopesto · « **Reply #57 on:** 11/10/2018 08:00 am »

For the meantime I proceded in my work creating a silicon rubber mold making a casting to obtain the piece relative to the ARV's propulsion module.

I prefer to make resin copies to keep the master, and to be able to use this peace for new projects in the future. My heading would also be to market it though...

topopesto · « **Reply #58 on:** 11/11/2018 01:52 pm »

As alredy done for the propulsion module, I have completed the addittion of the details on the re-entry capsule; I made the rubber mold and the piece in resin that I will use for the model.

I' m very proud of my work, is very perfect and full of details. Now I can start with assembly of the parts made.

topopesto · « **Reply #59 on:** 11/24/2018 07:32 am »

Ater the realization of the copy of the original piece, I procedeed to glue the main parts to proceed with the work. There are small problems, but the job is more than. satisfactory.

topopesto · « **Reply #60 on:** 12/02/2018 05:33 pm »

I'm not satisfied for same imperfections, I prefer to cover the upper strage of the ARv's proprulsion module with a cloth strip to reproduce the texture of the thermal coating.

After this I added the various pieces that complete everything made previously. I apologize, but fot these I did not take the pictures.

I have made a series of photos that show the ARV' model in different angles.

topopesto · « **Reply #61 on:** 12/15/2018 07:14 am »

Hi guys!

Now my work proceded with the painting of the model. I started by painting the while parts but using white primer and not the classic paint.

The choice was dictated by waiting to reproduce a thermal coating effect as it was, in realy, on the ATV.

This photos show the work painting.

topopesto · « **Reply #62 on:** 01/01/2019 03:23 pm »

Happy New Year guys!

Completed the drafting of the white, my work procedeed with the painting of the reentry capsule.

The reentry capsule, as per ESA' drawings, has been painted using Humbrol's color n°100, as a can without any changes.

I had done two varnish passes separated by about 24 hours to allow a good drying.

topopesto · « **Reply #63 on:** 01/05/2019 09:07 am »

I proceeded with painting work, creating chromatic variation on the re-entry capsule. I have always used the same color adding or white or black to vary the shades.

For my the results are more than satisfactory. I'm very happy for this!

saimoncis · « **Reply #64 on:** 01/05/2019 02:16 pm »

Nice there, Topo...
I don't see the hour to see the finished model.

topopesto · « **Reply #65 on:** 01/13/2019 01:02 pm »

Quote from: saimoncis on 01/05/2019 02:16 pm

Nice there, Topo...
I don't see the hour to see the finished model.

[/quote

Hi Saimoncis. You will not have to wait long!

topopesto · « **Reply #66 on:** 01/13/2019 01:12 pm »

About the realization of the solar panel, I used those of the ATV of the AMK-kits.

The solar panels have been detached from their supports, cleaned and sanded to be suitable for receiving the primer. I than laid two coats of primer on both surfaces.

topopesto · « **Reply #67 on:** 01/26/2019 09:56 am »

I finally finished the solar panels though...I forgot to took pictures. I show you here the one made for the realization of the ATV as gift equal. I'm sorry!

I still proceeded with the work on the model making the various finishes, applying some decals and revising the parts with a gray pencil to create depth in the model. Last work two coats of trasparent satin varnish to seal everything.

topopesto · « **Reply #68 on:** 02/03/2019 01:50 pm »

Hi guys!

I finnaly arrived at the end of this incredible model kit. The last work done concerned the various finishes and the application of the decals, as well as other small details that you can be seen by carefully looking at the photos.

If the ESA had continued with this project now even the Europeans would have the opportunity to access the space without depending on the others, and we could have seen a real subject and not just a model.

topopesto · « **Reply #69 on:** 04/19/2020 08:51 am »

We were, in Italy, have been locked in the house for more than a month and this forced captivity has given me the opportunity to resume some of my models that I have been standing still for a long time so, I resumed and completed the Falcon 9 v.1.2 FT (1/144) model kit that I started some time ago.

I was able to realize the model thanks to the purchase of the pieces on sale at SHAPEWAYS; I bought them the engine area, the legs and the nose of the rocket missile. The Shapeways pieces are very beautiful and well made but, poor in detail; I had thus enriched them by buildings many small details. My work is focused on landing feet and fairing.

I made the Falcon 9 main body with a metal tube of adequate diameter to which I glue all the essential elements; the elements that were missing, I made them in scratch-built completed the model kit assembly I gave it a coat of grout for the bottom and then I gave two coats of white paint on the 2° stage and the fairing.

For the first stage, having to create various shades, I preferred to give only a light coat of paint.

Finished the main painting phase I applied the decals on the whole model kit then I gave two coats of glossy transparent paint on the model.

I then proceeded with the work masking some parts of the Falcon 9 and I start to realize the nuances of were of the missile. I created the shades using the black color dilute in different percentages.

Finished the shades I completed the painting with two coats of satin paint on the second strage and fairing, and two coats of matt paint on the first stage.

Photo 1: Falcon' 9 main body with the engine section;
Photo 2: the same;
Photo 3: the fairing with details;
Photo 4: the same;
Photo 5: the same;
Photo 6: Falcon' second stage+ fairing;
Photo 7: Falcon' 1° stage + legs;
Photo 8: falcon 9 with the primer for painting.

topopesto · « **Reply #70 on:** 04/20/2020 09:24 am »

Hi guys!

These are the last photos of the completed model.

Some of my considerations on this model made by me:

1)It is better to color the landing feet separately and glue them when the model kit is finished; I would have had fewer problems with masking;
2)I should find a more effective primer for metal.

topopesto · « **Reply #71 on:** 09/05/2020 01:26 pm »

Hi guys!

