Saturn V kit recommendation?

I'm interested in building a Saturn V kit and need some recommendations.

I'm not a very experienced scale modeler, and would like something relatively simple but cool looking ---- in other words, I'm not looking to tackle something very complex, even if the complex models are more realistic. I know this forum has a lot of master modelers and a lot of scale modelers who take accuracy very seriously. That's not me. If I can get something that looks pretty good on the launch pad from a safe launch distance, that would be great.

Also, in terms of size, I am looking for something in about a 4" diameter and about 43" tall. I'm probably looking for a 24mm mount.

It looks like Estes has made a kit like this several times in the past, but it is now OOP, and it looks pretty expensive on eBay.

In production, I see the Dr. Zooch, which looks small to me, and I see the Apogee, which is huge.

Does anyone know of any other kits in production that are like what I am talking about? If not, is the Estes kit any good, how difficult would it be, and what would be a fair price?

I also see that Semroc has a Saturn 1B that more or less meets the size I am looking for. But it also looks like a pretty complex model. Is it a difficult model to build? I'd prefer a Saturn V, but something else from the manned space program would be fine if the Saturn V is not practical.

To be honest, the Apogee Saturn V is easier to build (and a much better kit) than the Estes model.

Sirius has a Saturn V that's even nicer than the Apogee kit (and more expensive) though I have no idea how it compares in terms of easy of build.

Something to consider is that no Saturn V is going to be "easy". That said, I'm not a master building but found the Apogee kit a reasonable build. The instruction videos are fantastic.

-Kevin

The Apogee is a great build. I have not flown mine but have had it on display in the rocket room for about 10 years. I got it when they first came out. The Saturn 1B is also an excellent build. I have the Sirius but I have not built it. Looking at the build threads it does look harder though.

Her is a picture right after finishing up the build. It is next to a Little Joe II that I scratch built at the same time I built the Saturn V.

ThirstyBarbarian said:

I also see that Semroc has a Saturn 1B that more or less meets the size I am looking for. But it also looks like a pretty complex model. Is it a difficult model to build?

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You can download the instructions from the Semroc site; that will give you a good idea. I found the painting and masking to be the hardest part (of course the escape tower is a pretty big PITA, but you can buy the Apogee tower separately.)

There are several very nice Saturn V's currently on the market, Sirius and Semroc have been mentioned but even if you go with Estes, they all require more than basic skills to build. As with all things, price is realtive to what the individual considers to be reasonable, but I think most of us would consider all of those mentioned above as above average in cost.

If you search the internet you may still find a hobby shop with a stray Estes kit in stock, that's probably your best chance for something below or about $100 but the various supplies may run you another $50 before you're through finishing it, regardlss of what you pay for the kit.

Verna
www.vernarockets.com

Dang! $180 for an Estes Saturn V on Amazon..... I wasn't aware they had gone out of production again.

There are quite a few build threads for the Estes IB and V in the low power forum. You can get an idea of the complexity there. I think I saw an apogee build in the HPR forum last year.

Brent said:

Her is a picture right after finishing up the build. It is next to a Little Joe II that I scratch built at the same time I built the Saturn V.
View attachment 154241

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How long did it take to build it?

Wow


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004BKVG9O/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

degreaser said:

Dang! $180 for an Estes Saturn V on Amazon..... I wasn't aware they had gone out of production again.

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Yup! That's why I bought two of them. Still got one under my bed unopened.

AfterBurners said:

How long did it take to build it?

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I probably had at least 2 weeks into the Saturn V, maybe more depending on my work schedule at the time I built it. I usually work on models rather than watch much TV during the week and on weekends. It is similar to the latest Estes release in that it uses vacuform wraps, but the engine cowlings and fins go together much smother. There was a great CD with video to guide you through the build included when I purchased mine. I am not sure if that is still how the instruction are or not.

Gary Byrum said:

Yup! That's why I bought two of them. Still got one under my bed unopened.

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I have one, NIB. It's in the extended build pile. Shudacudawuda bought two......

I doubt that 1B will ever sell though. $1300 is absurd. He may be fishing for offers.

