Author Topic: Ariane 5G and 5ECA (Read 1483 times)

Hobbes-22 · « **on:** 02/21/2021 02:12 pm »

I've built two of the Heller Ariane 5 kits.
The 5G is mostly standard: I built this a few years ago straight from the box. I've modified it a bit: shortened the fairing, and added custom decals for the Rosetta mission.

The 5ECA was a bigger job: I had the ESC-A upper stage 3D printed, I modified the Vulcain engine and the EPS boosters. On this one I replaced all of the kit decals except the ESA logo: the kit decals are out of register.

I published my notes on the differences between the Ariane 5 versions here and details on converting the Heller kit here.

I'm working on two more versions: the Ariane 5 ME, and one carrying the Hermes.

woods170 · « **Reply #1 on:** 02/21/2021 03:12 pm »

Great work Harro!

Like you did with A1, A3 and A4 parts, will you be putting the 3D-print A5 parts up for sale at Shapeways?

Hobbes-22 · « **Reply #2 on:** 02/21/2021 04:12 pm »

Yes, the ESC-A stage is available now:

https://www.shapeways.com/product/TRELJ2KS8/ariane-5-eca-second-stage-for-the-heller-kit

I'm looking at Shapeways' current materials, I might be able to make it available in more than just 'Fine Detail Plastic'. My experience with this part was that it took a long time to smooth out the printing lines. And some details (mainly the umbilical connectors) are unreachable for sanding, so they still look rough.