Saturn V Apollo 11 Build (Estes #2157) COMPLETE!

[samb]

I know Sam.....I know......maybe I'll get lucky and score a Gemini Titan.....then I'll launch the Redstone/Liberty Bell, Gemini Titan, Saturn V Apollo 11.....we'll have a Space Race tribute!

Ok. I'd be more nervous flying an Estes Gemini Titan than the Saturn V. BTW, there was a recent post with one for sale here. I don't think you'll do much better that $100+. For the Goblin, get a Squirrelworks Gremlin and take about an inch off the airframe length. DIY decals from the JimZ plans or maybe Excelsior has them.

https://squirrel-works.com/catalog/gremlin/gremlin.html


Woops! The one for sale is the Mercury Atlas. Not remotely like the Gemini Titan. :blush:

 

[granafratz]

The CG would be shifted back if you move the motor mount all the way to the rear, so you'd obviously counter with adding nose weight. When I built mine I was disappointed that the F-1 Engines didn't stay on in flight too and if I'd known more about rocketry back then I would have tried to do what you're suggesting.

I say go for it, and report back how it worked out please!

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm going to do it!! Where can I buy some flight insurance?
Will post some pics when I'm done.

 

[Fred Garvin]

Finished up the Saturn V build tonight. Although I still need to shoot a couple coats of clear and rig the chutes, the rocket is essentially done for purposes of this build thread and won't look any different after satin clear and chutes.

I did the final roll patterns on the Interstage Wrapper:



Once the paint dried a bit, I broke out my small Flat White and Flat Black Testors bottles and with a fine tipped brush, did some detail work, overspray cleanup (very little) and general touch ups. Then the remaining decals went on....easy stuff by this point although the 8 camera targets at the top were a bit fiddly.









So, that's it. What a journey this build has been. Of all I've ever done, this one is the top of the heap so far in difficulty, time spent, effort made.....I said when I started it still remained a sort of "personal Mt Everest"...and it sure lived up to it! I've grown as a rocketeer and model builder from this experience. It's been very valuable for me and sure has boosted my confidence to move forward and tackle more difficult kits. BSV next? I'm proud of this one....sure, it has it's little flubs here and there...nothing is perfect, but overall I'm happy to show it off. It's bittersweet as this build comes to an end for me. A personal milestone...building "the kit" from my childhood.....

I want to thank everyone who helped me along the way with advice and encouragement....really helps....and Chris, man your blog was invaluable. Sure saved me alot of time, wasted effort and helped me to plan what was coming next.

Cheers my TRF Friends....that one sure was fun....

 

[Fred Garvin]

Woops! The one for sale is the Mercury Atlas. Not remotely like the Gemini Titan. :blush:

I know....I want it.....

 

[NJRick]

Fred....beautiful work! she is gorgeous!!!

Finished up the Saturn V build tonight. Although I still need to shoot a couple coats of clear and rig the chutes, the rocket is essentially done for purposes of this build thread and won't look any different after satin clear and chutes.

I did the final roll patterns on the Interstage Wrapper:

View attachment 143849

Once the paint dried a bit, I broke out my small Flat White and Flat Black Testors bottles and with a fine tipped brush, did some detail work, overspray cleanup (very little) and general touch ups. The the remaining decals went on....easy stuff by this point although the 8 camera targets at the top were a bit fiddly.

View attachment 143850

View attachment 143851

View attachment 143852

View attachment 143853

So, that's it. What a journey this build has been. Of all I've ever done, this one is the top of the heap so far in difficulty, time spent, effort made.....I said when I started it still remained a sort of "personal Mt Everest"...and it sure lived up to it! I've grown as a rocketeer and model builder from this experience. It's been very valuable for me and sure has boosted my confidence to move forward and tackle more difficult kits. BSV next? I'm proud of this one....sure, it has it's little flubs here and there...nothing is perfect, but overall I'm happy to show it off. It's bittersweet as this build comes to an end for me. A personal milestone...building "the kit" from my childhood.....