Finally, after so much work, I had completed another model kit. In this, it is the Atlas V/ Dream Chaser (1/144).
For this model kit, I had rebuilt all panels at the 1°stage; the original paneling was wrong. For this work I used the AXM paper model kit drawing; they are very beautiful and perfect.

Now I show you some pictures.

Ps: I had open my YouTube channel; if you are interested in watching some of my model kits, you go to visit it. Thanks!

YouTube channel is: AMK astronautic model kit

topopesto · « **Reply #72 on:** 09/05/2020 01:35 pm »

topopesto · « **Reply #73 on:** 09/05/2020 01:36 pm »

topopesto · « **Reply #74 on:** 09/05/2020 01:37 pm »

topopesto · « **Reply #75 on:** 09/05/2020 01:40 pm »

topopesto · « **Reply #76 on:** 09/12/2020 10:09 am »

I’m very happy guys! In a short time, I had finished another model kit; this time is the Falcon 9 V.1.1/ Dragon v1.0.

Also this time I used the parts produced by Shapeways in addition to the beautiful AXM drawings. I made the model kit like the previous one. I had to self-built some elements of the Falcon 9 and the solar panels cover for the Dragon spacecraft. Below the photos that show some phases of the work that I have done.

Visit my YouTube channel and subscribe, it costs nothing and you can help me to grow, thanks!

AMK astronautic model kit

F1: FALCON' MAIN BODY
F2: FALCON' MOTOR AREA
F3: DRAGON SPACECRAFT
F4: FIRST TEST FOR THE DIMENSIONS
F5-6-7: THE MASTER FOR THE SOLAR PANELS

topopesto · « **Reply #77 on:** 09/15/2020 07:28 pm »

The model kit is now nearing the end. In these two images, you can see the various details.

topopesto · « **Reply #78 on:** 09/17/2020 08:41 pm »

The painting phase begins. I first painted the whole model with white then, once it was completely dry, I proceeded with the wear and tear work

topopesto · « **Reply #79 on:** 09/22/2020 05:21 pm »

Hi guys!

These are the last photos. You can see the completed model kit. I made this model kit without the landing legs unlike the previous one. I'm so happy about my work, It's very beautiful and perfect.

topopesto · « **Reply #80 on:** 03/11/2021 06:02 pm »

Hi guys.

Some time ago I read on this forum that there is a project of a Cygnus cargo spacecraft with the pressurized section larger than the one currently in use.

I have done various searches but I haven't found useful information or drawings. I would be interested to make the model of this Cygnus.

There is someone that could help me. Where can I find drawings? Where can I find any information regarding this special version of the Cygnus spacecraft?

Thanks!

topopesto · « **Reply #81 on:** 07/28/2021 08:39 pm »

Hi guys.

I’m proud to present my latest modeling work to you. I made the Cygnus Enhanced on a 1/72 scale.

The Cygnus model kit is made of resin with photo-etch details. The model kit is then completed by some decals that faithfully reproduce the solar panels and other parts that will enrich the model.

Thanks to this model kit it is possible to realize three different versions; these versions are all real concepts, not sci-fi.

If someone has interested in enriching his collection, contact me via PM or the e-mail attached here, or visit my YouTube channel.

Thanks!

e-mail: [email protected]
youtube channel: amk astronautic model kit

topopesto · « **Reply #82 on:** 12/14/2021 07:24 pm »

Hi Guys!

I’m very proud of the model kit that I have just finished, it’s the N1 rocket of the Real Space Model.

The model kit is well made and it is very beautiful. That is well made and full of details.

If I really wanted to find a flaw in this model, I could only say that the instructions are too minimalist; it would be good to make clearer instructions.
Personally, I had some problems figuring out which was the best solution to fold the photoengraves present in the model.

topopesto · « **Reply #83 on:** 04/10/2023 06:14 pm »

Hi guys.

AMK has put on the market a very interesting new subject with a space theme. This is the Dragon spacecraft cargo (version 1) reproduced in 1/72 scale. With this subject, you will be able to create one of the three possible versions.

If you are interested in this subject, you can write to the e-mail: [email protected]

There is youtube channel: AMK astronautic model kit, where you can see more and more very interesting videos regarding astronautic model kits.

topopisto · « **Reply #84 on:** 06/09/2023 08:19 pm »

With these photos I show you the third and last Dragons's spacecraft version (version 1), which I made. This Dragon version is not sci-fi, but it is a real project studied years ago by Space X and, unfortunately, never realized. The project envisaged the use of this Dragon spacecraft in an inhabited version in order to carry out a maintenance or repair mission of the HST.

If you are interested in this project, you are looking for this document: Space X dragon as an in-orbit Servicing Platform (March 25, 2010.

Eventualy you can go on my You Tube channel: AMK astronautic model kit.

Thanks!

topopisto · « **Reply #85 on:** 09/21/2024 07:11 am »

Hi guys.

After over 9 years of hard work and problem-solving, I’m so proud to show the new AMK’ model to the world.
From my point of view, it is the apotheosis of my work.

I made the ESA’ Hermes mini shuttle completely in resin and I made it in 1/72 scale. The Hermes model is finely detailed and full of details. Its creation was possible thanks to my great work of researching photos, drawings and various types of information.

If anyone is interested in this subject, please contact me.

topopisto · « **Reply #86 on:** 09/21/2024 07:13 am »

Other photos.

mike robel · « **Reply #87 on:** 09/21/2024 01:49 pm »

Nice work

topopisto · « **Reply #88 on:** 10/16/2025 07:50 pm »

topopisto · « **Reply #89 on:** 10/27/2025 09:21 pm »

New incredible video guys.