Now that the weather is changing and I have less yard work to do, it's time to build a difficult one: the Centuri Skylab #KB-4.

The contents of the vintage kit are complete, but some of the compoments are in rough shape. The adhesive chrome solar panels are fused to their backing paper--I may have to separate them with heat and then apply with contact cement. We'll see. The decal sheet is the color of whizz. Gordie has them, fortunately.

The good news is that all of the BT's are round and all of the wraps and vacu-formed parts are undamaged. Also important, the nose cone is in perfect shape. I know that Semroc has the Skylab/Firecat cone in balsa, but the bands around the neck would have to be replicated.

Early steps: I've epoxied the front and rear bulkheads into the main BT and prepared the main faux nozzle parts for joining. TBC

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__________________
Never trust an atom. They make up everything.

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078

Looking forward to seeing the fruits of your salvage job.

__________________
I love sanding.

Ah, yes. The poetry of the 70's.

__________________
Bill Eichelberger
NAR 79563

http://wallyum.blogspot.com/

I miss being SAM 0058

Build floor: Estes - Low Boom SST Semroc - Marauder, Shrike, SST Shuttle

In paint: Canaroc Starfighter Scorpion Centuri Mini Dactyl Estes F-22 Air Superiority Fighter, Multi-Roc, Solar Sailer II, Xarconian Cruiser Semroc Cyber III

Ready to fly: Estes - Solar Sailer II Semroc - Earmark

It's a good thing I tested Testors plastic model cement on the scraps from the vacu-formed pieces--because it turned it into goo.

To assemble the engine mount and faux nozzle assembly I used contact cement (a.k.a. Yellow Snot.) Despite my efforts to totally mess this up, it still went together almost acceptable. I'll correct it after the contact cement cures.

Note to self: no more starting vintage builds with irreplaceable parts after whacking down a sixer of Yuengling lager. TBC

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__________________
Never trust an atom. They make up everything.

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078

p.s. "Cemento de Contacto". I can't say that without laughing. TBC

__________________
Never trust an atom. They make up everything.

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078

I would just picture frame the decals, hang it on a wall somewhere. No need for those!

__________________
Patriot
464 CMASS
MMMSClub.org
NAR #92766

I just might do that! TBC

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__________________
Never trust an atom. They make up everything.

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078

Skylab is a monumental challenge if only for the condition of the original parts. I used Tenax in small applications for the vac parts; as for the chrome wrap I wiped the back surface with denatured alchohol to get the dried glue off the sheet. I had thought about replacing them completely but could not find a corrugated replacement in chrome. I also used 1/16th striping tape for the details under the paint. I think that Sirius has the NC molded, not sure of the stock level.

The end result is worth the effort, and I know that Jeff will provide an exceptional build. I cannot find any of my pictures in paint!

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__________________
Gravity is a harsh mistress
SAM 002
NAR 91005
"The complexity of living is eminently favored to the simplicity of not."

That's nice work, John! Thanks for the photo and the tips. Plus, it looks like you prudently replaced the fiber solar panels with basswood(?)

__________________
Never trust an atom. They make up everything.

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078

Indeed I did. I was pretty sure that the warps in the board would not stay out so I went with 1/16th basswood. I also hoped to prevent any delamination should the chrome decide to take a flatness holiday. The model really doesn't look complete without the engine bell installed, but that was built back in the days of "I'll never need to look at that again".

On the chrome - I did try to use 3M but it would not stay put more than a day or two. I think thin coats of snot will keep them down.

__________________
Gravity is a harsh mistress
SAM 002
NAR 91005
"The complexity of living is eminently favored to the simplicity of not."