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Author
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Topic: LB7 acrylic - DISAPPOINTMENT!!!
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Dan Lorraine
Member Posts: 309
From: Cranston, R.I.
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted August 16, 2001 06:24 PM
   
I must admit, that as much as I was impressed with the original releases of the LB7 acrylics (of which I purchased a $150 and $400 one) I am just as much disappointed with the new exposed film one. The care that seemed to be taken in the first series was very much lacking in the new one that I bought -- the two pictures to the left and right of the film strip are sitting crooked in the acrylic, and the numbering system is very "cheesie". I know that many of you have been impressed with Susan from the store, however I have never had her respond to the four emails and two voice mails that I have left her over the past six months or so!! .... maybe the $750 that I've spent over the past six months doesn't deserve her personal response, but I never heard back from anyone from the Cosmodrome!!
What else do you think of the new acrylic and Susan's response to you .... just curious.Dan Lorraine IP: Logged |
JAE
Member Posts: 87
From: St. Louis
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted August 17, 2001 06:16 AM
I too have never heard back from them when I've e-mailed. I'm waiting for my new LB7 piece too and now I'm really anxious to see what mine will look like. More later when it comes. Jeff IP: Logged |
Dr. William R. Hanson
Member Posts: 150
From: glens Falls, NY 12801
Registered: Sep 2000
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posted August 17, 2001 06:25 AM
I've found them a most discourteous bunch over the phone who bounce you from one person to the next, none of who seems to know what they're talking about, and have never gotten a reply to any email sent. Several times I've inquired about Bean prints offered on teir site, with nary a response.Doc IP: Logged |
Dr. William R. Hanson
Member Posts: 150
From: glens Falls, NY 12801
Registered: Sep 2000
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posted August 17, 2001 06:28 AM
Mr. Lorraine;If I were you I'd send that piece back, attention to the Director, demanding a refund and an explaination. Seems to me that "non-profit" has too much interest in collector money and too little interest in providing service. Doc IP: Logged |
JAE
Member Posts: 87
From: St. Louis
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted August 17, 2001 08:27 AM
Well, my piece just arrived here at work. My initial impression:The picture on the left is a tad smaller than the one on the right. The centering of the pictures could've been done a bit better. The numbering didn't bother me as much. Since I'm at work I didn't get a good chance to look at the piece, but hope to post a more detailed impression later on. Jeff IP: Logged |
astronut
Member Posts: 920
From: South Fork, CO
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted August 17, 2001 01:23 PM
Well my dealings were more than gracious. Even with the rush on the initial offering, I either talked to Susan or if she was unavailable another lady in the shop each time. That is after I found the number to call the giftshop, to avoid Susan's voice mail. Never got replies via emails though. Max Avry (sp?) did talk to me direct on two occasions.As to the new piece, I didn't order one. One reason is that it was not a piece of the spacecraft but an item carried in it. Plus I had a $400 LB7 acrylic and bought a Apollo 13 Lovell couch acrylic. To those who had a less than satisfactory experience with the Cosmosphere, I would suggest a detailed, polite letter to Mr. Avry describing your dealings. I'm sure he'd want to know of any shortcomings. ------------------
Happy trails,
Wayne Edelman
The Astro Nuts...a meeting place for space enthusiasts
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheAstronuts [This message has been edited by astronut (edited August 17, 2001).] IP: Logged |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 12300
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted August 17, 2001 03:07 PM
Are people here aware of how lucite pieces are created? Its not an exact science. The plastic is literally poured and let to harden in layers. Pieces are placed in at different layers and then more lucite is poured on top. Bubbles in the lucite are a common problem, requiring the piece be discarded.I received my two film acylics today. I'm happy with them. Both pictures are not perfectly straight but its only noticeable if you study them. As for service, I have nothing but praise for the Cosmosphere staff. Not only did they handle my address change prompty, but they (on my request) called me with the tracking numbers when they shipped. I would recommend contacting them if you are not happy with your piece. I am sure if there is something can do, they will. IP: Logged |
Hawkman
Member Posts: 381
From: Union, New Jersey
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted August 17, 2001 04:53 PM
"I received my two film acylics today. I'm happy with them." I gotta go with Bob here. I received my acrylic today and I have no problem with it at all. It's a nicely done piece. I have no problem with the numbering either. I got number 37. I think it's well worth the money.
I like the yesterday/today feel of the pictures, too. I think the Cosmosphere did a nice job on this acrylic too. I'll leave the service issue to others but I've had no problem at all. In fact, I sent a letter of praise to Max Ary during the first round of acrylics. The ladies were always pleasant and helpful with me. Gene IP: Logged |
Hawkman
Member Posts: 381
From: Union, New Jersey
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted August 17, 2001 05:03 PM
"As to the new piece, I didn't order one. One reason is that it was not a piece of the spacecraft but an item carried in it."Wayne, so was Gus Grissom. :-)
"Plus I had a $400 LB7 acrylic and bought a Apollo 13 Lovell couch acrylic."