Gary Byrum said:

Yup! That's why I bought two of them. Still got one under my bed unopened.

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$180??? Ok I will sell one of mine for $175 including shipping.

Verna
www.vernarockets.com

Here's a V for a ridiculous price. Amazon

These rockets have been posted for years and still haven't sold. It's no wonder. The seller must think we're stupid.

Brent said:

I probably had at least 2 weeks into the Saturn V, maybe more depending on my work schedule at the time I built it. I usually work on models rather than watch much TV during the week and on weekends. It is similar to the latest Estes release in that it uses vacuform wraps, but the engine cowlings and fins go together much smother. There was a great CD with video to guide you through the build included when I purchased mine. I am not sure if that is still how the instruction are or not.

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Two weeks that's it? You build fast!! That kit would take me much longer!

You asked about the Semroc Saturn 1B: know that the escape tower is a bit of a challenge (you have to cut and glue tiny dowels together) and the Apollo space capsule wrap does not properly depict the capsule in launch configuration (it has the same “charm” [artwork] as the original Estes Saturn 1B). You can simplify things, and increase scale accuracy, by purchasing just the Apollo space capsule from Apogee (about $20, plus shipping). The Apogee Apollo Capsule fits the Semroc 1B, and it's more accurate and much easier to put together (it's all plastic).

Gary Byrum said:

Here's a V for a ridiculous price. Amazon

These rockets have been posted for years and still haven't sold. It's no wonder. The seller must think we're stupid.

Click to expand...

Same seller, same price, different kit.

Thanks everyone for your great info and recommendations. After looking at the options, I'm thinking maybe this is not the right kind if rocket for me right now. I build rockets to fly, not to display, and I think maybe the amount of money and sweat equity involved for most of these options might make me reluctant to risk the rocket on the launch pad. Maybe things will change and I'll reconsider. But for now I don't think it's where I should be putting my rocketry budget for time and money.

Thanks again!

ThirstyBarbarian said:

Thanks everyone for your great info and recommendations. After looking at the options, I'm thinking maybe this is not the right kind if rocket for me right now. I build rockets to fly, not to display, and I think maybe the amount of money and sweat equity involved for most of these options might make me reluctant to risk the rocket on the launch pad. Maybe things will change and I'll reconsider. But for now I don't think it's where I should be putting my rocketry budget for time and money.

Thanks again!

Click to expand...

If you come across a reasonably-priced Estes one, they are a fun build and they always turn heads when they are on the pad. You'd be amazed at the attention my crappy SV would get. It is a hoot to fly since you never quite know what will happen!

I keep hoping that Semroc will release a Saturn V, but I suspect that might not happen.

Another route that you can take is to scratch one up if you just want one which is "close". Sirius rocketry has moldin' oldies parts - fins & shrouds and the escape tower top. The body tubes are all standard sized. You could add in a cluster mount rather than the stock 24mm. You could fashion some of the details out of 1/2 round and corrugated board from Michaels. With a little paint I'm sure that the build would look nice on the pad.

Just a suggestion for you. I understand if you decide otherwise!

jsargevt said:

If you come across a reasonably-priced Estes one, they are a fun build and they always turn heads when they are on the pad. You'd be amazed at the attention my crappy SV would get. It is a hoot to fly since you never quite know what will happen!

I keep hoping that Semroc will release a Saturn V, but I suspect that might not happen.

Another route that you can take is to scratch one up if you just want one which is "close". Sirius rocketry has moldin' oldies parts - fins & shrouds and the escape tower top. The body tubes are all standard sized. You could add in a cluster mount rather than the stock 24mm. You could fashion some of the details out of 1/2 round and corrugated board from Michaels. With a little paint I'm sure that the build would look nice on the pad.

Just a suggestion for you. I understand if you decide otherwise!

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If I found one cheap, I would get it. I also looked at the Semroc Saturn 1B, and that looks a very cool rocket when it is finished --- I really like how the tanks are exposed and the huge number of fins. It just looks like a more ambitious build than I am up for. If it looks like I am going to get a bunch of free time at some point, maybe I'll spring for it or an Estes kit.

