Author Topic: The NASA model building thread (Read 1083569 times)

Bubbinski · « **Reply #1180 on:** 02/08/2011 01:32 pm »

Thank you for that site. Liked seeing that 1/72 flying stack also.

Bubbinski · « **Reply #1181 on:** 02/11/2011 01:33 pm »

Progress report!

5 out of 6 orbiters have been assembled. (Of course one was assembled a couple of years back and another was partially done then too). OV-103 Discovery is the last one, and I'll do it in its STS-114 configuration/markings.

The others will be done as per my previous note from Jan 20th.

Mark Dave · « **Reply #1182 on:** 02/15/2011 01:10 am »

Fellas checkout this video a modelling company posted on making a scale model of the shuttle. And it shows the Monogram 1/72 scale kit.

STS Tony · « **Reply #1183 on:** 02/17/2011 02:42 am »

What would be a good starting point for someone who's never put a model together before?

Bubbinski · « **Reply #1184 on:** 02/17/2011 03:11 am »

For novice modelers: I'd say the Hasegawa or Revell-Monogram 1/200 shuttle orbiter or Revell 1/144 shuttle orbiter only (if such a kit can still be found), perhaps even the AXM paper models. The 1/144 Revell shuttle stack is manageable for non-expert modelers, I think, because it has a very complete decal/marking set (for the latest Revell boxing, anyway).

The 1/288 Academy kits would also be OK though they're not fully accurate, if you're really limited on space. Stay away from the Minicraft 1/144 kit (bad shape).

Downix · « **Reply #1185 on:** 02/17/2011 04:34 pm »

I still want an Atlas V model kit.

clongton · « **Reply #1186 on:** 02/18/2011 01:11 am »

Quote from: Downix on 02/17/2011 04:34 pm

I still want an Atlas V model kit.

I agree 1,000%!

Bubbinski · « **Reply #1187 on:** 02/18/2011 03:17 am »

Well Real Space Models does offer 2 Atlas V kits in their catalog. They're resin, not plastic, and I have not successfully built full resin kits, I would personally be far more comfortable with injection molded kits.

The only other option that I know of would be scratchbuilding, perhaps with cardboard or PVC tubes. Or maybe there's a paper model out there.

Downix · « **Reply #1188 on:** 02/18/2011 04:53 am »

Quote from: Bubbinski on 02/18/2011 03:17 am

Well Real Space Models does offer 2 Atlas V kits in their catalog. They're resin, not plastic, and I have not successfully built full resin kits, I would personally be far more comfortable with injection molded kits.

The only other option that I know of would be scratchbuilding, perhaps with cardboard or PVC tubes. Or maybe there's a paper model out there.

No paper, sadly. As I would need 4 kits, rather pricey.

jgoldader · « **Reply #1189 on:** 02/20/2011 02:17 pm »

Quote from: Bubbinski on 02/18/2011 03:17 am

Well Real Space Models does offer 2 Atlas V kits in their catalog. They're resin, not plastic, and I have not successfully built full resin kits, I would personally be far more comfortable with injection molded kits.

The only other option that I know of would be scratchbuilding, perhaps with cardboard or PVC tubes. Or maybe there's a paper model out there.

I've built a couple of the Realspace rockets (not the Atlas V yet, though) and three of Glenn's space probes, and I can say his products and service are very good.

It's easy to work with resin. If you're in doubt of the large pieces staying together, just use bits of brass rod to "pin" them together. CA glue and epoxy are both good adhesives for large pieces, and CA is fine for the small stuff. I've started using the flexible Gorilla superglue, which is also a little easier to sand, and have been happy with the results.

For painting, wash with warm, soapy water and prime the parts first, and then you can use any paint you like.

The only real issue with resin is the dust. If you're going to be sanding a lot, use a mask so you don't breathe the stuff in.

