#1
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Saturn 1b rebuild
While I'm waiting for various solvents to dry on the R-7 project . . .
Here's the Centuri Saturn 1b rebuild: Picture 1 shows what I got on eBay: a fairly badly damaged Centuri Saturn Ib for $25 bucks + $8 shipping. What did I get? The 24" and 16" Centuri parachutes are still rolled up inside and in good condition. The LM cover and service module are caved in and need replacing. Two thrusters are missing as is the LES. The BT-80 S-IVb is in good shape and complete but is badly yellowed. On the lower stage, one of the tubes is dented, one has rodent gnawings and of course, it's missing six fins and the lower launch lug. The lower plastic wrap is missing chunks here and there because of tramatic removal of the six fins. Interally, the tube which transfers the gasses from the cluster to the parachute section is badly damaged and unwound and will need replacing. On of the antenna panels is missing. Picture 2 shows initial disassembly. Gentle rocking popped the BT-80 second stage section off cleanly revealing the damaged core tube. I was able to pry the capsule off the already damaged service module. Picture 3 shows disassembly complete and rebuild beginning. I carefully peeled the crushed paper transition and used it as a pattern to cut a new one. I've cut off the damage core tube. The white Antenna panel replacement in the middle is scratch build using some left-over sheet plastic. The BT-58 service module tube was internally damaged and will need replacing before I put on the shroud. I've already got replacement tubing and couplers coming from Semroc . . . . So what's left? Six fins, an LES and decals. I'm going to contact Estes about an LES from the new Saturn V. I'm going to email Sandman about some 1/100 Saturn 1b decals. And I have no earthly idea what I'm going to do about the fins . I spent about six bucks at Semroc plus maybe a dollar for spares so far. I'm way ahead of the cost curve for a New-In-Box purchase.
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NAR 79743 NARTrek Silver I miss being SAM 062 Awaiting First Launch: Too numerous to count Finishing: Zooch Saturn V; Alway/Nau BioArcas; Estes Expedition; TLP Standard Repair/Rescue: Cherokee-D (2); Centuri Nike-Smoke; MX-774 On the Bench: 2650; Dream Stage: 1/39.37 R-7 |
#2
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Estes has already stated that they are not supporting capsule spares for the Saturn V kits.
No LES will be available. Best choice would probably be the One-Piece "Moldin Oldies" 1/100 Apollo Capsule/LES/tower spike. Good luck with the project, but I still think one would be better off using that thing as kindling for a fire. It will be a big-time pain refinishing it to look decent when all assembled as well.
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When in doubt, WHACK the GAS and DITCH the brake !!! Yes, there is such a thing as NORMAL, if you have to ask what is "NORMAL" , you probably aren't ! Failure may not be an OPTION, but it is ALWAYS a POSSIBILITY. ALL systems are GO for MAYHEM, CHAOS, TURMOIL, FIASCOS, and HAVOC ! |
#3
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Saturn 1b rebuild
Yours looks worst than mine. It is one I picked up from a rocketeer leaving the hobby. I have similar damage to the upper shroud. Have missing fins. Tower and rcs nossles missing on CMS. Also the model was seperated and stuffer tube was ripped apart. Various dings and dents on tubes. I've attached photo of my Centuri Saturn 1B that needs work.
It's a winter restore project. My thoughts on some stuff is decals from Sandman including the CMS decals in 1/100 scale. He has some nice ones for 1/70 scale. Casting the fins in resin. Readjusting the cp/cg as necessary. Mark Bundrick did a article on restoring a Saturn 1B in his club's newslwetter quite a while back and had some good tips. I will see if I can get a reference on that and post. I look forward to you progess and postings. Please, plenty of photos. |
#4
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Quote:
There is one good thing about rebuilding one rather than a pricy MIB - they will likely be flown rather than just put up on a shelf to collect dust. Bill |
#5
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Quote:
The other thing is that it gives some peope, me included, personal satisfaction, being able to rebuild something. It's another aspect of the hobby that some people really enjoy. That's why I really like rocketry, there's something for everyone.
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I plan ahead that way I don't have to do anything right now. Oh by the way, I'm not here just for the "olde" rocket discussions. |
#6
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This thread is SO interesting! I guess Moldin Oldies may be the only way to get a resin CM and LES in 1/100 scale. I'll check my stuff and my SV kits and see if by some miracle I have a spare CM and LES. If I do, you're welcome to it.
Of course, there's also scratch-building................
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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 |
#7
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Quote:
I'm assuming your's is 1/70 scale. I have several spare fin "skins" if you need some.
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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 |
#8
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Quote:
I thought it was 1/100th scale. BTW, I have both the 1/100th and 1/70th scale decals up on my site now.
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"I'm a sandman. I've never killed anyone. I terminate runners when their time is up." Logan from "Logan's Run" http://sandmandecals.com/ |
#9
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Oh, I got confused. I thought the picture of Questor's was of a different one AND in 1/70 scale.
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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 |
#10
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The Centuri Saturn 1B was 1/100th scale. The picture I posted is of a Centuri Saturn 1B. Sandman had decals for 1/70 scale the last time I checked. I did not see 1/100 scale decals. I was going to special order the 1/100 scale, but Sandman has now posted he has that scale available. Thanks Sandman.
Back in the pre-mid nineties Estes also had 1/100th scale Saturn 1B and V. I think Apogee was the first with an 1/70th scale kit. |
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