Semroc Saturn 1B build

MALBAR 70 said:

I built the Semroc Little Joe II, it has the same capsule kit,surprisingly, the tower is incredibly strong.

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Maybe you can help me figure which dowels to use for the upper and lower struts. The instructions only say to use the thick (.058”) ones for the vertical supports, and the thin (.041) ones for the horizontal cross pieces. Says nothing beyond that. I used the thin ones for all of the little cross pieces, and there’s definitely not enough left for the struts. And almost enough of the thick ones, so that’s my current plan. May need to shape some toothpicks to have enough wood to finish it. A bit disappointed that either I can’t read, or that the instructions are vague.

AfterBurners said:

Absolutely an exceptional job so far! Very impressed with how you skillfully assemble this kit. Everything looks great!

Is this kit still available? I'd like to buy one.

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Thanks! It is not in production though - erockets does sell the capsule.

Previous images show the cross piece sections drying, and then one of them installed. The kit provides the assembly jig that you see in the second picture to hold the two main pieces together while installing the cross pieces.

If your looking for a 1/70 Saturn 1b try here. https://www.oldrocketforum.com/showthread.php?t=17547

RE: my puzzlement as to dowel size, I’m making an executive decision. I’m going to sand down what’s left of the .058” dowel to .041”. Between that and what’s left of the existing .041” dowel, it will be more than enough to construct the upper and lower struts.

matthewdlaudato said:

RE: my puzzlement as to dowel size, I’m making an executive decision. I’m going to sand down what’s left of the .058” dowel to .041”. Between that and what’s left of the existing .041” dowel, it will be more than enough to construct the upper and lower struts.

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I believe that's what I did too, although it's been several years since I built it.

MALBAR 70 said:

I believe that's what I did too, although it's been several years since I built it.

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Thanks Mike, it seems like the right way to go.

Main part of the tower completed. I need to carefully sand away some excess glue here and there, but mostly satisfied with the outcome.

Lower struts completed. Tough working with such small pieces.

Working on the upper struts for the capsule tower. Took a bit of a break from this build to work on some other rockets and do general life stuff.

Major construction of the capsule completed. Need to add the engine shrouds and attach the coupler.

Great tower work.
It's all downhill from here!

kuririn said:

Great tower work.
It's all downhill from here!

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Thanks. It has some flaws for sure, but overall came out well. Definitely the hardest part of the build.

that looks great!!

matthewdlaudato said:

Major construction of the capsule completed. Need to add the engine shrouds and attach the coupler.

View attachment 393370

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NJRick said:

that looks great!!

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Thanks - getting near the finish line!

Done with the capsule construction. Turning back to the main build.

Looks great! painting will be a chore but the 1b looks awesome with those roll patterns!

Starting fin attachment - a pleasant, relatively easy part of this otherwise complex build!

Done with fin attachment, now getting into all of the small fiber and wood parts.

For flights, I use a "flight only" nose cone without the tower.
https://www.erockets.biz/semroc-balsa-nose-cone-bt-70-1-7-apollo-capsule-sem-bnc-70ap/
Properly weighted with washers.
And use the capsule with tower for display.
Don't want to see hours of hard work come splintering apart.

kuririn said:

For flights, I use a "flight only" nose cone without the tower.
https://www.erockets.biz/semroc-balsa-nose-cone-bt-70-1-7-apollo-capsule-sem-bnc-70ap/
Properly weighted with washers.
And use the capsule with tower for display.
Don't want to see hours of hard work come splintering apart.

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Good tip - I’ll probably 3D print something for flights.

Super nice build! Too bad they don't make this kit anymore! I'm definitely going to add a 1B to my scale build pile. I did the Saturn V last year, but I so love the looks of the 1B.

After a looooong break from this particular rocket, back at it. Stay tuned!

Installing the antenna panels.

Installed launch lugs. Opted for the 3/8”.

I don’t know how I missed this thread the first time, but I’m in now! Really nice work.

During filling/priming, what will you use to sand the tower legs to get them smooth? Is that what the sanding needles are for?

SecondRow said:

I don’t know how I missed this thread the first time, but I’m in now! Really nice work.

During filling/priming, what will you use to sand the tower legs to get them smooth? Is that what the sanding needles are for?

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I used sanding sticks for that. I don’t have needles, so I just cut them thin to get into tight spots.

Nice to see you back at it Matt. Looks great!

Can't wait to see it fly!

I agree. I'm looking forward to seeing this build and it's flight!