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Author Topic:   Ideas for modifying Topping spacecraft models
Retro Rocket
Member

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

posted 11-01-2014 06:32 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Retro Rocket   Click Here to Email Retro Rocket     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I have a few Topping models that I'm thinking of modifying then selling and I'd like the input/opinions of the collectors.

Instead of just a restoration I'm thinking I'd turn them into Topping/Retro Rocket models. I have a bunch of LEMs, an Apollo, a small and big Mercury and an XB-70.

Here's what I'm planing.

The XB-70 will be simple, I'm going to add a X-15A-3 on top and put a nameplate on the base, I like the base design, I don't think I'll change it.

The big Mercury will get an Escape Tower and maybe a base. Any ideas on a base if needed, or a retro pack? This is where your input is needed.

The LEMs have a whole bunch of options.

  1. LEM and Apollo docked together in a horizontal display. A model like that sold for over $17k.

  2. A gold painted LEM on a base so it looks like the Cartier Armstrong model.

  3. A painted LEM. This was at Grumann, if I recall correctly.

Any ideas or input would be appreciated. These will be for sale as soon as they are ready, but each will be unique.

GACspaceguy
Member

Posts: 2474
From: Guyton, GA
Registered: Jan 2006

posted 11-02-2014 06:41 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for GACspaceguy   Click Here to Email GACspaceguy     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
For me there is zero added value in an "after the fact" modification. The value is being in the original condition as that is where the history is. Contractor models lack detail but in my view adding detail, or changing them, reduces the value (monetary and desirability).

The LM/CSM combo that sold at auction for $17K did so to those that obviously did not see it for what it was, a Precise LM and a Hyatt CSM on a new stand, great for the seller, a shame for the buyer.

However, this is just one contractor model collector's option.

Rick Mulheirn
Member

Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001

posted 11-02-2014 09:50 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Mulheirn   Click Here to Email Rick Mulheirn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The original Precise LM configuration is in my opinion an iconic model; if you could own only one model that would be it for me.

If I had several unfinished kits at my disposal I would be tempted to go for the Grumman paint job.

Skythings
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Posts: 243
From:
Registered: Jun 2014

posted 11-02-2014 09:53 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Skythings   Click Here to Email Skythings     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
My preference is to keep the models original. But that's just it. My preference. It is your model and it should be exactly what you feel proud to display. Just don't expect others to value the model the same as you once it is altered.

If you ever decide to sell it, you will quickly discover what the rest of the community feels about your tastes.

Retro Rocket
Member

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

posted 11-02-2014 02:51 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Retro Rocket   Click Here to Email Retro Rocket     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thanks for the input. I've looked for info on that Apollo/LEM model but no one seems to know it's history, and you're right the price is way high, but that's Christie's and Bonhams. I'm guessing the people who buy those models at those auctions either have no time to use eBay or more likely, don't really care about the price.

The Air and Space Museum in D.C. used to have a display that showed the docking sequence using Topping Apollos and LEMs, if I recall correctly there were about four sets?

Also, when Cronkite was talking about the missions he had a Topping set that docked. I wonder if CBS made it or?

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

posted 11-02-2014 04:45 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for apolloprojeckt   Click Here to Email apolloprojeckt     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I'm still busy with a real 24 karat gold LM, not a easy job and cheap, later photos.

Rocketman!
Member

Posts: 121
From: Redmond, Washington, USA
Registered: Dec 2007

posted 11-02-2014 06:40 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rocketman!   Click Here to Email Rocketman!     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by GACspaceguy:
For me there is zero added value in an "after the fact" modification. The value is being in the original condition as that is where the history is.

I agree whole heartedly. Altering vintage artifacts, even models, goes against the ideals of preservation, conservation, and restoration.

I say leave them in as good a condition as when you obtained them. If you want to create new reproductions, there are plenty of ways you can do so without causing the loss of original vintage memorabilia from an inventory that can never grow. For instance, plastic or resin models, 3D printing, scratch building, etc. There are plenty of very talented cSers who would probably be happy to help you.

I would add that if/when reproductions are made, it is my belief that they should be clearly distinguishable from their vintage counterparts to avoid any confusion to future collectors. This goes for any vintage reproduction - models, patches, manuals, etc.

Retro Rocket
Member

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

posted 11-02-2014 10:11 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Retro Rocket   Click Here to Email Retro Rocket     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Just to clarify, these are models that would need a full restoration or they started out as original unassembled parts. A good, full restoration usually requires more time than the model is actually worth. A really good reproduction might get passed off as the real thing down the line which would be even worse. It's good to see this kind of attitude towards these items, unfortunately many are just thrown out.

