Space Shuttle Launch Pad 39A with Challenger STS-6 (1:144)

• #120 by roma847 on 02 Feb, 2013 07:08
• Hi all together,
  
  here is a sketch of the wiring, which is to show the proportions in 1:160 and shows what is available now. On this LH2 valve skid everything is much closer together in a confined space as on the LOX valve skid, making more difficult the work something. 
  
  The green circle should be the LH2-Filter, the tilted block main valves are red.
  
  
  
  It looks all pretty small, but I want to try it anyway to scratch-build.  
  
  Therefore I did continue with the LH2-Filter, can be seen as a rear/left reference point on the pallet, which is about 16.3 mm long, or short, how you want.
  
  
  
  The main body is a plastic round profile (diameter 2.4 mm), which side sits between two H-beams (1,5x1,5 mm). The middle strand of the transfer line must match this filter, if everything fits together properly.
  
  And already a small error had crept in.   Since the LH2 filter non-flush sits on the pallet frame, I had to first extend the lateral brackets from H-beam, which had fallen slightly short.
  
  
  
  And here the filter should be on the pallet.
  
  
  
  t first I had connected the filter with the extension of the transfer line, what has proved for the further construction of the skid lines but inconvenient.
  
  
  
  To better connect the parallel bypasses, it is skillful for customizing and bonding, if these short pieces, in particular for the segmented elbow pipes, lie flat on the plane. Here are the first items for it.
  
  
  
  Here is is the rear, thicker bypass. Thereon already the sleeves (aluminum foil) are glued, on which the two central block valves will be sitting.
  
  
  
  
  
  And looks like the first provisional fitting on the pallet.
  
  
  
  As you can easily see the filter sits still slightly too far to the left, so I have to cut there probably still somewhere a little on the length, I just still don't know exactly where the best and need a good idea.
  
  
• #121 by roma847 on 03 Feb, 2013 06:40
• And therefore it continued today with the miniatures on the LH2-Valve Skid , if it is again only small steps.  
  
  To the overview here again the valve skid with its details. As you can see, there are on each string sections with different diameters, which must keep something, as you search for profiles with suitable diameters during the construction.  
  
  
  Source: J. Patterson (NASASpaceFlight)
  
  Now, the front thin bypass (0.6 mm) was prepared with three small sleeves, for which I have used a suitable grass (1.3 mm), because I had nothing better.
  
  
  
  This becomes the connector that connects the front bypass to the middle strand.
  
  
  
  From here it continues to the left with this gradual increase in (1.2 mm). The blue piece right next to it is an acupuncture needle (0.2 mm, my wife brought it for me from the doctor),   which is ideal for dabbing on the Superglue on these thin parts.
  
  
  
  A smaller block valve, its bushing is wrapped aluminum foil sits on the left rise next to the LH2-Filter.
  It continues with the preparation of the parts for the two central block valves, which are composed of several parts.
  
  
  
  First, there are the lower sloping extensions (2.2 mm) that sit on the two bypass tubes.
  
  
  
  For the subsequent valve body I used for the first part 1x1 mm square profile and 1 mm rod for completion. Everything else will then be seen from the building.
  
  
  
  Here is the conglomeration of existing items.
  
  
  
  Here is a finished valve body, which looks like a small telescope. But I think it should be slightly thicker???
  
  
  
  As far as for today.
  
  
• #122 by roma847 on 04 Feb, 2013 07:27
• After careful consideration I have delt again with the Block valves, because my first prototype has still not completely convinced me. Somehow the proportions agreed not really, and something leaves me then no rest, also if it is only such a pipsqueak.  
  
  Here is a nice detail photo of the LH2 skid therefore again.
  
  
  Source: J. Patterson (NASASpaceFlight)
  
  How can it be seen, there are in addition to the two big block valves (right) even two more smaller block valves on the front bypass (left) and behind the corner, by the way both different sizes.
  
  Depending on what perspective you can see these valves, the form in particular of the lower part appears more or less compact. If you look but more accurately, it recognizes that there is no full profile, but two mounting bracers. But these bracers in the scale 1: 160 to scratch build is simply hopeless, since it would have to be 'strong' less than 1 mm, and with a length of approx. 4 mm!  
  
