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

• #200 by roma847 on 01 May, 2013 13:38
• In the meantime, I see the things so:
  
  The 1:160 TSM's are a little bit to short and stand too close to the orbiter wings. Because their distance is determined through the gaps in the 1:160 SSME Blast shield, I removed the SSME Blast shield what was going on without any problems.   This allows the location of TSM's can be adapted on the orbiter wings and to the SSME Blast chamber.
  
  
  
  For the alignment of the TSM's one can orientate well in this picture and determine the distances.
  
  
  Source: NASA
  
  As you can see, the TSM's need only slightly further forward to move.
  
  
  
  And therefore I'll build the TSM's once more in 1:144 by using the Paper kit templates.
  
  
  
  Now I've checked everything again and therefore I've drawn a blue centerline between the SRB Hold down posts as well as an outline of 1:160 SSME Blast chamber.
  
  
  
  And as you can see, the dimensions seem to be almost perfect, and everything looks good.
  
  
  
  And as you can still see, the new 1:144 TSM's must be moved only a few millimeters further outward from the blue SSME hole outline.
  
  But this has still enough time, first I'll finish the renovation of the SRB holes and then the new installation of the Blast shields and Hold down posts, and then we see ... 
  
  
• #201 by RichO on 01 May, 2013 19:58
• MANFRED,
  
    It sure looks as tho you have a good handle on the photo references compaired to your build. I like the detail of Davids TSM's so to use the paper TSM at 144 scale will I think add so much more to the overall look of the project. Very nice compromise.
  
    The video is just an outstanding reference of the small areas that you are working on at the moment, really great to watch you guys, please take the time to see.
  
    Just really great work, Manfred.
  
  Richo, crawler 114
• #202 by roma847 on 02 May, 2013 07:39
• Hi Richo,
  
  thanks for your nice comment, I'll use the paper TSM's (1:144). This is again slightly more effort, but it will show a better overall look
  
  And the video is absolutly OVERWHELMING!!! I like it very much!!!
  
  
• #203 by roma847 on 07 May, 2013 21:22
• Hi all together,
  
  So, after smaller filling works with putty the SRB Blast Chambers could now be repapered. It's a good thing that I still have the 1:144 original templates from the paper kit.
  
  
  
  The side walls had to be cut while the modified length and the height be reduced,
  
  
  
  otherwise the repapering was no feat.
  
  
  
  And so I already feel much better like.
  
  
  
  Next the Blast shields have to be installed,
  
  
  
  and the Hold down posts I can use again, I guess.
  
  
  
  Oh well, so slowly uphill again!
  
  
• #204 by RichO on 09 May, 2013 18:18
• MANFRED,
  
    I just had to watch the shuttle video again. It's so easy to feel the power of the launch in this video, super impressive.
  
    So, the SRB blast chambers, from the photos, look like you really had no problems in the first place. That is, it looks like you did no repairs at all to the project. I think that is a good sign of a master model maker at work. A person can not tell anything was ever wrong. Just really an outstanding job of correcting the oversight. Great work!!
  
    Install the blast shields and hold down posts and your back on track. I think the paper TSM's are the way to go with this. maybe a little more work but the end results will look much better.
  
    Now get back to the water bags! We are all haveing a great time watching your strugle and just really want to see more, I just can't get enough.
  
  RichO, 114
  
   
• #205 by roma847 on 09 May, 2013 21:03
• Hello Richo,
  
  I have to look this stunning video at now and again, it just goes under that skin, madness, can't get enough of this feeling!!!
  
  Thanks for your nice compliments, I'll be back on track soon, I'll never give up!!!
  
  And when it's time to get back to the water bags, I have to make them just a little bit wider only ...
  
  
• #206 by roma847 on 11 May, 2013 09:28
• Hi All,
  
  After rebuilding of the SRB Blast Chambers I tested now the position of the stack, and I am completely satisfied with the result. The stack is actually perfectly across the width of the SRB holes and is also sufficient space for the SSWS pipes.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  That's why I could now again devote the Blast shields. But first I have planned only the SRB-Blast shields. The SSME-Blast shield I will install only after completion of the SRB-Blast shields and the final installation of the Hold down posts, when I know exactly where the TSM's ultimate will stand next to the orbiter. Therefore, at the substruction of the SRB-blast shields I've omitted the approaches of the SSME-Blast shields that later reset. For the substruction I used 1.5 mm strong cardboard.
  
  
  
  For the coverage of the substruction I had to customize the 1:144-template according to my modified geometry, which is why I have divided it into several parts.
  