As do I, in addition to a $150 and a $250 acrylic. If you don't want a new acrylic, that's fine but I would beg you to reconsider your thinking. The film was THERE. It was there to document a moment in history. It IS history. There are lots of things, many documented right here on this website that were not an actual PART of a spacecraft but made the trip. Indeed, I doubt that this website or this hobby would exist but for those little bits and pieces that made the trip that none of us could. Gene IP: Logged |
astronut
Member Posts: 920
From: South Fork, CO
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted August 17, 2001 05:35 PM
Gene,
I in no way intended to slight the film acrylics, they just weren't for me. Now a LB7 flown dime also wasn't part of the spacecraft, but I'd dearly love to have one of those. It's just a matter of personal tastes, we all value things differently.------------------
Happy trails,
Wayne Edelman
The Astro Nuts...a meeting place for space enthusiasts
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheAstronuts IP: Logged |
Hawkman
Member Posts: 381
From: Union, New Jersey
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted August 17, 2001 06:29 PM
Originally posted by astronut:
"Gene,
I in no way intended to slight the film acrylics, they just weren't for me. Now a LB7 flown dime also wasn't part of the spacecraft, but I'd dearly love to have one of those. It's just a matter of personal tastes, we all value things differently."Wayne, My apologies if I seemed to hit you the wrong way. I assure you that I, in no way, meant to come across as lecturing you at all. You sort of made my point when you mentioned the dimes. To me, they are basically the same thing as the film with the exception being that film was more an integral part of the space craft than the dimes. If the acrylics weren't for you, that's cool.
I just didn't want you to miss out if you thought that the film wasn't actually a "part" of the space craft. I'm just hoping that someone somewhere had some left over bits of a Gemini space craft and throws them in an acrylic. It would complete my collection. :-) I've seen bits of heat shield in acrylic going for big bucks at auction. Gene IP: Logged |
astronut
Member Posts: 920
From: South Fork, CO
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted August 17, 2001 06:53 PM
Gene,
No, I didn't take it as lecturing, I just thought you thought I was putting them down.Anyway... Donnis Willis at Lunar Legacies has a nice GT3 chunk of heatsheild in lucite on a nice backboard with medallions of some sort. A little rich for my blood but considering the mission, not out of line. ------------------
Happy trails,
Wayne Edelman
The Astro Nuts...a meeting place for space enthusiasts
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheAstronuts IP: Logged |
Hawkman
Member Posts: 381
From: Union, New Jersey
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted August 17, 2001 08:01 PM
"Donnis Willis at Lunar Legacies has a nice GT3 chunk of heatsheild in lucite on a nice backboard with medallions of some sort. A little rich for my blood but considering the mission, not out of line."Wayne,
I saw that and if I had the money I would grab it. But, my money tree hasn't gotten much water lately with the last heat wave and is going dry. :-) Gene IP: Logged |
Mike
Member Posts: 178
From: San Diego, CA, USA
Registered: May 2001
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posted August 17, 2001 10:14 PM
Robert,
Is the Lucite poured "hot" or possibly a catalytic type substance like a 2 part epoxy? We use an epoxy-like compound for our tether junctions on our robotic submersible and we can't afford to have the bubbles. They can possibly have a mini-implosion at the depths we work at causing us to scrub the dive so we use a vacuum chamber when we pour the compound and the result is no bubbles. Wonder why they can't do that with Lucite?Mike [This message has been edited by Mike (edited August 17, 2001).] IP: Logged |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 12300
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted August 18, 2001 08:56 AM
I found this description of how items are embedded in lucite:Preparing Chemicals
3-4 days prior to process is required to prepare printing, molds and production set-up. Chemist prepares the two chemicals that form the liquid lucite. The chemicals, a powder & a liquid, are placed together to form a sour cream texture material. Pouring Liquid
A form (mold) is used to hold the mixture while the first level of combined chemicals is poured and allowed to harden. The item to be embedded is placed in. Then the mold is filled to the top. Heating To Temperature
The molds are placed in an oven and are heated to 275 degrees. In 12 hours this material is solid. Breaking From The Mold
After hardening, the solid embedment is taken out of the mold.
