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

• #140 by roma847 on 15 Feb, 2013 21:32
• Wow, an interesting photo, and look at the next pictures.
   
  
  Source: NASA
  
  But that are old and sometimes even new constructions were built.
  
  
• #141 by roma847 on 16 Feb, 2013 06:32
• Here is the answer to the camera question:
  
  Photos of the last Shuttle years show at this point for all three MLP's (MLP-1, MLP-2, and MLP-3) a camera, which stands on a pedestal, as is to see on this image on MLP-3.
  
  
  Source: NASA
  
  But this was not always so, but only in the younger Shuttle missions past. At the beginning of the Shuttle era these cameras were mounted for many years on this frame under the Blast shield, as is to see on this photograph of the STS-6 Mission on MLP-2.
  
  
  Source: www.retrospaceimages.com (STS-6)
  
  David Maier's paper kit provided at this place the camera on the pedestal (AP 3G).
  
  
  
  But David's template shows the MLP-2 in one of the last missions. And I always try to notice that, as I build the Challenger STS-6 mission.
  
  The main difficulty is only, that there are very little good HiRes photos of these early Shuttle missions. But since I have the great shots from the Pad at the STS-6, I was able to discover some striking differences, so including this position.
  
  Later I will now build a camera hanging on this frame, and not standing on the platform.
  
  
  
  
• #142 by roma847 on 17 Feb, 2013 14:32
• Yesterday I've made further with the folding stairs from the bottom Access platform to the Crawler, drilled holes (0.4 mm) for the axis of rotation,
  
  
  
  and made a brass axle.
  
  
  
  And it will be incorporated into this opening in the platform then.
  
  
  
  Then the stairs went together with the two Blast shields and some railings for the Access platforms in the paint shop and the guys have laid off immediately.
  
  
  
  
  
  Tomorrow, the Blast shields can be installed now, so everything is tight on the Valve skids from above.
  
  
• #143 by roma847 on 18 Feb, 2013 13:06
• After the completion of blast shields was the fitting of the larger canopy now.
  
  
  
  And it is quite clear, that it now slowly but surely means taking leave of the beautiful sight of exposed pipes and fittings on the two Valve skids, to which I had adjusted already.
  
  
  
  For the left canopy still bars between the reinforcing bracers had to be glued in place, because otherwise there would be open columns at the back edge.
  
  At that time I had to omit the grand staircase of the Access platform AP 1 to the upper deck of the MLP, because there was no staircase on the MLP-2 during the STS-6 mission. But over the sub-frame for the stand of the monitoring camera of the LOX valve skid I have not thought, because she was on all my former photos,
  
  
  Source: NASA
  
  And as the camera focused on the LH2-Valve skid is not on a stand, but hangs on the right side of the large canopy, I've looked closer to this place on the MLP-2 photo by the STS-6, and three times you can guess...
  
  
  Source: http://www.retrospaceimages.com (STS-6)
  
  The local camera was also not on a stand, but hung under the small canopy, and at that time showed on the left equipment pallet. And accordingly there were also no stand. So I must remove the sub-frame on my platform, hopefully without greater field damage to set.  
  
  But before this operation and before the Blast shields finally come into place, farewell here again some last views at the still-open platforms on Side 1.
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  So long.
  
  
• #144 by roma847 on 19 Feb, 2013 06:26
• And now the "lid" is finally on it, but most of the details are still to see, you should select only a different perspective.
  
  
  
  
  
  And now the smaller blast shield is also finished and could be mounted.
  
  
  
  Now I have glued the metal strips over the joints of the panels, which are only implied in the Paper kit, and thus both blast shields now are almost complete.
  
  
  
  
  
  Now, under the large canopy even the three Pipe hangars of the LH2-Transfer line missing, which leads to the LH2-Tunnel.
  
  
  Quelle: www.retrospaceimages.com (STS-6)
  
  They come next time.
  
  Now I have installed the staircase to the Crawler, from the most accessible point from below. This is the folded state,
  
  
  
  
  
  and so she is unfolded, now missing only the railing before.
  
