Posts:
From:
Registered:

posted 02-03-2012 03:20 PM               

---

I bought the Danbury Mint Apollo 13 model recently. As some of you know and have discussed years ago, some of the models experience a "slippage" when the LM is docked to the CM but fails to remain docked, due to its CM receptacle coming loose from its mount on the CM's tip. Unfortunately, I wound up with one of these docked-slippage models.

I checked the cS archives for past messages about this problem but didn't find a solution. One member posted that he did a "fix" of some sort but I didn't see the specific solution. Is there any solution to this problem?

Posts: 448
From: Naxxar, Malta
Registered: Dec 2010

Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007

posted 02-04-2012 10:50 PM               

---

Are there any pictures to show how they attach?

If we aren't talking about much of a slippage, you could probably tack them together with white glue. Assuming the weight is light enough, it should hold reasonably well and you can pull them apart again later since the bond is temporary. But if the docked pair is heavy, I would need to see a photo to advise better.

Posts:
From:
Registered:

posted 02-05-2012 01:24 PM               

---

Fellow cSers, thanks for your replies. The model displays at a 45-degree angle, with a rod screwed vertically into a base, then it bends to 45 degrees, and then it goes into the CSM's engine bell. The LM is then inserted into the tip of the CSM. It's pretty heavy, and at that angle, regular glue doesn't work.

I may have found a solution. It's an epoxy product called J-B Weld. I found it at a local home improvement store. I applied it yesterday afternoon, let it sit overnight, and then tried assembling the model. So far, so good.

Keep in mind this problem is not found in all of these DM Apollo 13 models. Some do just fine with no fix needed. When you first get one, though, keep an eye on it when it's displayed, so you can catch the LM if it does slip out of the CSM tip. Might want to put a cushion under it for awhile.

Posts: 448
From: Naxxar, Malta
Registered: Dec 2010

posted 02-05-2012 02:12 PM               

---

Thanks spacebrane for your information, hopefully I should pick up mine tomorrow. I hope mine will not have this problem but with your information it should be an easy fix.

I will take your advice and put a cushion so hopefully the LM will have a soft Landing.

Posts: 58
From: Kathleen, GA, USA
Registered: Aug 2005

posted 02-06-2012 09:34 AM               

---

Just one more thing to add to your concerns. I have had the Danbury Mint Apollo 13 model for about 3 years or so. Whenever they came out with it - I bought it directly from them. (Maybe it's been five or six years! I can't honestly remember)

Anyways, I found after about a year in the 45 degree angle display mode, the weight of the model actually causes my engine bell to "bend" ever so slightly where it meets the service model.

To counteract this, I have found that every six months or so, I need to rotate the whole model 180 degrees on the pole to allow the weight to be evenly distributed.

Kinda like the "Bar B Que" roll they used to put the actual spacecraft in to avoid one side always being pointed towards the sun.