Sanding
The solid embedment then taken out of the oven has an irregular surface. The solid embedment is sanded flat. Polishing
After sanding, the solid embedment is polished. This brings out the luster and high glass of the Lucite. Finished Embedment
The finished embedment is hand polished and visually inspected. If flaws are detected the piece is rejected. Upon passing inspection the pieces are individually bagged and boxed and are ready to ship. IP: Logged |
Hawkman
Member Posts: 381
From: Union, New Jersey
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted August 18, 2001 09:25 AM
Originally posted by Mike:"We use an epoxy-like compound for our tether junctions on our robotic submersible and we can't afford to have the bubbles. They can possibly have a mini-implosion at the depths we work at causing us to scrub the dive so we use a vacuum chamber when we pour the compound and the result is no bubbles." Whoa! Sounds like Mike has REALLY cool job! I guess you don't drive around in a non air conditioned Fedex truck like I do. Can you give us further details? :-) Gene IP: Logged |
astronut
Member Posts: 920
From: South Fork, CO
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted August 18, 2001 12:17 PM
I'm sure Mike will respond when he sees these posts, but yeah he has a way cool job. Navy deep submersible salvage & recovery kinda job. Really deep!------------------
Happy trails,
Wayne Edelman
The Astro Nuts...a meeting place for space enthusiasts
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheAstronuts IP: Logged |
Mike
Member Posts: 178
From: San Diego, CA, USA
Registered: May 2001
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posted August 18, 2001 12:31 PM
That's way to much work for me. Glad we don't have to be so detailed. A simple pour into the mold is all we do but now I see why the acrylics can't be excruciatingly exact.Gene: I'll send you a couple of links when I get a chance. Mike IP: Logged |
dtemple
Member Posts: 414
From: Longview, Texas, USA
Registered: Apr 2000
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posted August 18, 2001 09:40 PM
I got #38 and #39. Both acrylics look fine to me and are a nice piece of history. I am totally pleased with them. quote:
Originally posted by Hawkman:
"I received my two film acylics today. I'm happy with them." I gotta go with Bob here. I received my acrylic today and I have no problem with it at all. It's a nicely done piece. I have no problem with the numbering either. I got number 37. I think it's well worth the money.
I like the yesterday/today feel of the pictures, too. I think the Cosmosphere did a nice job on this acrylic too. I'll leave the service issue to others but I've had no problem at all. In fact, I sent a letter of praise to Max Ary during the first round of acrylics. The ladies were always pleasant and helpful with me. Gene
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OPOS
Member Posts: 183
From: Inverness, FL
Registered: Apr 2000
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posted August 20, 2001 08:19 AM
I must concur with the many that are pleased with the latest LB7 offering. I found both pictures straight, with a nice strip of film. While there was some initial confusion with my order, in every case the persons I spoke with were always considerate and enthusiastic, and even returned my calls. I felt very well treated. I would not hesitate to order from them again!Tom Edmonds [This message has been edited by OPOS (edited August 20, 2001).] IP: Logged |
wichitaspacenut
New Member Posts: 1
From: Wichita,Ks USA
Registered: Aug 2001
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posted August 20, 2001 11:32 AM
I just wanted to post a quick note in Susan's defense. If her office is anything like mine she probably gets hundreds of calls a day as well as emails asking the same questions. I am sure she does her best to get all questions answered to the best of her ability. I myself have always gotten some sort of satisfactory response. I myself have spent quite a bit on these acrylics and am happy with them. And on this note, I am sure I am not among the few but the many. In response to Mr. Lorraine's comments about not being one of her priorities when he tries to contact her, I am sure she has many people who spend the kind of money that you do and I am also sure she would like to give you the attention that you think you are entitled. But in so doing, she would most likely take time away from everything else she must do. I am sure that she has other responsibilities to attend to other than responding to calls and emails. Such as finding more items for all of us collectors. That to me sounds like she is interested in the consumer. Regardless of what others say-I say thanks Susan for doing a great job![This message has been edited by wichitaspacenut (edited August 20, 2001).] IP: Logged |
NCApolloFan
Member Posts: 34
From: Belmont, NC USA
Registered: May 2001
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posted August 20, 2001 01:56 PM
My limited interactions with the Cosmosphere office have certainly been satisfactory, but I respectfully hold another opinion than wichitaspacenut. If a part of your responsibilities is to serve as an interface with the public, it should be done properly. I too am sure that she has other responsibilities that require her attention, but speaking with the consumers who purchase the acrylics should be a priority. Having too much work to do would be a poor excuse. If a person has supported the restoration efforts through their purchases then they DO deserve the time of the Cosmosphere staff. I am aware that sometimes people are given too much to do at work, but that should be addressed internally and not at the expense of the consumer.Sorry...I have a hard time with poor customer service. Please keep in mind that this was addressed to the comments in the post and not directly to the Cosmosphere. Again, my dealings with the folks in Kansas have been just fine. Just my opinion... Jonathan Axtell IP: Logged |
lewarren
Member Posts: 254
From: Houston, TX, USA
Registered: Aug 2001
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posted August 21, 2001 06:52 PM
I agree that the piece is of less quality than the Liberty Bell spacecraft pieces.