  
  
  That was something difficult with folds set to on the sides,
  
  
  
  but after everything was glued the part looked quite well and fit well so that it can be glued tomorrow. This is followed by then gluing the top coverage, which I must customize in the same way and have to divide.
  
  
  
  As I've said, the SSME-Blast shield remains only aside.
  
  
  
  Painstakingly the squirrel subsist, but the worst is over for the happiness ...
  
  
• #207 by roma847 on 14 May, 2013 06:22
• Next the covers were to suit according to the modified blast shield base, divided and then glued.
  
  
  
  
  
  In order to determine the correct height for the Hold down posts in the holes, I glued times one of the four cones, which sits on the top of the Hold down supports and are screwed with the SRB aft skirt keeping the entire stack.   While sitting the rear two connectors under this red caps,
  
  
  Source: NASA
  
  missing these caps on the front glands.
  
       
  Source: NASA
  
  During Lift-off the nuts of this four glands that accidentally sitting under the steel sleeves with a bursting charge (see the red dot), are off blown up on both SRBs and thus release the stack.
  
  On this image one of the cone from the paper kit is to see that my opinion but would be too weak without amplification, to stabilize the model stack. Therefore, I will strengthen them through the plastic tip of the pen, that almost have the appropriate dimensions, and of which I have organized eight piece me.
  
  
  
  With the paper cone on the Hold down support I have made a fitting, that fits quite well both the position and the height.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Now I have only the hold down support again to glue in the holes and then prepare the eight tapered tips for the SRB mounts. Then the SRBs on the aft skirt support points are provided with a small hole, and in the cone top, matching steel pins as "Pin" to the recording are each pasted as a counterpart. And the stack should be on these mounts then sufficiently stable and upright, I hope at least.
   
  
  
  As far as for today.
  
  
• #208 by RichO on 14 May, 2013 20:27
• MANFRED:
  
    It looks as tho you are back on track with your project!! A few minor adjustments and we are all off to the next step with you! Great job.
  
    Looking at your build I decided to dig out my revell model kit and, I had forgotten that when I acquired my kit from an estate sale, that my kit contained two shuttle stacks in the box but just one launch tower. So now I have one shuttle stack to play with and one to build! Yay.
  
    The blast chambers look great, keep working!
  
    RichO 114
• #209 by roma847 on 15 May, 2013 10:28
• Richo,
   
  Thanks for the encouraging nice words. Soon I'll have again reached the old status before my hair stood on end ...
  
  Have you really the old Revell Launch tower kit 4911 (tower with shuttle stack and Mini-MLP) or 4910 (only tower)?
  
  I fully agree with you, one kit for testing is always a great opportunity for experiments, so you are in a fortunate position like me!
  
  I also have two Shuttle stacks, one from the Revell kit (4911) and one from Airfix, which looks more delicate in details.
  
  
• #210 by jkumpire on 15 May, 2013 11:17
• This is the first time I've ever been in this Forum, and I am amazed at your work, and how you keep your desk so clean!
  
  That is marvelous work you are doing I wish I had a thimblefull of the skill you have roma847 to do quality work like this. I have neither the dexterity nor patience to complete a project like you are doing. I will be checking in again to see your continued progress. 
• #211 by roma847 on 15 May, 2013 12:23
• Thanks for your nice words, I am always pleased when other my work like. My drive and motivation are the desire for modeling and the joy of the detail, everything else comes from alone, but only practice makes perfect.
  
  BTW, for taking photos I have to clean my desk of course!
  
  
• #212 by roma847 on 15 May, 2013 22:41
• Hello guys,
  
  and here is the next update.
  
  Before gluing the SRB-blast shields I want to paste this time the SRB supports, in order to have a solid reference plane for their fixation on the same height level. And to make exactly the glue, I have made a template me for this.
  
  
  
  As a result, all supports should have the same height.
  
  
  
  On the support then the Hold down posts sit, that I'll make from the ballpoint pen tips.
  
  
  
  And this time the base plates on the SRB aft skirts sit directly over the marks for the Hold down posts.
  
  
  
  Thus the centre positions for the rear supports could be drawn now in order to being able to paste this by using the template also.
  
  
  
  
  
  And all eight supports sitting here in place, and all at the same height.
  
  
  
  Thereon stands now the SRB-ET combination for fitting, that looks pretty neat.
  
  
  
  
  
  Tomorrow then continues with the Hold down post tips.
  
  
• #213 by RichO on 16 May, 2013 13:27
• MANFRED,
  
    I really liked your idea of the template, good photo of how to use. The pen tip idea for the SRB Support Cones was a really great idea of mixing materials, I like very much!  I really love how this fix has turned out. The placement of the elements and how all the parts are linning up nicely, good job!
  
