Author Topic: Airfix 1/144 Saturn V model (Read 13279 times)

Star One · « **on:** 07/04/2013 07:53 pm »

Anyone got this & if you have is it any good?

Bob Shaw · « **Reply #1 on:** 07/04/2013 08:04 pm »

Within it's limits it is probably better than most other models of the Saturn V - it's sorta accurate, not too big and easy to make an OK build of. Don't, however, buy the old version, which has a wildly inaccurate Apollo CSM.

There are two other Apollo rocket kits from Airfix - Skylab 1 (outer shell and shroud only) and the Saturn 1B. They are, of course, in scale with the multitude of 1/144 Shuttle stacks out there. A matching Vostok / Soyuz / Luna launcher is also available from Airfix. It's OK, but not quite the right shape.

My personal favourite is, however, the 1/200 AMT US Manned Launch Vehicles set, which gives you everything except Skylab 1 and is also in scale with the plethora of 1/200 Shuttles available.

Bob Shaw · « **Reply #2 on:** 07/04/2013 08:05 pm »

Woo! 100 posts! Only another couple of years and it'll be, er, 150...

mike robel · « **Reply #3 on:** 07/04/2013 09:35 pm »

The Skylab kit also has the Apollo CSM and SLA in it and maybe an SIVB. The lab and the skylab shroud are modeled in two pieces.

You can perhaps get best results by combining the Airfix and revel'/monogram kit as discussed at apollosaturn.com

You can order batted F-1 engines and other correction pieces for both versions of the kit from http://martins-models.co.uk/Sales/144/144.htm

Realspace models also sells some excellent parts: realspacemodels.com

And you can get Rick Sternbach's excellent decal sheet from CultTVman.

Mike

roma847 · « **Reply #4 on:** 07/04/2013 10:01 pm »

Quote from: Star One on 07/04/2013 07:53 pm

Anyone got this & if you have is it any good?

I have this nice kit in my storage and it looks good.

Any questions?

Crispy · « **Reply #5 on:** 07/04/2013 10:03 pm »

I have the same one collecting dust on top of the kitchen cupboard. A birthday present from my brother that i really should get round to putting together!

roma847 · « **Reply #6 on:** 07/04/2013 11:11 pm »

Then brush the dust off and finally begin to build,

I'm still busy with my Launch pad with Challenger STS-6.

Bubbinski · « **Reply #7 on:** 07/05/2013 01:47 am »

I built that 1/144 Airfix Saturn V last year. It wasn't too hard a build but the seams in the engines were too hard to get out - get replacements if you really want a better model. And yes get the new tool and not the old tool. It definitely looks the part.

p.s. if you're modeling an earlier Saturn V you will need to find or scratchbuild some ullage motors for the interstage. I understand earlier ones (before Apollo 15) had 8 motor fairings and Apollos 15-17 had 4 (depicted in the Airfix kit). Is this correct?

p.s. here's my 1/144 Saturn V as seen this evening by my 1/48 Lunar landing diorama.

Star One · « **Reply #8 on:** 07/05/2013 08:01 am »

Thanks all.

I noticed that at least as far as the UK Amazon site is concerned it seems to be the most popular model of it.

RichO · « **Reply #9 on:** 07/17/2013 12:00 am »

Star One,

Happy anniversary, today 1969, Apollo launched for the moon!

RichO

Ronpur50 · « **Reply #10 on:** 08/01/2013 11:42 am »

I have to add that even though the kit has been retooled, the CM is still undersized on the SM. This is mainly because the LES cover has to fit over it. I wish I could get a vacuum formed cover and get a resin CM after market parts.