  
  
  As far as for today.
  
  
• #145 by OV135 on 19 Feb, 2013 13:15
• In looking at your model, the mesh for the grating looks a bit out of scale,but would fit in well for a 1/72 scale model. What did etched brass did you use for the grating?
• #146 by roma847 on 19 Feb, 2013 16:42
• You are right, it's a little bit over scale and that's the reason why:
  
  Before I've started with the gratings I have estimated the mesh size of MLP gratings from the width of the Access platforms in several photos, like this.
  
  
  Source: NASA
  
  Thus the mesh size should amount to therefore in the original approx. 12.0x2.4 cm and in 1:160 approx. 0.75x0.15 mm. Since however so fine-mesh PE plates are offered by no manufacturer, I decided then for a mesh width of 1.2x0.7 mm, which corresponds to the original at least in 2nd approximation, but had the corresponding geometry.
  
  The manufacturer of this PE gratings is the Polish company ABER, but I bought it with a German provider of MCM Marketing.
  
  
  
  Those are actually as small with 78x44 mm, as announced, do not look bad for it however, but also not very cheap.
  
  
• #147 by roma847 on 20 Feb, 2013 09:12
• In such combined Kit/Scratch-build projects such as this one should not to be sure that everything runs smoothly and nothing in between. Because firstly, it is otherwise, and secondly as you think...
  
  And prompt the fate has struck again.
  
  After now the two blast shields were mounted, I occupied myself ever with the LOX/LH2-Transducer panels. These panels are for control of process parameters of the LOX and LH2 circuits which can logically be seen on Side 1 photos only from behind, because they are served from the back.
  
  
  Source: NASA
  
  The panels are mounted between T-beam bracers, that sit between the Access platform 1 and two Blast shields (LOX transducer Panel) or between the Access platforms 2 and 3 (LH2 transducer Panel) and stand upright. As a result these Panels must be the blast shields line up, and thus the problem what I got suddenly.
  
  Check this alignment, I had to sadly realize that the access platform under the larger blast shield protrudes too far forward. Although only about 2 mm, but so that the T-beams of the mounting bracers would be not perpendicular but oblique.
  
  What now, said Zeus ...  Take everything so leave and thus inclined beams in purchase, but bite the bullet or the access platform according to shorten? 
  
  Now, anyone who knows me, senses how I decided maybe. And since I'm not satisfied with such half-measures, I opted for the cut in the upper lip, and must bite through willy-nilly me.  
  
  After I had decided to this emergency surgery, I first cut off the superfluous subframe for the camera with my Dremel cutting disc and then carefully removed the front brass angle profile which was still relatively easily because it was glued to the platform bracers with Superglue.
  
  
  
  But now came the more difficult part of the exercise, because now in addition approx. 1.5 mm had to away, as you can see here.
  
  
  
  And therefore the PE mesh had also to shorten, what initially already terrified me.  
  
  Because I wanted to take no risk, I put aside the Dremel, probably the whole grid together with the valve skid would be flown to my ears in the action ...  
  
  That is why I have taken to the nail scissors and have carefully cut off piece for piece under the magnifying glass,
  
  
  
  what you can see here.
  
  
  
  Then I have reduced again the bracers with the Dremel, with which the operation was almost finished, and the patient is even still alive.
  
  
  
  Now the brass angle could to be glued again , and so the case was resolved, thank God.
  
  
  
  And to get back to other thoughts, I further made even with the railing in front of the foldaway stairs and the front staircase between the Access platforms AP 2 and AP 3.
  
  
  
  So but enough for today.
  
  
• #148 by OV135 on 20 Feb, 2013 12:42
• I see.
  
  
• #149 by roma847 on 21 Feb, 2013 06:45
• The staircase builders have made next and took measurements on the Access platforms.
  
  
  
  After that, the stairs went to the fitting,
  
  
  
  nd then in the paint, together with the rails and some profiles for the Pipe Hangars and Transducer Panels.
  