Jeff

Aobrien · « **Reply #1190 on:** 02/20/2011 02:29 pm »

An AXM update:
HTV-2
Soyuz
Progress
ATV-2
PIRS
POISK
Have been released

dhanners · « **Reply #1191 on:** 02/20/2011 04:32 pm »

Quote from: Downix on 02/17/2011 04:34 pm

I still want an Atlas V model kit.

I scratchbuilt an Atlas V in card in 1/96th scale a couple of years ago; as rockets go, it's not that hard to scratch. I did the launch vehicle for the New Horizons probe.

Downix · « **Reply #1192 on:** 02/20/2011 05:48 pm »

Quote from: dhanners on 02/20/2011 04:32 pm

Quote from: Downix on 02/17/2011 04:34 pm
I still want an Atlas V model kit.

I scratchbuilt an Atlas V in card in 1/96th scale a couple of years ago; as rockets go, it's not that hard to scratch. I did the launch vehicle for the New Horizons probe.

Very good work. My concern comes with finding the right tubes, Atlas' size is a hair off for most tubes I found.

dhanners · « **Reply #1193 on:** 02/20/2011 07:39 pm »

Quote from: Downix on 02/20/2011 05:48 pm

Quote from: dhanners on 02/20/2011 04:32 pm
Quote from: Downix on 02/17/2011 04:34 pm
I still want an Atlas V model kit.

I scratchbuilt an Atlas V in card in 1/96th scale a couple of years ago; as rockets go, it's not that hard to scratch. I did the launch vehicle for the New Horizons probe.
Very good work. My concern comes with finding the right tubes, Atlas' size is a hair off for most tubes I found.

Thanks for the kind words. It's been awhile since I built it, so I can't recall if I found the right sized tube through Semroc (http://www.semroc.com/Store/Products/BodyTubes.asp) or whether I got a slightly oversize tube and cut it down, as Rick Sternbach demonstrates on his Saturn V clinic page. I've done that with several launch vehicles I've built, and it's a relatively easy process with model rocket tubes. Plus, one of the qualities of cardboard is that when you cut a lengthwise slice out of the tube and glue the tube back together, it seems to want to assume a circular cross-section.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #1194 on:** 02/22/2011 03:25 am »

I've had a check of previous posts but have not yet seen this posted. You can now buy 1/144 scale resin kits of the in-line engine version of the Direct Jupiter 130 and Jupiter 246 launch vehicles from Martin's Model Accessories.

http://homepages.tesco.net/martin.goldsack/webpics/DSCF3197.jpg

JayP · « **Reply #1195 on:** 02/23/2011 06:08 pm »

Not a real physical model, I know but still...

Someone made a Google Earth model of Discovery on LC-39A. before this, the only thing modeled in the LC-39 complex was the VAB. It's not the greatest CG model shuttle I have ever seen, but considering it is done in sketch-up, it's not bad at all.

Bubbinski · « **Reply #1196 on:** 02/24/2011 02:50 pm »

I've finished the construction of the last orbiter in my six-pack (OV-103 Discovery).

Here's all 6 orbiters in the lineup. Now comes the long hard slog of masking, painting, priming, and assembling landing gear, engines, OMS pod carrier panels, etc.

BenB5150 · « **Reply #1197 on:** 02/24/2011 03:16 pm »

Looks like my 5 pack! I still need to build Colubia in her STS-107 configuration to complete my 6 pack. I also need to finish the stacks that go with each orbiter. I at least finished Discover in time to display for her final launch attempt.

I look forward to seeing your 6 pack completed. Keep up the good work!

Ben

starsalor · « **Reply #1198 on:** 02/24/2011 03:20 pm »

You guys are Very GOOD !!!

Mark Dave · « **Reply #1199 on:** 02/24/2011 10:20 pm »

Columbia is easy to change into her STS-109/ 107 look BenB5150.

Say why not modify the Columbia in the model photos you posted to make that one look like STS-1? A nice comparing of Columbia then to her final look.