  As a result is a 1 x 1 mm square profile already suitable as a first approximation.
  
  But the visually dominant right cylindrical portion should be somewhat stronger than in my first prototype where I have used a round profile Ø 1.0 mm. So I used this time 1.4 mm, what comes better out and looks visually complaisant.
  
  For the intermediate rings this time I have used shrink hose Ø 2.3 mm, which I've shrunk on a brass bar on Ø 1.4 mm. And at this diameter may even the four thin clamping bracers should be feasible, that connect the bottom part with the cylindrical upper part. I have that in any case tried and used copper wire Ø 0.2 mm.
  
  And so the result looks now:
  
  
  
  Okay, you must know that the bracers are really, because this is unfortunately difficult to see on this picture. So here is another picture from the preparation of the second valve on which you can better recognize the bracers and see also the small pieces needed.
  
  
  
  Now I have connected the individual assemblies permanently, to give me something to facilitate further adaptation of pipe lengths on the skid, i.e. the Transfer line is a continuous piece now ranges from the right corner to the LH2-Filter.
  
  
  
  Now, the LH2-filter is attached, allowing the height of the line is fixed, so that now the rear block valve could be mounted, which was not so easy.  
  
  When the Superglue bonding of the valve body on the aluminum foil sleeve must be same the first attempt succeed and if possible, even the seat should be exactly. There remains only little time for any corrections of the angular position or the alignment in the longitudinal direction. That worked but just very well luckily the first valve right off the bat.
  
  
  
  And here is a fitting on the skid, which looks as far as quite well.   And therefore continue with the second valve.
  
  
  
  Because both valves relatively close to each other sit (approx. 1 mm), the seat of the base had to be adapted slightly. But now the pair of valves done completely and thus a delicate assembly group, what I had initially associated with respect.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  And now to the smaller block valve upstream of the LH2-Filter, or first to the line on which it sits.
  
  
  
  The valve is a number unfortunately smaller than the other two, which makes everything more difficult.   The valve is located on the rear half of the bypass, which has a diameter of 1.2 mm and with a segmented elbow pipe around the corner. Shortly thereafter, a fourth block valve (!!!), which rises diagonally backwards towards the wall sits directly behind the LH2-Filter.
  
  The bypass runs then again around a corner and then to the right and meets the end of the already installed Vent line, so the circuit would be closed again in height of the filter from the top.
  This here is a first fitting of the two parts of the bypass, which shows how close it is to.
  
  
  
  Perhaps, you can see based on the pictures, why it goes currently only slowly forward ...
  
  
• #123 by brad2007a on 04 Feb, 2013 10:18
• Damn...I wish I had one ONE THOUSANDTH your patience and skill... 
  
  
• #124 by roma847 on 04 Feb, 2013 10:48
• Thanks Brad for your nice words.
  A lot of patience you must already have and also a good sense of proportion. And No pain, no gain, only practice makes perfect.
  
  
• #125 by roma847 on 05 Feb, 2013 08:13
• And here is a small update from the LH2 Valve Skid.
  
  With the fitting is all well and good, but it is better, if the long piece of transfer line now finally can be glued. Then I can connect better the small parts of the front bypass.  
  
  Now the part had to be painted and so that looks like.
  
  
  
  And so it can be installed now also finally on the valve skid.
  
  
  
  
  
  Oh well, so slow even the right side of Side 1 fills up.
  
  And it went a bit again on the Valve skid. Nevertheless, is not much to see, because the bypass is so small.
  
  
  
  On the one I started with the preparation of the front small block valve, which on the front aluminum sleeve will sit. Unfortunately this is now but still a number smaller than the first two valves. The base left has 1.4 mm diameter, the prismatic part is a square profile 0,7x0,7 mm, and the front part is a round profile with 1 mm diameter. Maybe I can do it, accommodate to even the four clamping struts from 0,1 mm copper wire, let's see.
  
