Saturn I Block II & Saturn IB Dimensions Question

[brewster_rockit]

Hello all. Bit of a rivet-counter question here. On Saturn I Block II and Saturn IB, the aft structure (I call it "aft ring" or "boattail" but I'll gladly adopt whatever the accepted term is) is frequently cited as 270" diameter. However, it's not clear from the drawings I've seen whether that dimension was measured on the smooth upper portion of the structure, or if it reflects the extra width across the external stringers on the lower portion of the structure. Much thanks for any wisdom the forum members can provide on this topic!

 

[PeterAlway]

The upper smooth section is 270" in diameter. Oddly enough, I recall (I am at the library, so I don't have source materials handy) that it may also be the diameter over the corrugations in the lower section--in other words, that the corrugations may be recessed. Keep in mind that I haven't looked at the issue in years, and I seem to recall that there were some contradictory sources on that detail. That said, I am certain that 270" is the true diameter of the upper smooth section.

If you don't have it already, there is a version of my Saturn I Block II drawing in "The Art of Scale Model Rocketry, which you can download for free from NARTS. You can look here: https://www.nar.org/nar-products/ and download directly with this link: https://nar.org/free-reports/Art of Scale Model Rocketry by Peter Alway.pdf

Have fun!

 

[brewster_rockit]

The upper smooth section is 270" in diameter. Oddly enough, I recall (I am at the library, so I don't have source materials handy) that it may also be the diameter over the corrugations in the lower section--in other words, that the corrugations may be recessed. Keep in mind that I haven't looked at the issue in years, and I seem to recall that there were some contradictory sources on that detail. That said, I am certain that 270" is the true diameter of the upper smooth section.

If you don't have it already, there is a version of my Saturn I Block II drawing in "The Art of Scale Model Rocketry, which you can download for free from NARTS. You can look here: https://www.nar.org/nar-products/ and download directly with this link: https://nar.org/free-reports/Art of Scale Model Rocketry by Peter Alway.pdf

Have fun!

I frequently refer back to the pdf, but I'm also proud owner of an original copy of this wonderful book. Currently I'm trying to design stl files for the scratch built portions of the 1/130 Saturn I that aren't already on Thingiverse. As best I can tell from photos, it appears the stringers were attached on top of the smooth surface, but I'm always looking for better photographic evidence!

 

[zog139]

Hi here are some photos of the 1B on display at KSC. If you zoom in you can see the stringers are indeed "sunk" below the surface of the vehicle surface. Others here may know more about this display, everything I've read concurs with what Peter Alway explained.

Have fun !