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Author Topic:   Syncom satellite model with AM radio
Retro Rocket
Member

Posts: 445
From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA
Registered: Dec 2007

posted 10-23-2012 12:44 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Retro Rocket   Click Here to Email Retro Rocket     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I just bought this neat Syncom satellite model and apparently it has an AM radio inside, there's two small dials one for volume and one for tuning. Anyone have this model? Do you know how to open it? I can't figure this one out its sealed tight.

apolloprojeckt
Member

Posts: 1447
From: Arnhem, Netherlands
Registered: Feb 2009

posted 10-23-2012 01:24 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for apolloprojeckt   Click Here to Email apolloprojeckt     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
This is very rare I think. I saw it in the National Air and Space Museum collection.

Retro Rocket
Member

Posts: 445
From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA
Registered: Dec 2007

posted 10-24-2012 02:17 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Retro Rocket   Click Here to Email Retro Rocket     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Well, I got REAL lucky with this model, it turns out all I needed to do was to pull the outer cover straight off. It's so well built that the fit is very snug. This is a great example of really good American model making, the engineering that went into all the little parts is impressive, this thing looks brand new yet it's from 1963.

When I opened it up the interior was completely full of the am radio assembly. It's powered by a 9volt battery which surprised me I didn't thin that 9v design was that old. Even the clear acrylic part that holds the bottom of the battery was machined so well it holds the battery in place by itself.

The am radio works, it has a pretty large speaker and can be turned up pretty loud.

The National Air and Space Museum has one of these and it was donated by Dr. Hugh Dryden's wife. Mine says Howard Miller, It'd be interesting to find out who he was and how I ended up with this model.

Now I have three satellite models! My OGO that's mounted in a display case, chromed and has all it's antennae. I have a neat Pioneer 6 that's only 3" in diameter but the fine detail of the graphics is cool.

I like space models versus aircraft because many of the satellite models are very different in terms of shape and design and when the are finished in bright silver and gold they look like art and jewelry. Aircraft models are cool, but once you have a bunch they all kind of look the same.

Now I just have to build one more of my full scale Sputnik 1's to go with them!

alexbaja
Member

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

posted 10-25-2012 02:16 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for alexbaja   Click Here to Email alexbaja     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Congrat. a lovely model indeed with historical value.

garymilgrom
Member

Posts: 1966
From: Atlanta, GA
Registered: Feb 2007

posted 10-25-2012 05:17 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for garymilgrom   Click Here to Email garymilgrom     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Beautiful! It looks like the model cleaned up nicely. Does it receive broadcasts from 1963?

Retro Rocket
Member

Posts: 445
From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA
Registered: Dec 2007

posted 10-25-2012 12:20 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Retro Rocket   Click Here to Email Retro Rocket     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thanks! I was surprised to see the exact same model at NASM. The seller on ebay didn't know what it was so I ended up getting it for $150. It's in perfect shape, didn't have to do anything but put in the battery.

So now I officially have a collection, only three but it's a start. I wish I kept the models I came across years ago including that full scale Vanguard 1.

Jay Chladek
Member

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

posted 10-25-2012 01:53 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Jay Chladek   Click Here to Email Jay Chladek     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Now THAT is one of the coolest things I have ever seen. Very nice find!

Retro Rocket
Member

Posts: 445
From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA
Registered: Dec 2007

posted 10-25-2012 08:21 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Retro Rocket   Click Here to Email Retro Rocket     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
If anyone has a satellite model they would be interested in selling or trading for one of my models please let me know. I helped a collector build an amazing collection in the early nineties, he told he would never sell it.

We lost contact and then I saw his entire collection in Superior Galleries catalog, along with the Vanguard 1 he promised first right of refusal to me. I found that in a antique store in Ventura for $200, he sold it for $4,000 then it later sold at Chrisites for $18.000, needless to say I was disapointed..

I wish I could remember the year of that auction it had the Vanguard and a bunch of real neat models including several space station models in 1/100th scale, if anyone remembers that one please let me know, thanks.

I was lucky with this one, it was only $150 and only had a few bids, like I said the seller could not open it and had no idea what it was.

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