  On the other hand, the bypass must turn rear right and needs a segmented elbow pipe again, and this is a really tricky matter, i.e. again a longer piece glue, and then again on the small stub of a miter cut without it again to cancel it.   And thus a fitting is also once again.
  
  
  
  Then the length must be marked up to below the next bow after on the vent line. And this is of course a segmented elbow pipe.
  
  
  
  And behind the bow now only has to determine the correct length down, as helps to aim roughly, filing away a little bit, and then again try, and so some times, until it fits then. You can unfortunately no longer measure the distance, this is all much too narrow and too bulky.
  
  
  
  Now, but as far as finishes the bypass and now has five elbows. And that I will try now still to smooth something very carefully with the sanding stick.
  
  The valve body is now also done in the shell, must be cut to length, so that then can get the rings on it, and then possibly the thin bracers, if it works out.
  
  
• #126 by roma847 on 06 Feb, 2013 06:32
• Now I can show you the front small block valve, and it worked really with the thin tension bolts, although it was quite tricky.
  
  
  
  And as you can see on the adjacent small bypass, I have again removed the aluminum sleeves since they as a whole but not really said to me and himself had also eased. I've wrapped the new sleeves with tape strips from Tamiya, which I liked better.
  
  Since the bypass is resting on three small struts, I had to get somehow their length, and went back only by means of a further fitting. And you can believe me, also has again been an ordeal, took nerves before the position was fixed, finally to get off the measurements. This is wrong that so few times.
  
  
  
  These are the first two struts sitting on the pallet frame. The third will sit at the place where now lies the small stack of Balsa.
  
  
  
  And reminder here again the situation on the ground on the left side of the skids in the original image.
  
  
  Source: J. Patterson (NASASpaceFlight)
  
  So now the awkward painting action of small parts comes again before the assembly.
  
  
  
  The next pictures show now finally laid bypass parts on the support braces, and I can only again breathe deeply.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  As seen on the original image a Pressure Gauge Panel is located on the left side of the skid for the pressure display, as well as calibration ports and Shut-off Valves, which cannot be missed of course.   I cut out this Panel out of the Black Box of the LH2-Valve skid from the paper kit, to use part of it also once again.
  
  
  
  The continuation follows soon.
  
  
• #127 by roma847 on 07 Feb, 2013 06:44
• And here is the small panel.
  
  
  
  And here at this point it sits now on the pallet frame under the now also assembled small block valve.
  
  
  
  And thus once again a slightly bigger step is done, and now is already land in sight.
  
  
  
  
  
  Now it will continue probably with the fourth block valve, left, sitting directly behind the LH2-Filter. And then also some small pipes and fittings are around, I would like to try at least sometimes.
  
  
• #128 by roma847 on 08 Feb, 2013 05:54
• I have not done now but continue with the 4th block valve, but with the small bypass next to the 3rd block valve, which run upwards and then turn left. Again, this is a fairly small and delicate part, why I used brass tube 0.9 mm and wire 0.5 mm. Fortunately I've found a thin cable insulation (0.6 mm) I can use.
  
  
  
  This bypass passes under the Transfer line that comes from the LH2 filter, and flows back into the end of the Vent line. Left in the picture lie already the parts for the output of the transfer line behind the filter, these are again segmented elbow pipes.
  
  
  
  When mounting the intersecting lines you must pay attention exactly to the distances to each other, otherwise you get problems with the pass ability quickly. Therefore I have prepared well once the longer piece of transfer line, ranging in the LH2-Tunnel in the Bay 6.
  
  
  Source: www.retrospaceimages.com (STS-6)
  
  That started in front of the LH2-Tunnel with a segmented elbow pipe, and right at the junction to below as well.
  
  
  
  While one can relatively easily determine the length of the line from photos, you must juggle more already downwards to get to the level of the filter output behind the pressure gauge panel.
  
  
  
  But that eventually worked, and thus the two parts could be then linked and detailed anything. To contrive of the line was then somewhat more difficult. Because I had drilled the receipt by the LH2 tunnel to be able to insert the line there and therefore to give a better grip, the place was then almost too tight to the threading right before the filter. And prompt the junction is cancelled also because of superglue had tied but still not right.
  