  
  
  Next I began with the three Transducer Panels that I had shown already in the original image. Here is the first panel, sitting between the two Access Platforms 2 and 3.
  
  
  Source: www.retrospaceimages.com (STS-6)
  
  From the paper kit I take only the front board that is glued on a sheet of 0.2 mm. For the lateral bracers I used T-beams 1.5 mm, and 0.25 mm ø steel rods for the cables.
  
  
  
  
  
  The other two panels sit between the Access platform 1 and the two Blast Shields and were rebuilt as well.
  
  
  
  And here, all three panels are already finished and painted. The first panel still got another front plate, as the MLP-2 on STS-6 (green arrowhead) did not have these black cables right in front of the plate. The template of the Paper kit, however, comes from the MLP-2 in the last missions, where these cables were actually. The little boxes I have indicated and made of 0.5 mm round profile.
  
  
  
  Prior to the installation of the panel the rear staircase and railing in front of the foldaway stairs were installed, and only then the panel itself.
  
  
  
  As well as the railing on the left followed.
  
  
  
  At the end, yet the front stairs between the two platforms was glued.
  
  
  
  From there it continues now with railings, that I've ever tried,
  
  
  
  and then the two stacked Transducer Panels follow.
  
  Well, that was all in all a quite stressful, but again is well done.
  
  
• #150 by OV135 on 21 Feb, 2013 14:25
• Will you be adding the retractable TSM boom that is inside the TSM structure?
  
  http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=23237.0;attach=254211;image 
• #151 by roma847 on 21 Feb, 2013 16:59
• Not the whole boom, but the umbilicals I want to try already.
  
  
  Source: NASA
  
  
• #152 by roma847 on 22 Feb, 2013 06:44
• Here comes the next update,
  
  before I now can attach the railings and in between the two superimposed Transducer Panels, but it remains the three Pipe hangers for the transfer line under the great Blast shield must be installed.
  
  
  Source: www.retrospaceimages.com (STS-6)
  
  And therefore I need maximum freedom of movement on the narrow space. This is a pretty windy affair probably already, especially since I need to build the pipe hangars somehow around to the Transfer line, what is evident from the next image.
  
  
  Source: T. McClellan (ARC Forums)
  
  The hangars are indeed closed frame constructions made of U-beams, and therefore I must think carefully about how the assembly can best be done.
  
  First I had to find out again, as always, the dimensions of all parts, and already this is not easy and takes time. Here is my first attempt with the lower long U-beam (1.2 mm) with the front diagonal bracer from the Paper kit.
  
  
  
  Then I cut me to the other items and temporarily laid down a pattern. The U-beams all down around are 1.2 mm, the two top bracers 1.5 mm.
  
  
  
  After much deliberation I have decided to glue the bottom part as an assembly and then between canopy and rear to attach, and then attach the two upper side struts and the upper bearing shell if I should succeed then. And concludes each even the diagonal front bracer off, so all in all kinda adventurous, isn't it?  
  
  And then I have just started with the first bottom assembly (right) and then cut all other parts.
  
  
  
  And with this hangar base I have made the first fitting and restored the MLP on the back - but please extreme caution, because must be avoided tipping over!
  
  
  
  So far so good, it should be alone some care when threading the bottom group,   and then still with glue! That's why I'm still considering what's the best method glue up the part. With Superglue, this is always a tricky thing, you must be very hurry up and same get out the first attempt at the right place. And promptly the part already has slipped me fitting from the tweezers and fell between the armatures, which can become so serene ...  
  
  Here are the three bases, but must be painted only once again prior to installation.
  
  
  
  Therefore a fitting was practiced before the sharp start of mounting quickly again.
  
  
  
  I am in any case forward as the number will turn out ... 
  
  Therefore press please just in case you ever all thumbs.
  
  
• #153 by roma847 on 23 Feb, 2013 06:44
• After fitting training of the the finished Pipe hangers it was now serious with the assembly.  
  
  To do this, I've considering me that it is probably easier to thread the hangars around the Transfer line initially without glue and put them a few millimeters next to the actual location, to mark these contact points at the MLP wall and under the Blast shield.
  