But I like it anyways  Does anyone know if the Lovell couch pieces are still available??
Liz IP: Logged |
Hawkman
Member Posts: 381
From: Union, New Jersey
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted August 21, 2001 07:40 PM
Originally posted by lewarren:"Does anyone know if the Lovell couch pieces are still available??" According to the web site...yeah, they are BUT they also show the original LB7 pieces and I believe that they are sold out. When I called for my couch piece at the beginning of the year, I happened to ask and at the time I was told that there were 18 left. I could be wrong and they could even be gone by now but call asap and ask. Gene IP: Logged |
Andy McCulley
Member Posts: 159
From: Lansdale, PA USA
Registered: Jul 2001
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posted August 22, 2001 08:05 AM
I just received my LB7, filmstrip acrylic, #144 of 1000. I don't have the frame of reference of previous releases or the experience that many of you appear to have, but I like the thing. The pictures are slightly skewed, but the overall appearance is, in my opinion, very nice. I think that the subject matter compensates, to a certain degree, for the slight imperfections left from the manufacturing process. As far as the people at the Cosmosphere, are concerned, my calls were taken quickly and my questions answered promptly. The people were very pleasant and professional. IP: Logged |
astronut
Member Posts: 920
From: South Fork, CO
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted August 22, 2001 10:21 AM
In the light of "scewed" pics in the acrylics some are mentioning, I went to look at my $400 LB7 piece. Low & behold the Mercury capsule with the info on it is slightly scewed...just a couple of degrees. I never would have noticed it without this thread, but it doesn't bother me. Heck as some will tell ya I'm kinda scewed in the head anyway. Kinda evens things out!------------------
Happy trails,
Wayne Edelman
The Astro Nuts...a meeting place for space enthusiasts
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheAstronuts IP: Logged |
tegwilym
Member Posts: 1709
From: Renton, WA USA
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted August 22, 2001 12:21 PM
quote:
Originally posted by astronut:
Heck as some will tell ya I'm kinda scewed in the head anyway. Kinda evens things out!
That is basically what my sister said when I told her I bought an old screw for $150.
You are not the only screwed up guy Wayne!
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Hawkman
Member Posts: 381
From: Union, New Jersey
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted August 22, 2001 05:16 PM
Just a thought..this may have been unintentional to this extent on the part of the Cosmosphere but if you look at the new acrylic you can see this...the picture on the left records what happened BEFORE the flight in that Gus climbed in to the capsule just momets later...the filmstrip in the center records what happened DURING the flight and the picture on the right records AFTER.Is it just me? :-)
Gene [This message has been edited by Hawkman (edited August 22, 2001).] IP: Logged |
Aztecdoug
Member Posts: 1119
From: Huntington Beach
Registered: Feb 2000
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posted August 22, 2001 06:20 PM
I just checked today. The Cosmosphere still has 22 of the Apollo 13 acrylics. I don't understand the jump up from earlier in the year. I ran to the phone and bought myself one right after I heard that they were down to 18 many months ago!Nonetheless, they are striking and beautiful. I am proud to own one. ------------------
Douglas Henry Warm Regards from Southern California Home of the Atlas Booster, Saturn V 2nd & 3rd stage, the Apollo CSM, Skylab, Space Shuttle, ISS etc. IP: Logged |
Robert Grissom
New Member Posts: 1
From: Naperville, IL USA
Registered: Sep 2001
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posted September 17, 2001 06:39 AM
I am perfectly satisfied with the new acrylic and the help that I received from Susan at the gift shop. The quality is excellent and their help was wonderful.------------------
Thanks,
Robert J. Grissom IP: Logged |
Hawkman
Member Posts: 381
From: Union, New Jersey
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted September 17, 2001 12:30 PM
I agree with Robert. It's a nice piece. Now if the Cosmosphere would restore a Gemini space craft and put some of those parts in acrylics, I would be a happy man!Gene IP: Logged |
tosvold
New Member Posts: 4
From:
Registered: Sep 2001
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posted September 23, 2001 02:47 PM
Cosmosphere has some of the original Liberty Bell 7 larges left (the description says "pieces like the heatshield assembly".
Does anyone know what those look like? Is it a jagged piece of metal, or is it an entire component. I'm interested in getting one, but not sure if a lucite encased hunk of steel is nice.
Thanks!IP: Logged |
skye12
New Member Posts: 5
From: Austin,Tx,USA
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted October 12, 2001 01:43 PM
I'd be interested in whats left myself. The website
seems to indicate there are some left...Scott IP: Logged |
