Plastic Model Conversions

[rcktnut]

Does anybody do this now-a-days? If so it would be nice to have a section on this. Been looking at all the plastic rocket and air craft models I have unbuilt here. Plastic Model Conversion | National Association of Rocketry (nar.org)

 

[zog139]

Hi, haven't built one in a few years. I like the larger 1/32 scale. I did an X15 that flew nice. You can find some good info on the website, look for plastic model conversion.

https://www.narhams.org/library_tech.html

 

[kuririn]

The late Micromeister did a bunch of 1/144 PMCs. Search the MicroMaxx forum.
Here's just one example:
Grumman X-29 (Dragon-4643) Micro PMC conversion. | The Rocketry Forum

 

[Saluki]

Here a good article about PMC the 1/144 Saturn V.

https://www.northstarrocketry.org.uk/projects/saturn_v_pmc/

 

[caveduck]

They only have PMC at NARAM every once in a while. It's a prang festival; competitors grumble about it, spectators love it...for the same reason!

The old AMT/Ertl UFO Invader was a fun yet simple conversion. Also the Pilgrim Observer, which I unexpectedly saw in a store just a couple of years ago. The Battlestar Viper (any version, Mk. VII is still available) also works great. Saturns are popular because they're impressive and usually fly decently.

Current production of convertible space kits is fairly low...unless you are going to do a jet fighter, there is not much to choose from unless you already have a collection (no one around here does that, do they???) or want to lurk on eBay. The Revell catalog is a shell of its former self since the takeover by Revell Germany and there are no space models except the moon landing diorama left. Tamiya and Italeri have impressive airplane ranges but zero space subjects. AMT does seem to have Star Trek and BSG stuff in production though.

 

[Ronz Rocketz]

“The Plastic Model must be of a rocket, space vehicle, or a jet whose engines are in or spaced apart to the rear of the fuselage. No cars, no fire engines, no submarines, etc.”

That being said, I like Micromister’s tank rocket.

 

[caveduck]

No need to adhere to the competition definitions unless you're at NARAM. Though I was around when PMC was first added to the events, and the restrictions were put in because scary prang. Mostly because of one particular converted firetruck, which was the specific source of that phrase in the rules. The mention of submarine is also not there by chance. Jets were only allowed because then, as now, there were not many suitable plastic rocket kits.

 

[Cape Byron]

This has serious potential, but not sure if it qualifies...

Nah. Might just do it anyways.

https://www.tobor2.com/zombite/zombite.htm

 

[jqavins]

But back to the original question:

Does anybody do this now-a-days? If so it would be nice to have a section on this.

Are there enough people here on TRF with enough interest to merit a new subforum? I know there's a proper polling process; as an initial sound off, is there interest in starting that process?

(I've never done a PMC, but I keep meaning to. X-wing, Viper, or this jet kit I already have hanging around unbuilt.)

 

[Daddyisabar]

I think only a handful of folks would look at it in the oddroc section. If it ain't got big motors, fancy electronics or exotic building materials, it aint gonna get the views.

 

[NOLA_BAR]

I have always thought about it every time I go into my local hobby shop.

Now we may have a contender:
https://www.scalemates.com/kits/rev...dVDGbCvHmyVrTWfZAyrDLJ5IDpM_dE8BmsLb26F1TwJQk
Probably will be too $$$ to do a PMC.

 

[CoAz2k]

I have a space monkey models V-2 and Apogee's conversion kit in my build pile.

V-2 is here

Conversion kit here

Apogee also carries the model.

To me, it kind of seems like cheating to do it this way, but it is in the queue and it'll be my first plastic model conversion.

 

[Cape Byron]

I have a space monkey models V-2 and Apogee's conversion kit in my build pile.

V-2 is here

Conversion kit here

Apogee also carries the model.

To me, it kind of seems like cheating to do it this way, but it is in the queue and it'll be my first plastic model conversion.

Brilliant kit. I built mine without the Apogee conversion, but I was only a few hours in before I realised this was prolly a dumb idea. Skippy conversion is not as good as the Apogee one, but I did add a Qualman baffle.

 

[Saluki]

I'm all for a TRF subform on PMC. It might not get a lot of traffic post wise, but it would be a nice place to have all the information and build threads for PMC in one spot.

 

[Saluki]

Here is a few file for anyone wanting to try a PMC.

 

[user 13]

https://www.culttvmanshop.com/When-Worlds-Collide-Space-Ark-from-Pegasus_p_1191.html
This one could work, and it's still available.

 

[Cape Byron]

Here is a few file for anyone wanting to try a PMC.

Thanks for those files! Time to raid a hobby shop...