I want to thank everyone who helped me along the way with advice and encouragement....really helps....and Chris, man your blog was invaluable. Sure saved me alot of time, wasted effort and helped me to plan what was coming next.

Cheers my TRF Friends....that one sure was fun....

 

[Fred Garvin]

Fred....beautiful work! she is gorgeous!!!

Thanks!

 

[Mushtang]

Great job Fred!! That's one beautiful looking rocket.

What are your plans for displaying it between flights? (I still haven't put the parachutes in mine and flown it, but I'm thinking I want to soon)

 

[Fred Garvin]

Thanks!

Right now it stands with the rest of the fleet:



I'm considering using some fishing line and snap hooks to suspend it from the ceiling. Most likely what I'll do. Also, I'm planning to build a small stand that will hold it horizontally. I'll use mahogany, or red oak stained, and varnished....with green felt cushion....to display it at launches.

 

[eedetail]

Nice work Fred! From your description of the stand you are planning, you ought to do a build thread on it as well.

 

[Fred Garvin]

Thanks! It'll be a simple stand...base and two ends...both 4.5" half circle cutouts...maybe a center decorative span....nothing too elaborate as it needs to compliment the model and not draw attention from it. I'll post a pic of it....

BTW - Here's a link to an Estate Sale and they're offering an Estes #2157 Saturn V kit for $50:

Estes Saturn V #2157 $50

If anyone wants it better jump on it quick.... (UPDATE: On Hold...it went fast)

 

[NJRick]

Fred,
beautiful fleet of rockets! You need a Saturn 1b in there!:grin:

Thanks!

Right now it stands with the rest of the fleet:

View attachment 143872

I'm considering using some fishing line and snap hooks to suspend it from the ceiling. Most likely what I'll do. Also, I'm planning to build a small stand that will hold it horizontally. I'll use mahogany, or red oak stained, and varnished....with green felt cushion....to display it at launches.

 

[hcmbanjo]

Hi Fred,
The finished Saturn V looks great! I'm glad the blog helped out.

 

[Fred Garvin]

Fred,
beautiful fleet of rockets! You need a Saturn 1b in there!:grin:

Thanks! Yes, I do need a 1B...I could do Apollo 7 SA205....just need the right kit....Semroc's is only $78 and flies on (4) C6-3's....

 

[Fred Garvin]

Hi Fred,
The finished Saturn V looks great! I'm glad the blog helped out.

Thanks Chris.....I'm seriously looking for a 1B now.....Semroc or Apogee....have you built either one?

 

[NJRick]

Fred...I am an admitted Saturn 1b nut....just a nasty looking beast! The Dr. Zooch 1b is a fun kit, but it may not be the scale you work with....she stands about 17.5 inches tall when done and will run you about $25. fun kit to play around with and add some details too..if OK...I am posting some pics of my Zooch SA-205.



you did a fantastic job with your Saturn V Fred! just awesome.

Thanks! Yes, I do need a 1B...I could do Apollo 7 SA205....just need the right kit....Semroc's is only $78 and flies on (4) C6-3's....

 

[AfterBurners]

Fred

Another exceptional and outstanding build! Thanks for sharing!!

 

[JPVegh]

I've watched this from start to finish and I have really enjoyed this thread. You do good work sir and it shows in this build. Doing a build like this one takes skill and patience, taking the time to document it takes it to another level, thanks for sharing.

 

[Cl(VII)]

Very nicely done. Must be very satisfying, and relieving, to see it sitting in the shelf. Thanks for documenting so well.

 

[Fred Garvin]

Thanks guys...appreciate it.

Post away Rick....I love the Saturns and I know your passion for the Zooch 1B...I've read the many posts and comments you've made.....I've looked at the Zooch and Fliskits models and may one day start in on a Zooch Ant Scale fleet....for now though, not the scale I'm looking at. Unless I can score an Apogee 1B for a good price, much less than the $216 retail, I think I'll probably build the Semroc kit with the upgraded Apollo Spacecraft....gonna run me right at $100 for both.