  
  
  
  
  Before installing I painted again the pipe hangers, and then went off. First I have spotted the Superglue with a thin wire on the marked mounting points and then moved the hangars with the tweezers at the final point and fixed their seat briefly until the hardening of the glue. And then unexpectedly went relatively well, however equal with the adhesive on the hangar, it would probably not so smooth have worked.
  
  And here the first two hangars hang now, the second without the top U-profiles,
  
  
  
  and here complete with the U-profiles and the upper cups, whose mounting was still somewhat stressful.
  
  
  
  Now even the diagonal support braces were installed, and thus it was finally done.
  
  
  
  And now it could go on with the railing and the double Transducer Panel.
  
  
  
  And meanwhile, the staircase to the Access platform AP 4 is already mounted.
  
  
  
  So long then up soon.
  
  
• #154 by Bubbinski on 23 Feb, 2013 16:48
• Thanks for the pics, that's looking very realistic.  Much more realistic than I would be able to make a MLP at present. 
• #155 by roma847 on 24 Feb, 2013 05:45
• Thanks for the kind words.
  
  This is the sum of many small details, but costs much time and patience. Initially I thought that also not possible, that I can build these details, but through much practice I have managed to gradually.
  
  
• #156 by roma847 on 24 Feb, 2013 05:54
• After now the Transducer panels are installed, then just some railings on the Access platform AP 1 could be attached.
  
  I started on the left corner of the platform.
  
  
  
  Immediately to the left beside later one of the already finished Ladder cages will be mounted, the ladders with the protective cage around.
  
  
  
  Now to the two medium-sized Access platforms AP 2 and AP 3.
  
  
  
  As you can see on this picture, it could continue right next to the Transducer Panel on the lower platform of AP 2.
  
  
  
  Before the railing on the upper platform AP 3 may be installed, to the left even the Emergency shower with Eye wash have to be installed. This is an emergency shower for accidents of the MLP staff with any liquids or chemicals, the quick help need.
  
  
  Source: NASA
  
  That comes next with it.
  
  
• #157 by roma847 on 25 Feb, 2013 09:25
• Now I'll start with the Emergency shower. And this is again so a filigree part that really holds one.
  In the Paper kit that is unfortunately so typical opaque part AP 3H is as shown here,   that I would rather leave and scratch-build.
  
  
  
  I've used for the outer frame T-beam 1,5 mm, for the two crosspieces brass angle profile 1,0 mm, and for the diagonal struts square profile 0,5x0,5 mm.
  
  
  
  And similarly, it went on with the upper part.
  
  
  
  With the struts for the rear small frame, the front part could be tried then ever between platform and canopy,
  
  
  
  what also already quite well suited.
  
  
  
  And finally, even the remaining struts were added.
  
  
  
  
  
  Now, the shower can be painted again, and then the white Sprenkler pipe can then be adapted and installed. I must separately produce probably the supply line from the MLP wall and the curved pipe behind the frame and attach as it goes through the frame through.
  
  From the riser, then still a branch goes after right to the Eye wash, which on the railing is installed. For the bowl I have to think of something me, after I've unfortunately found nothing suitable, but I have an idea.
  
  
• #158 by Davp99 on 25 Feb, 2013 13:52
• All I can say is Wow...I'm not too Jealous 
  
  Every Day this is one of the First places I Visit, to see this Shape into a Great Model..
  
  Thanks for Sharing ,,,
  
  I wonder if you intend to Add some Lighting , like under the Flame Blast shields
   with some small LEDS ??   Well anyway, You make Great Realistic Parts..
  
  Dave
  
• #159 by roma847 on 25 Feb, 2013 19:35
• Hi Dave,
  
  thanks for the nice words.
     
  I'm pleased if you like my MLP. Yes, indeed the lighting would not be bad, especially below the Blast shields, which now overshadow everything. But first, I am not as a LED specialist, and secondly, it would be now even more effort as already. But perhaps the lighting can be added after, even when I'm done with everything and would even want to do this.