Rick Mulheirn
Member

Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001

posted 11-06-2014 01:22 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Mulheirn   Click Here to Email Rick Mulheirn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The value of these models varies depending upon the day of the week. I've seen examples with no provenance sell for $5000 at big auction houses and then a couple of years ago I picked up a mint example off ebay for $300.

But I have tracked two LM models that sold in the last fortnight. One admittedly had the original box and the other a standard LM with a bronze award plaque from the Neil Armstrong Museum.

The latter sold for $1300 and the boxed example $1700 (from memory).

After a few years in the doldrums the value of these classics appears to be on the rise.

Rocketman!
Member

Posts: 121
From: Redmond, Washington, USA
Registered: Dec 2007

posted 11-06-2014 04:48 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rocketman!   Click Here to Email Rocketman!     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
What is done with the models might depend on their condition. It may help to get better comments if pictures were shared. But, it sounds like you are using good judgment.

As an example, I picked up a beat up and broken 1/200 Rockwell Shuttle orbiter for a few bucks with the thought that I could quickly repair it and display it on my desk at work. The value was low and its condition was poor enough that I wouldn’t miss it too much if it got "permanently borrowed".

As for the original unassembled parts, I would think they may be of value as replacements for other original models, or even as a display of how these models were manufactured and constructed.

quote:
Originally posted by Rick Mulheirn:
I have tracked two LM models that sold in the last fortnight. One admittedly had the original box...
I will confess to being the new owner of the one with the original box. I had been looking to replace one I bought on eBay some 15 years ago when I was just starting my space collecting addiction. It had a the typical few small parts missing and damaged. I believe I paid around $600 for that one. Others at the time were comparable, as I recall. For me, it was worth it to upgrade to a mint-in-original-box version when this one became available.

Retro Rocket
Member

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

posted 12-10-2014 05:43 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Retro Rocket   Click Here to Email Retro Rocket     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Here's a craptacular shot of the A3 and Launch Mount I made for the Topping XB-70. My XB must have lived with a heavy smoker, it's got a pretty healthy tan...

I'll be offering this as a finished model that you can put on your XB with a small strip of double stick tape. Each X-15A-3 is 3D printed, the LM is cast urethane.

I won't start offering these until January and it'll probably be around $250.

Retro Rocket
Member

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

posted 02-05-2015 09:42 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Retro Rocket   Click Here to Email Retro Rocket     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Here's the XB-70 I restored. I created a new decal for the cockpit, it's close but I think I'll refine it slightly. I added the X-15A-3 and mount, these will be available soon. It will attach using a little double stick tape so if you want to remove it it'll be easy. I'm going to put a few more details on the XB-70 so it looks like #2. The idea behind the model would be what if #2 didn't crash and the A3 was built...

This model will be for sale, the first good offer will get it.

I also made a set of decals for the Topping Apollo and I hope to have the CM done this weekend.

Retro Rocket
Member

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

posted 02-05-2015 10:03 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Retro Rocket   Click Here to Email Retro Rocket     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
By the way, this model is the one pictured in the December post, I stripped it, gave it new paint and decals.

mach3valkyrie
Member

Posts: 719
From: Albany, Oregon
Registered: Jul 2006

posted 02-05-2015 10:56 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for mach3valkyrie   Click Here to Email mach3valkyrie     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
That is an excellent restoration job!

Did you buy or make decals for A/V 2 (20207)? I have the AMT model that I'd like to mark as the #2 XB-70. Thanks for the peek.

Retro Rocket
Member

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

posted 02-06-2015 02:16 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Retro Rocket   Click Here to Email Retro Rocket     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I make everything myself, if you need a larger scale I can print them but you'd need to cut out the decal.

Retro Rocket
Member

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

posted 02-10-2015 01:50 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Retro Rocket   Click Here to Email Retro Rocket     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I finished the XB-70 to look like AV2, it's tough to see the painted radome, that and the hinges are the big difference. It will be on eBay by Wednesday with the X-15A-3 and mount. The X-15A-3 and mount will be offered as finished models in March.

mach3valkyrie
Member

Posts: 719
From: Albany, Oregon
Registered: Jul 2006

posted 02-10-2015 09:35 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for mach3valkyrie   Click Here to Email mach3valkyrie     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I'll take a look at it. I'll be in touch with you about the decals for my AMT model in the near future.

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