|
|
|
|
Author
|
Topic: First model in 32 years!
|
ilbasso
Member Posts: 1522
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Feb 2006
|
posted 04-23-2006 01:33 PM
   
After the discussion in the "build or stay boxed?" thread on this forum, I decided to plunge into building my first model kit in 32 years, since I graduated from high school. I chose the Monogram 1/48 scale Tranquillity Base.Wow, there was so much more to this than I remember putting into it as a teenager! I think that the last time I built this kit, I did it in a weekend. This one took me several evenings per week over the course of 7 weeks. I visited the LM-2 at the NASM, used "Virtual LM" as my Bible, and spent a lot of time on the Apollo 11 Lunar Surface Journal website. I used techniques I had never used before - washes, drybrushing, filling and sanding, super glue, and scratchbuilding. I scratchbuilt the MESA (which I have never seen on a model anywhere), the Quad 3 fuel tank, the extention to the EASEP equipment bay and the pulley tapes in Quad 2, landing radar and shield, the flag holder on the ladder, the EVA rail, some antenna parts, and even added antennas to the PLSS's. I didn't have the tools to correct the large antenna dishes or to drill out the attitude thrusters. Maybe next time...  My family got some chuckles out of watching me start this kit, but they quickly built up interest and enthusiasm as it began to come together. I know I have a lot more to learn, but this was a fun way to get back into the hobby again. Now the question is - which kit do I build next? I have the Atomic City Mercury, the Revell Gemini, the Monogram Saturn V, the Monogram Gemini astronaut, the Revell Apollo-Soyuz, the Revell "Everything is go!" Atlas... 
|
mensax
Member Posts: 861
From: Virginia
Registered: Apr 2002
|
posted 04-23-2006 01:54 PM
NICE!!!!!!!!!Congrats, I think this one is probably a lot nicer than the ones you put together in your youth? NOah |
GACspaceguy
Member Posts: 2474
From: Guyton, GA
Registered: Jan 2006
|
posted 04-23-2006 04:27 PM
WOW !!!! Great detail !
Looks like you have hit a home run the first time up.
|
astroborg
Member Posts: 200
From: Woodbridge, VA, USA
Registered: Nov 2000
|
posted 04-23-2006 07:18 PM
Nice Job! I would think the Apollo Soyuz would be a piece of cake compared to your fine LM.-Rich, down the road in Woodbridge |
divemaster
Member Posts: 1376
From: ridgefield, ct
Registered: May 2002
|
posted 04-24-2006 09:19 AM
You have opened the virtual pandora's box!All the models that you mention are great to build. The Saturn V will probably be the easiest - ASTP is the most inaccurate, but an easy build (and fun to correct). The 1/24 Gemini remains my favorite of all time. I remember building it for the first time about 40 years ago. It's a great kit to super detail and, if you use the realspacemodels.com correction kit, you'll have an incredibly accurate model. have fun! |
tegwilym
Member Posts: 2331
From: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Registered: Jan 2000
|
posted 04-24-2006 02:37 PM
Nice work! I think the difference is that now you are older, you want to make it look good rather than toss it together as toy. I used to slap models together in an evening, then later I might have painted them or put decals on.
Now they take me much longer and I try for accuracy. I'll have to post a photo of my 1/72 shuttle model I recently completed.Tom
|
ilbasso
Member Posts: 1522
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Feb 2006
|
posted 04-24-2006 03:47 PM
Re the 1/24 Gemini: my dad and I first built that kit in 1966 when I was in 5th grade. I took it to school with me for show and tell, and my teacher bought it from me on the spot for $5!! (That was a lot of money to me back then.) When I got home, my dad was furious. That teacher was replaced shortly thereafter. I have no idea if his leaving was related to this incident or something else.Anyway, I did buy the realspacemodels mod kit. I think I will save the Gemini for a little later, since I'll need to buy a Dremel tool to cut out the hatches for the mods. Thanks for your encouragement! [This message has been edited by ilbasso (edited April 24, 2006).] | |
Contact Us | The Source for Space History & Artifacts
Copyright 2020 collectSPACE.com All rights reserved.
Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.47a
|
|
|
 advertisement
|