 

[user 13]

https://www.culttvmanshop.com/PREOR...antis--2199-PREORDER-RESERVATION-_p_6524.html
This one looks interesting. I have one on preorder to build as a display model, but I'm thinking its a good kit to convert to flying.

 

[jqavins]

Yes, that would be a cool looking one. How big is it?

These two from the same place look good also:
https://www.culttvmanshop.com/Mars-Liner-from-Glencoe_p_1755.htmlhttps://www.culttvmanshop.com/Conva...ale--Revell-reissue-from-Atlantis_p_4409.htmlThe Convair could be a two stage PMC, if the box picture is to be believed.

 

[user 13]

If memory serves me, it is about 7 inches long. Revell released the Convair shuttle and the Moonship together in the '60s with cops and robbers decals and called it Space Pirates.

I have the Convair in my stash now. Both would need a bit of nose weight. I'm thinking a BT-20 would work with both, but it might fly better on 13mm. One things for sure, it will need a short delay for a safe recovery!

 

[RocketRev]

What's wrong with submarines? I can see one of the Los Angeles class flying in a quite stable mode. Of course its going to need some nose weight. But a ban on Submarines? Seems a bit silly to me.

I'd love to see a PMC forum here on TRF.

Brad, the "I've got a submarine just waiting to get converted!" "Rocket Rev.," Wilson

 

[jqavins]

I've inquired as to the process. I know it involves a poll thread. I've asked Angie where that poll is supposed to be, an if there's anything else to do at the same time.

 

[user 13]

I found the Convair shuttle.

The upper stage is about 7 inches.

The lower stage is about 5 inches.

The kit is not bad! I'll pick up another, one for display and one for flying.

 

[caveduck]

What's wrong with submarines? I can see one of the Los Angeles class flying in a quite stable mode. Of course its going to need some nose weight. But a ban on Submarines? Seems a bit silly to me.

I'd love to see a PMC forum here on TRF.

Brad, the "I've got a submarine just waiting to get converted!" "Rocket Rev.," Wilson

Well, the reason that ban exists is that Harry Stine happened to see a poorly done submarine crash. Game over. Personally I think they should be fairly easy, you just need enough fin and some nose weight. Back then people were tempted to rely on the very small maneuvering planes in the prototypes, which were not really sufficient, even if you added a bunch of weight. Dynamic stability was not well understood by the rocket crowd in those days.

BTW putting rocket motors in the nacelles of an SR-71 is not a good idea. I've seen a number of attempts over the years and probably 3/4 of them have crashed due to unbalanced thrust and/or non-simultaneous ignition. In competition I think that is not allowed anymore.

 

[jsdemar]

I found the Convair shuttle.

The upper stage is about 7 inches.

The lower stage is about 5 inches.

The kit is not bad! I'll pick up another, one for display and one for flying.

Here's a currently available version:
https://atlantis-models.com/convair-space-shuttlecraft-plastic-model-kit-1-150/

 

[kuririn]

I have not had good luck with PMC conversions.
MPC Vostok power pranged.
Space 1999 Eagle skywrote.
PMC? Kitbash? Clone? | The Rocketry Forum
I also have an MPC Titan IIIE that hasn't maidened yet.
But ever the eternal optimist:


BT-50 motor tubes in the SRBs and six clear plastic fins might work.
And of course nose weight.
And also:




Some of these could probably fly on mini or micro engines.
Laters.

 

[caveduck]

Vostoks are hard for some reason....I crashed mine at NARAM-59. Not unstable, it just had some tipoff and kept arcing and hit right before ejection. Re-kitted itself but resurrection looks possible.

 

[GuyNoir]

What's wrong with submarines?

Prohibited by rule:

United States Model Rocket Sporting Code
"Rule 56.1 Scope - Plastic Model Conversion comprises a single event open to entries that have been assembled from plastic or resin model kits of guided missiles, rocket vehicles, space vehicles, or jets whose engines are in or spaced apart to the rear of the fuselage."

For sport flying, convert whatever you want.

 

[jqavins]

There does seem to be interest in the subject. I've started a poll here to gauge interest in a new subforum.

 

[Alan15578]

Prohibited by rule:

United States Model Rocket Sporting Code
"Rule 56.1 Scope - Plastic Model Conversion comprises a single event open to entries that have been assembled from plastic or resin model kits of guided missiles, rocket vehicles, space vehicles, or jets whose engines are in or spaced apart to the rear of the fuselage."

For sport flying, convert whatever you want.

I might add that the list has been generalized to include models of SF TV and Movie props. The SR-71 is a bit of a stretch. There was an animated Japanese SF show that featured the Battleship Yamato converted into a spacecraft, so a converted Battleship might be an interesting stretch.

I hate the jets. Legitimate PM kits have always been available, but are sometimes difficult for find on the shelf of your local store.