  
  
  So the glue joints before gluing again had to be sanded first again, and then everything was solid for the second time and ran smoothly.
  
  So far for today. Now I can customize the small bypass that runs under the transfer line. And since I'm curious whether the size is now able to pass at the connection points.
  
  
• #129 by roma847 on 09 Feb, 2013 06:12
• The pass ability that would be OK with the small bypass. But at the rear exit at the Vent line, it is now slowly pretty tight, and before there everything is still inaccessible, yet one more line had to be installed. This is a thin vent line, about their history and connections I was so far not completely in the clear. Therefore at this point for all who are interested, a brief digression in terms of analysis of detail photos for the enlightenment of such details, without which it does not go.  
  
  In my field of view this line came again recently when customizing the thicker Transfer line that runs from the filter to the LH2 tunnel. Also this thinner vent line runs from the the LH2-Valve skid to the LH2-Ttunnel, but it runs immediately in front of the MLP wall above the three pipes running from the LOX-Valve skid to the LOX-Tunnel, how one can see in the following photo.
  
  
  Source: http://www.retrospaceimages. com (STS-6)
  
  From this line it was so far not clear to me, where its starting point is, because it was somehow unfortunately always hidden in the most recent photos. Only through more intensive evaluation of other photos I have come then still behind, and ultimately again thanks to the great close-ups of J. Patterson (NSF).
  
  On the next, already known panoramic photo, this little box is beyond the end of the tapered vent line to see (see arrow), and exactly where the line starts.
  
  
  Source: NASA
  
  The details are clearly visible on the next two photos. Beyond the end of the tapered vent line (hidden) is a "white box" (arrow), from which the pipe by a bushing (?) goes up.
  
  
  Source: J. Patterson (NASASpaceFlight.com)
  
  
  Source: J. Patterson (NASASpaceFlight.com)
  
  And here you can see the line according to the upper elbow pipe to the left in the direction of LH2-Tunnel.
  
  
  Source: http://www.flickr.com
  
  And now back to the practical part. These are the parts for the line, right next to it are the brass parts for the small bypass and the now finished last block valve.
  
  
  
  And here is the curved line, and as always the key fitting,
  
  
  
  which looks so far, very good. The line passes immediately under the support of the above it in the large Blast Shields.
  
  
  
  
  
  And at the end of the small bushing got even their six clamping bolts.
  
  
  
  So long!
  
  
• #130 by OV135 on 09 Feb, 2013 21:43
• Here is some reference for you.    http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=29198.0;attach=420428;image
  
  Also, any tips on getting the slightly darker shade of burnt orange seen below the rust colored intertank of the ET in this photo? Burnt orange worms for the main color, light orange for the LO2 feed line and intertank flanges, and rust red for the intertank. This slightly darker band of foam, I've no idea.
• #131 by roma847 on 09 Feb, 2013 22:48
• Thanks for this photo, do you know what mission it is? 
  
  The different colors of the ET's are really a difficult thing for the painting with which I have but still not intensive looking. But that is still to come ...
  
  
• #132 by roma847 on 10 Feb, 2013 06:14
• According to plan I wanted to have completed actually work on the LH2-Valve skid until Christmas, but first, it is otherwise, and secondly as you think. That is why only a few pictures of the final preparations of the still missing small parts.
  
  Since, at first a branch is short before the end of the Vent line, which goes as a rising pipe (behind the arrow tip) upwards, flows through a small valve in the Transfer line and forward towards a small sensor is completed.
  
  
  Source: NASA
  
  For this, I have drilled a hole (0,7 mm) in the Transfer line at this point,
  
  
  
  and threading the pipe already time trial.
  
  
  
  At this image is right the rising pipe to see and some bypasses and sensors.
  
  
  
  Here, the rising pipe is threaded in the Transfer line.
  
  
  
  And on the right corner of Side 1 there is still this connection line between the Transfer line and the Vent line, which I also already have prepared.
  
  
  
  Now can be then again sometimes painted. So enough with the nice mess for today.
  
