NCK-29 Apollo Casule

[Kruegon]

I decided I wanted to clone an original K-29 Saturn I. I've looked I've the plans carefully. The BNC-3A and BTC-3 are parts I can't locate. The BNC-2 also can't be found, but I think BMS has a cone that can be used to approximate the base capsule. Does anyone know a place that these can be acquired? I'll need at least two of each if I also plan to clone the original Saturn V. I know I could always do the Moldin Oldies capsule, but it wouldn't be the same.

 

[jazzviper1]

This kit was made by Semroc until recently.
They are supposed to re release it soon.
the capsule kit should be available also, as should the component parts.


https://www.erockets.biz/semroc-capsule-apollo/
https://www.erockets.biz/semroc-flying-model-rocket-kit-saturn-1b-ks-1/

 

[EXPjawa]

I'm not sure what the length of the BT-3A is, but Semroc lists a couple of choices:
https://www.erockets.biz/semroc-body-tubes/?sort=featured&page=3

And the nose cone:
https://www.erockets.biz/semroc-balsa-nose-cone-bt-3-0-75-conical/

I, for one, am waiting for the rerelease of the -1B kit. I'm not sure when I'll be ready to build such a thing, but I definitely want one in my pile...

 

[Kruegon]

Ok that was awesome info. Thank you!

I'm finding the Semroc parts difficult to navigate on the erockets site. But then again, I have zero experience with Semroc products.

 

[EXPjawa]

I've already placed a number of orders with them. Shipping is usually fast. The thing to remember is that things are listed numerically by the first digit, not the whole number. What I mean is that tubes (or cones) are not listed as 03, 05, 10, 20, 30, 50, 55, 60, 70, 80, 101 (for example), but rather 10, 101, 20, 3, 30, 5, 50, 55, 60, 70, 80. Assume that (and that Estes sizes come after the #tube sizes), and you'll find that they have a huge variety of stuff, including a lot of tubes cut to specific sizes for very specific clones. They seem to be adding more stuff all the time, and at this point, have most of what they list in stock and have images for most products. The part I haven't figured out yet is Centuri-based (IIRC) # tube sizes - mainly because I've really only been exposed to Estes sizes. So I have to go back to the old Semroc site a lot to cross reference the diameters. It'd be nice if eRockets adds that info, but its been a long road to get Semroc back to where they are now, I don't want to be pushy...

 

[James Duffy]

I decided I wanted to clone an original K-29 Saturn I. I've looked I've the plans carefully. The BNC-3A and BTC-3 are parts I can't locate. The BNC-2 also can't be found, but I think BMS has a cone that can be used to approximate the base capsule. Does anyone know a place that these can be acquired? I'll need at least two of each if I also plan to clone the original Saturn V. I know I could always do the Moldin Oldies capsule, but it wouldn't be the same.

We can certainly appreciate the desire to replicate a model in as faithful a manner as possible to the original issue, but have you considered using a plastic capsule/escape tower instead? Apogee sells the capsule/tower set from their very accurate 1/70 scale Saturn models as a replacement part, and it will drop right into place on your K-29 recreation. In particular, the escape tower on the Apogee component is much, much easier to build than the original Estes stick-built tower:

https://www.apogeerockets.com/Rocket_Kits/Skill_Level_4_Kits/Apollo_Capsule_Set?cPath=42_47_60&

Of course, if your quest is to build the model in as stock a configuration as possible most of us here will understand.

James

 

[Kruegon]

Well my desire is two fold.

One is to actually build the original design. To have one that is exact to what rocketeers had at the beginning.

Two is to improve my skills significantly by pushing way beyond my comfort zone.

I'm planning to build the entire NASA line that Estes produced, as closely as possible. I can't afford to fight over eBay for the later released vacuformed parts. And I realize I won't be able to replicate the F-1 nozzles for display of the Saturn V. At least not yet.

Also, doesn't the Moldin Oldies capsule fit BT-70?

 

[Flash]

The answer is no to the nose cone fit. There cone fits the Estes 1/100 Saturn V.

 

[Kruegon]

Ok. So that's a BT-60 based Saturn?

 

[dpower]

Ok that was awesome info. Thank you!

I'm finding the Semroc parts difficult to navigate on the erockets site. But then again, I have zero experience with Semroc products.

I agree, eRockets site is horrible to navigate, especially when looking for semroc parts, even when I know exactly what I need. Another level in the hierarchy would help tremendously.

 

[dpower]

Well my desire is two fold.

One is to actually build the original design. To have one that is exact to what rocketeers had at the beginning.

Two is to improve my skills significantly by pushing way beyond my comfort zone.

I'm planning to build the entire NASA line that Estes produced, as closely as possible. I can't afford to fight over eBay for the later released vacuformed parts. And I realize I won't be able to replicate the F-1 nozzles for display of the Saturn V. At least not yet.

Also, doesn't the Moldin Oldies capsule fit BT-70?

Sounds like a fun goal. Building the old school kit designs is really challenging, and rewarding.

 

[samb]

Ok. So that's a BT-60 based Saturn?

The 1/100 scale Estes Saturns (K-36, 2001, 2157) used a BT-58 tube for the service module.

https://www.semroc.com/Store/scripts/ClassicParts.asp?ID=37

 

[Kruegon]

Who what? That's a tube size I've never seen. So is that the size of the Apogee and Moldin Oldies capsules?

 

[samb]

Who what?

when where why how ?

That's a tube size I've never seen.

Not surprising, it was not a widely used part. I included part of the old Semroc Rocket Body Tube chart to give you dimensions compared to the BT60 that you referenced.

https://www.semroc.com/Store/Products/BodyTubes.asp

So is that the size of the Apogee and Moldin Oldies capsules?

The Moldin' Oldies capsule is at 1/100 scale, which fits the BT58 tube used in the vintage Estes Saturn V models. The Apogee capsule is the bigger 1/70 scale that fits the BT70 tube used in the Apogee Saturn V and Saturn 1B models and the vintage Estes K-29 Saturn 1B kit. This is also the size of the vintage NCK-29 capsule, the title of this thread !

https://www.apogeerockets.com/Rocke...le_Set?zenid=b16888ab193cbb73959239edcc7cf25f

https://www.siriusrocketry.biz/isho...-1102-solid-1-100-apollo-capsule-les-523.html

https://www.oldrocketplans.com/estes/estNCK-29/estNCK-29.pdf

 

[Kruegon]

Awesome. That tells me what I needed right there. Which capsule for which version and the BT they fit. Now I can conquer this plan armed with knowledge.

Don't you hate playing 30 year catchup?

 

[samb]

Awesome. That tells me what I needed right there. Which capsule for which version and the BT they fit. Now I can conquer this plan armed with knowledge.

Don't you hate playing 30 year catchup?

Me ? Nah, this is your grail quest Kemo Sabe !

 

[JStarStar]

The eRockets web page is showing the Apollo Capsule back in stock, for those interested.

I might grab one and crank out a 1/70 Medium Joe to go with the 1/100 Little Bitty Joe and the 1/45 Estes LJ II reissue.

 

[Araize01]

Anyone have advice on paint for the Apollo capsule and service module?

 

[JStarStar]

Anyone have advice on paint for the Apollo capsule and service module?

Well, the CM configuration with the boost protective cover is matte white, while the CM itself is reflective stainless steel.

Of course the CM, while stacked on top of the Saturn 1B or V, always has the LES and the boost cover in place.

The Service Module is metallic silver with matte white panel wraps.

So which specific paints you want to use is probably up to your own experience.