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Author
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Topic: LM Contractor Model Parts Painting
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aknutson72
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posted 01-07-2011 12:55 PM
   
I have recently purchased a Contractors Model LM and fortunately aquired a missing rendevous radar and thruster that I need to paint to match original. Can anyone help with colors and sheen to match original? Any best/proven ways or recommendations to replace thruster? Thank you very much. |
Retro Rocket
Member Posts: 445
From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA
Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 01-08-2011 12:13 AM
Depending on what level of restoration you'd like to have would determine the best way to restore your model. From what I've learned the parts were clearcoated and that's the source of the yellowing. |
dfox
Member Posts: 208
From: Scarsdale, NY, United States
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 01-08-2011 10:52 PM
There is a thread dedicated to this topic: Grumman LM contractor model restorationAndy Lagomarsino "Doc LEM" is the master of restoration of these models. He scratch built a S-Band antennae for me. |
Go4Launch
Member Posts: 542
From: Seminole, Fla.
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 01-09-2011 12:33 AM
To answer your questions, I have replaced thruster cones using Precise parts. If that's what you have, I used a very small bit in an electric drill and carefully drilled a hole, then glued the new one in. I found that Testors Gold enamel matched quite well. I painted the rendezvous radar antenna semi-gloss black. The best match I have found for the steerable S-band antenna is Benjamin Moore "Capri Seas" 2047-40. |
aknutson72
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posted 01-12-2011 01:39 PM
Thanks everyone. I do have a Precise thruster and rendezvous radar parts. I used a #60 drill to remove the old thruster and that brought out the old core just nicely. I used the same drill for the rendezvous radar (replacement had no hole) which matched the holes in the mount. I need advise on the s-band radar dish (the green-blue one). The small diameter steel is missing into the larger steel that extends out from the ascent stage that the radar dish mounts to. I fortunately have the original radar dish still. I thought about redrilling the end to install a short section of steel. Anyone done this, know the diameter of steel, or know if it is suppose to be steel? As far as the paint, I have not found the best black sheen yet. Semi gloss was too high. Going too try and get closer to a a eggshell. Thanks everyone. |
Go4Launch
Member Posts: 542
From: Seminole, Fla.
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 01-12-2011 10:37 PM
On the S-band antenna, what you propose would work, if successful. My guess is you'd find it extremely difficult to drill out the antenna bracket, so my advise would be to super glue it. Otherwise you risk damaging the bracket unless you have a spare. I suppose another possibility might be to have a jeweler carefully solder a pin onto the bracket.Incidentally, the S-band antenna was used for deep space voice and telemetry, not radar. |
Retro Rocket
Member Posts: 445
From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA
Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 01-14-2011 01:00 AM
A clearcoat that simulates the "sheen" is Krylon's Matte Finish. It applies well, is very tough and won't yellow.Drilling and pinning is your best bet, just make sure to use steel piano wire available at most hobby stores. |
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