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Author
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Topic: Building a 1:32 scale Apollo-Soyuz model
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holcombeyates
Member Posts: 310
From: UK
Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 02-18-2016 08:47 AM
   
For a long time I have thought about building a 1/32nd scale Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) model. I have an Apollo command and service module and plan to grab hold of an ogonek Soyuz to modify. Before I do that I would (scratch) build the docking module. Has anyone attempted this before? I can't find any kits or 3D printing models. Would be a nice model when complete. Any advice welcome. Thanks. |
Daugherty54
Member Posts: 621
From: Cabot, Arkansas, USA
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 02-18-2016 10:53 AM
On eBay there are occasionally 1/30 Ogonek Soyuz kits for sale around $100. Not terribly detailed but a good starting point.
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holcombeyates
Member Posts: 310
From: UK
Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 02-20-2016 12:34 AM
I will look out for an Ogonek Soyuz but must make the docking module first, otherwise I will buy the kit and it will just sit on the shelf. |
holcombeyates
Member Posts: 310
From: UK
Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 08-12-2017 01:34 PM
Would appreciate any more pointers on building a 1/32 scale ASTP model.I have the Apollo CSM but would have to scratch-build the docking module and modify an Ogonyek Soyuz model. Any pointers on scratch-building this would be really appreciated or as I am really constrained by time where I might get hold of a kit or 3D printed version. Thanks. |
jgoldader
Member Posts: 23
From:
Registered: May 2011
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posted 08-13-2017 12:52 PM
If I were approaching the project, my first problem to solve would be, how will I support the three main pieces (Apollo, docking module, Soyuz)? Basically, you've got to figure out where the loads are going to be. The whole thing is going to be about 2.5 feet long and weigh a few pounds, I'd guess. If you want, say, a support rod to go into the docking module and bear much weight, then the module will have to be a lot stronger, physically, than if you're supporting each of the three main pieces (or even just the Apollo and Soyuz) and sort of having the docking module just connecting the two, but not supporting most of the weight.I'd probably look at using a thick styrene or ABS tube, sliding into sleeves in the ports of the two spacecraft, as the main structural member of the docking module, and the rest of the module's structure would simply be built around the tube. You might be able to get away with PVC pipe, depending on what adhesives/etc you want to work with (probably epoxy would be needed for PVC). Having the pipe slide into "sleeves" in the docking ports should work and would allow disassembly. But the more I think about it, the more I would recommend supporting the Apollo and Soyuz separately. If you're using the docking module to bear the whole load, then your next problem will be, how to transmit that load through the Apollo and Soyuz? You could end up with one really long piece of PVC that extends right through both spacecraft. And at a couple of feet long, the tube would bend... so my gut says, support the two spacecraft independently, don't expect the docking module to bear much load. There are a few dimensioned drawings out there, check out this page at NASA. And you should look for images taken during flight to get the docking module external details and such right. I know there's the one at NASM, but many of the covers and blankets, etc. are not installed on the Soyuz and docking module. Hope this helps! |
apolloprojeckt
Member Posts: 1528
From: Arnhem, Netherlands
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 08-13-2017 02:50 PM
Stephen Nichols' did this version already, beautiful piece! 
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holcombeyates
Member Posts: 310
From: UK
Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 08-14-2017 05:27 AM
Many thanks for the information. This would be quite a build. I think I will start with the DM and complete the CSM and DM part first (when time allows).I am great at starting models and ideas but the finishing off is another matter... is it just me or are there other modelers out there like me? |
history in miniature
Member Posts: 618
From: Slatington, PA
Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 08-15-2017 12:55 PM
Here's a picture of the docking module in progress. |
holcombeyates
Member Posts: 310
From: UK
Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 02-02-2023 02:31 PM
It has been a while. Keen to share some of my work on the 1/32nd ASTP model – specifically the adapted Soyuz model. The docking section took the most time and was scratch built – quite a bit of kit bashing but as this started in lockdown, can anyone spot the bits taken from a covid testing kit?  The scratchbuilt periscope and docking targets are almost complete and just needs to be attached. Quite a learning curve with Alclad paints to paint the docking mechanism, but I am a convert.  At this rate it maybe finished to coincide with the 50th anniversary!! Now to go back to the Apollo CSM. I have just got hold of a New Ware Apollo external detail set, look excellent. The one remaining challenge that I have is to paint the Soyuz solar panels. Not clear what colour they are painted – all help and advice appreciated. I am tempted to just paint them white and be done with it. |
apolloprojeckt
Member Posts: 1528
From: Arnhem, Netherlands
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 02-02-2023 02:46 PM
Very nice !! |
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