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Author
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Topic: The best Apollo models?
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Lunatiki
Member Posts: 237
From: Amarillo, TX, USA
Registered: Dec 2006
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posted 01-06-2007 11:01 AM
  
I've been wanting to get a model of the Apollo CM and LM (already built). I'd like the most accurate, quality example out there. I've found one from the Danbury Mint, at a decent price, even though they are on back order. Any opinions on that one, or suggestions of others? |
dsenechal
Member Posts: 539
From:
Registered: Dec 2002
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posted 01-06-2007 03:08 PM
The Danbury Mint LM/CSM model is quite nice, especially for the price. Unless you're in a big hurry, it'd be worth the wait. |
collocation
Member Posts: 383
From: McLean, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2004
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posted 01-06-2007 05:55 PM
The Danbury Mint is the best value. I am a volunteer at NASM and it is better than the $180 "museum" Code 3 Collectibles' model, hands down no question. I also purchased the Danbury Apollo Saturn which is also a great value at $118. The model is on back order due to the holiday, the wait is well worth it. Also, do a search on this site, there has been extensive discussion, review and comparisons. |
slk6517
Member Posts: 27
From: sheboygan, WI. USA
Registered: Dec 2006
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posted 02-16-2007 06:39 PM
I want to obtain the most accurate and detailed pre-built replica of the CSM/LM or just the CSM in general. Which company would the seasoned collectors of space flight replicas suggest, Nick Proach's or Danbury Mint's?I guess I would also like to apply this question to the Mercury capsule also, however, the one by Atomic City I believe is a bit too large for my taste, I would prefer to stay with 1/24 or the 1/48. I only know that I heard Nick Proach models are supposed to be the best in the replica business, since I understand that NASA has even used them for demonstration purposes? But, I would really like to hear from serious collectors, which company offers the most accurate and detail in these two models mentioned above? I just like to make sure I acquire some of the best replicas for my collection. At this time, I have only one replica, and that happens to be the Code 3 Mars rover still sealed in the box however. When I do acquire the above mentioned replicas I then will be looking for the best shuttle replica available in the same scale. Thank you for putting up with all my endless rambling and questions here, but I really need to find the truth. |
dsenechal
Member Posts: 539
From:
Registered: Dec 2002
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posted 02-16-2007 08:11 PM
Good evening. I can heartily recommend the Danbury Mint Apollo 13 CSM/LM combination, and especially for the price you just can't beat it. Just a little over $100 plus shipping. Probably the best depiction of the Command Module available, unless you build one yourself using the Real Space CSM kit. There was a review of this model on collectSpace a couple of years ago - you can probably do a search and find it. Concerning the latter part of your message, you'll have some difficulty (or massive expense) finding a shuttle model of the same scale. 1/50 scale is very reasonable for an Apollo CSM/LM. However, a shuttle model of that scale will be huge. Nick Proach would pretty much be your only option, and it'll cost thousands. As an aside, Danbury Mint also makes a very nice 1/24 scale Mercury capsule with escape tower. Best of luck in your endeavor. Dave |
divemaster
Member Posts: 1376
From: ridgefield, ct
Registered: May 2002
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posted 02-16-2007 09:26 PM
A lot depends on your budget.Danbury Mint does more mass production, Nick is more custom made. Both do wonderful work in their price range. As a scale modeler myself, with a critical eye for detail, I can point out the highs and lows from both sources. At the same time, I've seen some "private" scale modelers do some of the most complex detail work that you could possibly get in a model. However, as I said in the beginning, it all depends on how much you want to spend.
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slk6517
Member Posts: 27
From: sheboygan, WI. USA
Registered: Dec 2006
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posted 02-17-2007 12:56 AM
As I looked at both replicas of the CSM/LM from both Danbury and Nick Proach, I see that they are very similar in construction and appearance. So, I guess I need to know from the stand point of serious collectors of space replicas, is it considered by most that Nick Proach replicas are where you go if you want accuracy and detail for most replicas of spaceflight? |
Larry McGlynn
Member Posts: 1255
From: Boston, MA
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 02-17-2007 07:21 AM
The two gentlemen that have advised you are two of the top model builders out there in the space genre. I just buy models. I enjoy models. My house is full of models. My wife says no more models. I love my wife, but I am still buying more models. A man has to have a hobby. Dave and Tracy have raised two excellent points. Price and quality. The Danbury Mint quality is excellent for the price. Nick Proach's are excellent for the quality, but it will cost you. Nick does excellent work and, more importantly, he has been reliable. He has built all the American manned spaceflight launch vehicles and spacecraft for me. The two guys who have written before have given better advice than I can due to their experience as modelbuilders. As a collector,I just like Nick's models better. It is just emotional. I have both, but like Nick's work. ------------------
Larry McGlynn
A Tribute to Apollo |
dsenechal
Member Posts: 539
From:
Registered: Dec 2002
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posted 02-17-2007 07:51 AM
If you haven't already been there, it might be worth your while to visit Nick Proach's web site. From everything I've heard about him, I'd guess that he would answer any questions you may have about his models. |
divemaster
Member Posts: 1376
From: ridgefield, ct
Registered: May 2002
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posted 02-17-2007 03:40 PM
Just as a plug for someone who rarely talks about his modeling skills... our very own Mark Gray has done some incredible work. Before Spacecraft Films became what it is today, Mark was working on a [as I recall] 1:48 scale Saturn 1b. The detail work on the CSM was nothing short of spectacular - not to mention the rest of the model. The entire outside of the SM was photoetched brass. Took your breath away. I don't know if it was ever finished, but the construction photos were something to marvel at. A real beauty. |
spacecraft films
Member Posts: 802
From: Columbus, OH USA
Registered: Jun 2002
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posted 02-17-2007 04:19 PM
That's very kind and I'm not sure deserved. Sadly I haven't had time to do any space modeling since I started Spacecraft Films! I miss it and I miss flying. I plan to do both again soon!I just checked and all the stuff I formerly posted to show progress is still online. Everything is in the very same place as it was then, although it has since been stored in boxes until I can get back to it. I have some 1/48th Saturn V pieces that I need to share with Dave Senechal (who has done some amazing work himself - that actually gets finished!). I really need to get Dave the Saturn V pieces so I can see what he can accomplish with them. Again, thanks.
Mark |
divemaster
Member Posts: 1376
From: ridgefield, ct
Registered: May 2002
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posted 02-17-2007 04:40 PM
Now THAT'S detail!Good to see those photos again, Mark. It's been awhile. |
mslekar
Member Posts: 100
From: Eagle,Idaho
Registered: Jun 2002
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posted 02-17-2007 05:55 PM
Ok, I'll add to the discussion. I have the full launcher set as well as the shuttle stack in 1/48th scale all done by Nick Proach. If you are interested in extra detail, I had Nick do everything "one up" over his standard stuff. I myself prefer the extra detail especially on the large 1/48th scale stuff. The only issue is it will cost more money. I can't be happier however having this ultimate scale collection sitting in my den. It took over 5 years to get all these done but it was worth the wait. Nick's work is fantastic and is also very durable. Mike |
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