  
• #133 by roma847 on 11 Feb, 2013 06:09
• I looked around me now in the paint shop, and because the parts are now ready, it can go now finally on the LH2-Valve Skid in the last round.
  
  Here are the painted pipes, valves, fittings, and sensors.
  
  
  
  Before installing the Transfer line (rear), and Vent line (front) the yellow markings were still attached, I again used decal stripes.
  
  
  
  And then it started, here again the previous build on the right valve skid.
  
  
  
  And now always nice in turn.   First came the vent line on the wall.
  
  
  
  Then the fourth block valve was glued, which stands backwards. Left to the valve the angled connecting pipe (with the yellow stripe) could now be mounted, which encounters the end of the vent line.
  
  
  
  Now also the thicker transfer line could be threaded, which leads from the LH2-Filter to the LH2-Tunnel.
  
  
  
  These were now the remaining consumables (valves and sensors).
  
  
  
  And thus, the LH2-Valve skid is now almost complete and again reached a milestone.   Now missing only the Monitoring Panel on the right side of the skid, which is standing in front of the sloping branch pipe of the Vent line.
  
  
  
  
  
  Finally, still the connecting pipe has been mounted between transfer line and vent line at the right corner.
  
  
  
  All in all it was somehow more difficult to build the LH2-Valve skid as the LOX-Valve skid and this a pretty hard nut to crack, but now is cracked as well as, and I can relax a little bit of this stress.
  
  
• #134 by roma847 on 12 Feb, 2013 06:28
• So, with a little distance here are a few pictures of the LH2-Valve skid from a slightly different perspective.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  And so to the free space on the access platform right before the valve skid, there stands this Monitoring Panel, used to process monitoring of the valve circuits.
  
  
  Source: NASA
  
  Here are the parts for this, the front panel sits on a double frame, for which I have used square profile 0,5x0,5 mm.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  And at this point it should be then.
  
  
  
  So long.
  
  
• #135 by roma847 on 13 Feb, 2013 09:15
• And for a change now back to something more manageable parts. Because a number of very sensitive armatures, valves and sensors include the two skids of the valve, you will need a sufficient protection from the hot flue gases at start-up.
  
  Serve already mentioned two Blast shields be seen on the next image.
  
  
  Source: http://www.retrospaceimages.com (STS-6)
  
  These are covers made of sheet steel, which sit on a number of supports that rest against the reinforcement bracers on the MLP wall. The long shield spans the two valve skids and runs from the LOX-Tunnel to the LH2-Tunnel, and the shorter subsequently covers the left Equipment pallet on the left side.
  
  And here are the parts in the paper kit,
  
  
  
  
  
  which I'll use only the sheet metal roofs.   The supports I will scratch build from 2 mm I-beams, so much like for the Access platforms.
  
  Now I'll start with the two Blast shields on Side 1. And so a lot of the nice Valve skid-details will now inevitably covered and thus overshadowed and can barely be seen, but what the heck ...
  
  Only, I must watch that I not obstruct too much me unnecessarily. There are still in particular the stairs (1, 2) between the Access platforms AP 1, AP 2 and AP 3 I must not forget. And the swing-out staircase (3) from the lower platform of AP 2 to the crawler, which is swung out only during transportation of the MLP, but is folded otherwise in the platform.
  
  
  Source: www.retrospaceimages.com (STS-6)
  
  And here in the folded state.
  
  
  Source: NASA
  
  That's why I've set ever the necessary parts aside.
  
  
  
  I'll at least the two staircases 1 and 2 prior to installation of the large blast shield incorporate in order to have enough freedom of movement. The retractable stairs 3 is probably best to install from the bottom, and the stairs 4 should cause no problems.
  
  And thus the blast shields, here is the larger of the two in the paper kit, which I will use only the top. The supports I will scratch with I-beams (2.0 mm). 
  
  
  
  The underside of the canopy has been rather little spartan and provides only the 9 supports. That may be in the relatively thin sheet steel, but certainly a bit too daring construction so completely without any further stabilization. And in reality, it looks slightly different, as shown in this image from the bottom. Since some bracers are indented, stiffen the whole canopy.
  