Gary Byrum said:

Here's a V for a ridiculous price. Amazon

These rockets have been posted for years and still haven't sold. It's no wonder. The seller must think we're stupid.

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I got an original K-36 Saturn V for $50 on Ebay a few years back with the plastic still intact. Sometimes you get lucky.

BTW while probing around back stage at a high school in Flint, Michigan, I came across the same globe of the moon that's on the cover of the K-36 kit.

The principal gave it to me 'cause it had a dent in it.

Big deal...another crater! Besides...it was on the "dark side".

The globe is obviously pre 1969 because it lists "proposed Apollo landing sites".

Cool, huh?

When I build another Saturn V, it will be the Apogee and one day, the Sirius Saturn!!

The Sirius is top notch.

Here's my build thread:

https://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?34885-Sirius-Saturn-V-Build-Thread

Used it for my Level 2. Can't rave about it enough!

Thirsty...I am a big fan of the Dr. Zooch Saturn 1b....its much smaller than the Semroc and Apogee kits...but then again...it cost $25 and with a little patience you can make a pretty neat little kit and fly the fins off of it.

ThirstyBarbarian said:

If I found one cheap, I would get it. I also looked at the Semroc Saturn 1B, and that looks a very cool rocket when it is finished --- I really like how the tanks are exposed and the huge number of fins. It just looks like a more ambitious build than I am up for. If it looks like I am going to get a bunch of free time at some point, maybe I'll spring for it or an Estes kit.

Click to expand...

ThirstyBarbarian said:

Thanks everyone for your great info and recommendations. After looking at the options, I'm thinking maybe this is not the right kind if rocket for me right now. I build rockets to fly, not to display, and I think maybe the amount of money and sweat equity involved for most of these options might make me reluctant to risk the rocket on the launch pad. Maybe things will change and I'll reconsider. But for now I don't think it's where I should be putting my rocketry budget for time and money.

Thanks again!

Click to expand...

Any of the Estes, Apogee or Sirius kits will set you back a significant chunk of time and money.

The Dr. Zooch kit is smaller (2 feet long) but much less expensive and considerably easier than any of the other options.

The Zooch kit has a real sliding-scale of effort-vs-result relationship: you can build it relatively quick-and-easy and it comes out looking 'decent,' or you can go crazy with attention to little details and it comes out looking really good.

If you are just looking for a Sat V which won't bust your wallet or take you months to finish, the Zooch might be your best call.

Quaranta said:

The Sirius is top notch.

Here's my build thread:

https://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?34885-Sirius-Saturn-V-Build-Thread

Used it for my Level 2. Can't rave about it enough!

Click to expand...

I've always enjoyed this build. Great job and awesome kit!!

$180 For a SatV from Amazon!!!:y: Just a few months ago I got one for $80. Damn glad I bought it when I did.

I know Semroc had a Saturn V nearly ready to be released that was cancelled due to the re-release of the Estes kit. Perhaps it might be possible to go forward with that kit since the Estes one has been discontinued. There is obviously a need for a lower priced alternative.

If I was to buy one of the larger SV's it would be a project that I would spread out over a few months and dedicate my time just to building that. Take my time and enjoy the process of the build. I think Apogee's or Sirius kits ...either one is exceptional. They both have a lot of detail, but after seeing a build thread done on the Sirius SV I would say that it's pretty beefy and looks like it can withstand a lot of force.

The Galleries thread on the Saturn V doesn't list the Sirius kit. These are the ones listed:

Apogee: Saturn V: #05026
Centuri: Saturn 5: KS-12 or #5142
Cox: Apollo Saturn V: #5075
Dr Zooch: Saturn V:
Estes: Saturn V: K-36 or #1236
Estes: Saturn V: #2001
Estes: Saturn V: #2157
Estes: Semi-Scale Saturn V: K-39 or #1239
Neubauer: Micro Saturn V

Does anyone know of any others that are not on this list?

It would be great if Semroc decided to release a Saturn V in the 4" diameter, or if Estes would re-release their kit. That's really what I am looking for. Something in that size for $80 or less ($50 would be great).