    Yes I have the old revell kit 4911, mini-MLP and all, just with about half of another kit included, great find.
  
    I'll be back to work on the pipe chords today, I'll post again soon, Thanks
  
    RichO114
• #214 by roma847 on 16 May, 2013 21:16
• Thanks Richo for the kind words of appreciation.    Only the eyes must be open, everywhere there are suggestions and tips for solutions, nothing is impossible.
  
  And here is a further  update.
  
  Now the ballpoint pen had to believe it, because their tips actually have the appropriate dimensions for the Hold down posts. The Dremel with the mini saw already stands by.
  
  
  
  So let's go and down with rubber handles, so that one can nicely cut behind the tip.
  
  
  
  And as quick as a flash were already sawed off the tips, such a waste of material ... but the end justifies the means for the loved hobby. 
  
  
  
  And now sanding the ground a little smooth, and already is the raw form.
  
  
  
  And here only a test fit on the support,
  
  
  
  and the SRBs already time provisionally put on it. And as you can see, this fits together quite well.
  
  
  
  That's why I was now able with a clear conscience the SRB blast shields to glue up final,
  
  
  
  the image more and more completes, no comparison more with the demolition images.
  
  
  
  And now everything looks again like before the surgery.
  
  
  
  Next the tips must now be modified further, therefore plastic rods are pasted into with thin wire pins as "Bolts".
  
  
• #215 by Lar on 16 May, 2013 21:44
• Those 8 pens should be proud of their sacrifice!
  
  (given that they are imprinted on the barrels, they look like free pens anyway... well, not free to the company that bought them but free to you...)
• #216 by roma847 on 17 May, 2013 10:26
• Yes, I have seen them in a hotel and received all pens as a present.
  
  
• #217 by roma847 on 21 May, 2013 00:14
• Before modification of the tips I've been looking once again for photos, on which the position of the SRB Aft skirts on the Hold-down posts can more accurately be detected. Mine is still not clear whether the SRB Aft skirts are on a level with the SRB Blast shields or slightly higher.    But now I have found a photo from the VAB and one can see, that the front SRB Aft skirts nearly lay on the same level with the Blast shields.
  
  
  Source: www.flickr.com (S. Patlan)
  
  Then I looked at even closer the Hold-down posts on the SRB supports, to see whether something scratch-building is possible. Somehow I feel like back on such things after the stupid demolition work.
  
  
  Source: NASA
  
  As you can see the cone tops sit still on small bottom bases, it certainly seems to indicate. The red caps are small Blast shields, which are shielding the "explosive charges" (NASA Standard Detonator) in the Frangible Nuts of the SRB Hold-down Studs. These blast shields are missing on the front Hold-down posts, why ever.
  
  The drawing in the following image shows the structure of a complete Hold-down Assembly.
  
  
  Source: NASA
  
  Inspired therefrom, I'll try to reproduce the upper cover plate (Aft Skirt Shoe) and the side fixtures (Shoe Retainer Mechanism).
  
  Here are some parts that I need for this. I've punched me the bottom bases (8 mm) with a hollow punches from 1.5 mm sheet. For the studs, I'll use 0.5 mm brass rod,
  
  
  
  and for the Aft skirt shoe a rectangular profile 4x1mm, which is sitting up on the top of the cone in which I will paste a 3.3 mm plastic rod. The side fixtures could be indicated by 1 mm plastic rods.
  
  
  
  Of course separated connecting bolts, for what you could use sheathed copper wire (1.2 mm) would look better.
  
  
  
  Then I still somehow have to mount the small grey Blast shield, the red painted shields like on the photo was probably only used on later missions.
  
  I'll try this assembly group then tomorrow.
  
  
• #218 by RichO on 21 May, 2013 18:58
• MANFRED,
  
    Good luck on your assembly of the SRB Hold Down Clamps. I like the idea of red blast covers for your cones, just to give a little color to the build. However if they were painted grey for STS-6...
  
    I'm curious how you will handle the Shoe Retainer Mechanism and Hold Down Stud details. They seem quite prominate on the cones in the photos. I just love watching people come up with solutions for this sort of thing, especialy mixers, you can never tell what they might come up with. Pen Tips?
  
    Today is cutting out of the cornner parts for me. I'ts raining here all day, so lots of cutting.
  
    Good Luck, RichO 114
  
  
• #219 by roma847 on 21 May, 2013 20:57
• Hi Richo,
  
  thanks for the nice words.
  
  Unfortunately, there are only too little good photos of the STS-6 mission. I have found some, but there is no photo, on which one can see the SRB supports with the Hold-down posts. And therefore it is not yet known whether the small blast shields are red or grey.