  
  Source: NASA
  
  And I will indicate at least partially that, although you will see them hardly later. Here are the initial preparations to do so. I'll take 0.3 mm sheet, on which I have drawn the longitudinal Sstruts between the support for the roof. Among them are the I-profiles for the support, which all consist of two parts, only the first support on the right side has still an inner strut extra (left).
  
  
  
  The support on the left side (red dot) of the roof must be slightly longer, since he is sitting right next to the reinforcing bracer in the Bay 6 (in addition to the LH2 tunnel) directly on the wall of the MLP. The first support of the left blast shield sits directly on the reinforcing strut.
  
  
  Source: http://www.capcomespace.net
  
  On the front edge of the roof between the supports each flat U-profiles are sitting, for that I'll use a 1.5 mm profile.
  
  As far as for the beginning.
  
  
• #136 by roma847 on 14 Feb, 2013 06:44
• The support for the large Blast shield came off next. So that all are equal, I made again a small mounting template with a few side stops, making it easier to manufacture.
  
  And that is the extreme right support with the intermediate support.
  
  
  
  Gluing the parts with Superglue went so relatively easily.
  
  
  
  The finished support were also stuck with Superglue on the canopy from 0.2 mm sheet. You should not take the Revell adhesive for this, because he would otherwise too disperse the thin sheet. 
  
  You must sure only that one as quickly as possible precisely aligns the support at the intended location, because the Superglue bonds relatively quickly.  
  
  In front of that, already the rectangular profile of 1,5 x 1,0 is mm for the longitudinal bracers to the reinforcement of the roof. Without that, the roof during installation would be otherwise quite unstable and wavy.
  
  
  
  The bracers were easily filed in their contact surface on the I-beams of support so they sit flush on the sheet, and ever put to the test.
  
  
  
  
  The Blast shield is now already much more stable with the glued bracers.
  
  
  
  
  1.5 m U-beams, which sit between the supports form the end of the front edge.
  
  
  
  
  
  After glue now the front edge is pretty stable and the large Blast shield actually done, but only almost ready.
  
  
  
  As can be seen in the picture below, there are still three diagonal bracers, on the right side
  
  
  Source: NASA
  
  and they came to the final even it.
  
  
  
  Now missing only the top, I take out of the paper kit, but before the bottom is still grey painted.
  
  
• #137 by roma847 on 15 Feb, 2013 09:59
• So that is worth the job for the paint shop guys should also still the small Blast shield to come. The building was in a similar way, again the supports from 2.0 mm I-beams.
  
  
  
  
  
  After the installation of the supports the bracers for the reinforcement and the front edge were prepared,
  
  
  
  and then glued. And thus now both Blast shields are done.
  
  
  
  Then I found out just a few parts, which must be also Grey painted. That's to the staircase that leads from the bottom Access platform of MLP to the Crawler, and on the other hand the railing for the bordering of the stairwell in the platform, so there also nobody may crash.
  
  
  
  And this is the finished stair, which can be folded up and off.
  
  
  
  Although isn't much, but the man is happy.
  
  
• #138 by roma847 on 15 Feb, 2013 12:42
• Before passing the Blast shields to the paint shop a question of detail popped up now but still. When looking at the photos of the Blast shields this small frame on the front corner of the larger canopy was noticed already for a long time, I've given but so far no heed.
  
  
  Source: NASA
  
  Still, I have considered over again what has probably for a purpose to fulfill. Now I came behind, and therefore a small variety times the question for you: what can this part be there probably good for?
  
  Who has an idea?
  
  In the meantime I made me to work and started with the frame,
  
  
  
  and also have installed him.
  
  
  
  And as adding I've complemented the fixture beside on the right side a spotlight is mounted, which is unfortunately somewhat obscured in the first picture.
  
  
  
  So, but now the two Blast shields can finally go in the paint shop.
  
  
• #139 by OV135 on 15 Feb, 2013 14:06
• A photo of LC-39B showing more detail of the surrounding pad structures.  http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/images/medium/2013-1512-m.jpg