Author
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Topic: Retro Rocket space contractor models
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Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 05-28-2010 07:00 PM
These are some of the models I built for NASA doing business as Retro Rocket. Each model shown was produced for NASA under contract for the various programs and sites across the U.S.Every model was produced at least twice. The X-43 desktop models had the highest production of 225 "A" models. Each X-43A has 202 holes that needed to be hand drilled with a pin vise to remove the black paint and expose the white plastic that simulates the filler used to cover the holes before flight. 202x225=45,450 holes hand drilled! I think next time I'll make the holes "raised dots" so I can sand off the black paint. My favorite projects were the X-33 and X-43. I dealt with the lead guys directly and I got to see some neat stuff. That's how I got my Skunkworks badge! The X-15A-2 shown was also purchased by NASA along with a few Wright Flyers built using the Hasegawa Museum model in a diorama format. Most of the tooling for these models is still around but since becoming disabled in Dec '05 I've had to put a hold on the NASA work for now. In my down time I've been putting together a very detailed CAD model of the X-15 that's being used to create a full cutaway model. The first NASA Program I worked on was the X-33 Competition models. It was my model of Lockheed's X-33 that was used at the winning X-33 design at JPL. Shown here are the 1/100 set of the three competing designs. Five sets were made, one given to Vice President Al Gore, one to NASA Administrator Dan Goldin and I forget the other two. |
Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 05-28-2010 07:01 PM
The success of the first few X-33 models lead to larger scales like this 1/8th X-33 and other programs like the X-34 and the Maglev also shown.On the Maglev I turned two very pointy nosecones that went on the front of the intake cones. They were taken off because I made them too sharp I think.
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Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 05-28-2010 07:19 PM
As the X-33 evolved, so did the models and the scales. I eventually produced the X-33 in 1/100, 1/50, 1/25, 1/15 and 1/8th scales. Eleven 1/8th models were produced for the participating NASA sites. While our competition was using drawings and old school modeling we were using Rapid Prototyping techniques using the same CAD data used to make the real vehicles.
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Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 05-28-2010 07:20 PM
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Jerry Brouillette Member Posts: 147 From: Louviers, CO Registered: Jul 2006
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posted 05-29-2010 11:19 AM
Some beautiful work Retro, very nice! How did you get started modeling? I need a job like that! |
Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 05-29-2010 11:33 PM
I've built model kits ever since I was young. My Mom wanted me to do things that would occupy my time since I was an only child growing up in the country.I studied Industrial Design at CSU Long Beach and Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. Star Wars was my big inspiration and I did movie models after college. I've always been into aerospace. Thanks! |
Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 06-01-2010 04:11 PM
The X-43s were produced for the Hyper-X Program. Since Dryden was fairly close to my shop, I always delivered my models in person. Doing so I got to see everything up close and deal with the Program Managers directly. I saw all the launches and even was there when Discovery landed on the 100th Shuttle mission. One of the managers enjoyed coming to the shop as Summer, the girl on the X-43C full scale model #2 was around. The models produced ranged from desktops to full scale and models of each X-43 version were built. There was the X-43A, the last one in the Mach 10 config has the black l.e. on the verticals. The X-43C was the next planned version using jet fuel instead of hydrogen as fuel The X-43B's came in two versions, the TBCC, Turbine based combined cycle and the RBCC, Rocket based comb. cycle. These were both larger vehicles designed to be carried on the NB-52, but they did not require the Pegasus booster like the A and C. The A model was made in 1/72, 1/12, 1/4, 1/3 scales
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Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 06-01-2010 04:27 PM
X-43A with NB-52/Pegasus booster 1/72 and 1/32, X-43A w/ Pegasus booster 1/4
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Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 06-01-2010 04:34 PM
Here's the X-43B models in 1/4 and 1/32 scale as part of the executive set of all four models, the A&C in 1/12 and the B's in 1/32.
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Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 06-01-2010 04:42 PM
And the full scale (16') X-43C. |
Matt T Member Posts: 1368 From: Chester, Cheshire, UK Registered: May 2001
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posted 06-01-2010 05:06 PM
This is seriously accomplished stuff - thanks for sharing. The table full of the desktop models has a touch of Star Wars about it; just add a few TIE fighters weaving around them and run the John Williams score |
Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 12-17-2011 02:27 PM
I built this for the Dryden's Hyper-X program a few years ago. I lost the pics I had after I was disabled. Fortunately Tony Landis was able to send me a few pics of it, I guess it's back on display. Boeing gave me a CAD model of the "H" model at DFRC and I used it to create all the master tooling parts. I had the wings' CNC'd out of aluminum billet and the look just like a wind tunnel model's wings. Here are a few pics. I also built five 1/72 models of this model, that's the one on the last pic. The big one is mainly fiberglass and the small one cast urethane. When I was building the original model I made an extra body thinking I'd finish it and hang it in my shop. The first one didn't have much detail, I want to do one with all the panel lines and a cockpit.
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Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 12-17-2011 02:28 PM
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history in miniature Member Posts: 600 From: Slatington, PA Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 12-17-2011 06:07 PM
Stunning, Thanks for sharing the pictures. |
Jerry Brouillette Member Posts: 147 From: Louviers, CO Registered: Jul 2006
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posted 12-17-2011 06:42 PM
Big scale models rule! Nice work. |
Skyforce1 Member Posts: 200 From: Vineland NJ, USA Registered: Aug 2009
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posted 12-18-2011 06:56 AM
I love the B-52 BUFF! Spent many a night walking around them! In fact I know how many rivets are in each one!! Great job on all the models, truly outstanding and dedicated. |
Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 12-18-2011 09:00 PM
I finished a 1/15th X-15A-2 for the Hermann Oberth Museum in Germany. It's done in the white world speed record config. I'm working on one in black that will have more detail like the rivet pattern done using decals and an accurate rapid prototyped end piece for the XLR-99. That model is taking forever, I sure miss having my own shop.
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