Advice on aftermarket parts upgrade to Estes 1969 Saturn V

Just getting started on my build. Found some interesting products that I am thinking of using and would like some opinions on those who may have used them.
Shapeways S-IVB Transition $21.95
Boyce Fin Can $54.95 looks like gives you options to cluster. Also looks stronger.
Boyce Capsule and LES nose cone kit $9.95
Saw some fairings and nosecone from moldin oldies but not sure if for flight or display.
Thanks

I replaced a destroyed stock capsule/LES with the Boyce version. The Boyce capsule is as advertised but it has an internal structure inside the trusswork itself, like most 3D printed items it's not very smooth, and it broke fairly easily when once again my Saturn's chute bridle broke and it came in tower-first. Personally I don't see much advantage over the stock capsule.

I have no experience with the Shapeways transition but in the 1969 kit version this transition is plastic anyway. It might make more sense with the older paper-wrap version. The Shapeways transition is probably more detailed, if that matters to you.

BTW, the Moldin' Oldies stuff is intended for flight but it's heavy. The stock vacform fin shrouds have been improved in the 1969 version (they were a huge PITA in the earlier version) but my understanding is they're still finicky to shape and glue on, and potentially fragile. There are many options (Shapeways, Boyce, Moldin' Oldies) but I have no experience with any of them.

Thanks mikec

I used the Moldin' Oldies capsule with a stock Estes LES tower and rocket. It is a little heavier but the mold/detail work is first rate and I've never known a Saturn V that didn't benefit from a touch more nose weight.

How much extra nose weight do you think will be necessary if you use the Boyce fin can. And what is the best way to add more weight if you cluster with the extra weight of the additional motors that can be reduced when only flying on one motor

KILTED COWBOY said:

How much extra nose weight do you think will be necessary if you use the Boyce fin can.

Click to expand...

No idea. A lot. Not only is it heavy, it looks like it moves the motor way back. I had enough stability problems with my stock Saturn.