 

[NJRick]

Fred...both the Apogee and the Semroc kits look like great kits. I think the tough part on all the 1bs, is making that fairing at the bottom of the first stage where the tanks meet the thrust structure...

Fred..you can tell you love the Saturns in the effort you put into this Saturn V. Shame that no one makes a 1/100 scale 1b....I wonder what the scale of the old Estes 1b was?

Thanks guys...appreciate it.

Post away Rick....I love the Saturns and I know your passion for the Zooch 1B...I've read the many posts and comments you've made.....I've looked at the Zooch and Fliskits models and may one day start in on a Zooch Ant Scale fleet....for now though, not the scale I'm looking at. Unless I can score an Apogee 1B for a good price, much less than the $216 retail, I think I'll probably build the Semroc kit with the upgraded Apollo Spacecraft....gonna run me right at $100 for both.

 

[Fred Garvin]

The K-29 was a 1:70....the Semroc kit is basically a repro of it.....

 

[hcmbanjo]

Thanks Chris.....I'm seriously looking for a 1B now.....Semroc or Apogee....have you built either one?

I haven't built the Semroc Saturn 1B, but built the Estes version years ago. There is some building of the small details.
Go to Semroc and download the PDF instructions to get an idea of what you are getting into.
I've built two of the Apogee Saturn Vs. The Apogee version is a great kit, larger than the Estes Saturn V. All the small 1B details are done in vacuform wraps much like the newer Estes Saturn V release.

 

[hcmbanjo]

Shame that no one makes a 1/100 scale 1b....I wonder what the scale of the old Estes 1b was?

Fred is right, the Estes Saturn 1B (K-29) was 1:70 scale.
The old Centuri Saturn 1B (and the later Estes re-release of basically the same kit) was 1:100 scale.

 

[NJRick]

Hi Chris..thanks for the info...one of these days I have to take a shot at either the Apogee or Semroc 1b. I would probably go with the Semroc and get the upgraded capsule. I just wish I had some place to put it in my house. Aw heck...I'd just put it right in the middle of the dining room table...my wife has had her center piece there for years so I kinda figure its my turn.

Fred is right, the Estes Saturn 1B (K-29) was 1:70 scale.
The old Centuri Saturn 1B (and the later Estes re-release of basically the same kit) was 1:100 scale.

 

[Saluki]

I am holding out hope that ESTES will produce the old 1/100 scale Saturn 1B.

Everyone keep your fingers cross.

 

[Odo]

Thanks!

Right now it stands with the rest of the fleet:

View attachment 143872

I'm considering using some fishing line and snap hooks to suspend it from the ceiling. Most likely what I'll do. Also, I'm planning to build a small stand that will hold it horizontally. I'll use mahogany, or red oak stained, and varnished....with green felt cushion....to display it at launches.

WOW! Love you Saturn V, redstone, and V2!
This build came out fantastic! Glad you were able to reach one of your personal challenges!

 

[P-40Warhawk]

What are your plans for displaying it between flights?

I think Fred needs to build a scale launch tower for it!

Seriously, Fred, your Saturn V looks fantastic and is testament to your patience and ability! I hope you get the chance to launch it soon.

Mark

 

[Cl(VII)]

I think Fred needs to build a scale launch tower for it!

Seriously, Fred, your Saturn V looks fantastic and is testament to your patience and ability! I hope you get the chance to launch it soon.

Mark

That would be sweet.

 

[JPVegh]

I am holding out hope that ESTES will produce the old 1/100 scale Saturn 1B.

Everyone keep your fingers cross.

I'd buy one right away! Heck, I'd buy two, one to build and one to hoard away.

 

[Fred Garvin]

Actually, that is a serious consideration. I have this saved to my Watch List:



It's a paper model, heavy cardstock and reinforced with foamboard where needed. Looking closely at the details an intricacies of it....man it's gonna be a tough one I think. The rewards however....and compliment to the rocket....priceless....