|
|
|
|
Author
|
Topic: David Ursin's Gemini, Apollo boilerplate capsules
|
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 07-13-2014 06:31 AM
   
The Boston Globe shares the story of David Ursin, a 56-year-old transplant nurse whose collection of 22 antique vehicles includes Gemini and Apollo boilerplate capsules. His capsules are the "boilerplate" versions, the first of three iterations of each capsule that were used by NASA to test everything from how they would behave under a parachute to how astronauts could extract themselves after splashdown. In the late 70s, they were sold off by NASA as surplus, and passed through the hands of a chain of collectors before ending up with Ursin....the chief reason Ursin wants to sell his capsules is that he recognizes that his space hobby has gotten out of hand. He’s tired of all the welding and grinding and painting, tired of looking at the $30,000 crane he bought so he could move the capsules. "When you need a crane for your hobby," he says, "you know you have gone too far." |
Joel Katzowitz
Member Posts: 808
From: Marietta GA USA
Registered: Dec 1999
|
posted 07-13-2014 07:58 AM
Great story and his "When you need a crane for your hobby," he says, "you know you have gone too far," are words to live by. |
ejectr
Member Posts: 1751
From: Killingly, CT
Registered: Mar 2002
|
posted 07-13-2014 05:36 PM
I live near Rutland, MA and never knew this. |
SpaceCadet1983
Member Posts: 227
From: United States
Registered: May 2012
|
posted 07-14-2014 02:28 PM
My two favorite US spacecraft! I wish I had the money. 
|
dtemple
Member Posts: 729
From: Longview, Texas, USA
Registered: Apr 2000
|
posted 07-14-2014 09:02 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Joel Katzowitz:
Great story and his "When you need a crane for your hobby," he says, "you know you have gone too far." are words to live by.
Yes, the "crane" comment is a good point, but he might be talking someone out of buying his boilerplate spacecraft! |
restoring_a_BP
Member Posts: 32
From: Holden MA USA
Registered: Jan 2008
|
posted 10-18-2014 08:16 PM
I need to reply to the Boston Globe comments, "I want to sell because I am sick of the grinding... and the $30,000 crane."I did not say this or do I feel this way. I am currently deep into the interior restoration of my Apollo and enjoy every minute of it! I've restored a number of antique cars, truck and even armored vehicles but never have I felt such a passion for it than I have for my CMs! I will be posting more photos of my progress. I am only selling my Gemini to help fund my Apollo restoration and help my daughter with her college tuition. The reporter never ran the copy by me before he published this. | |
Contact Us | The Source for Space History & Artifacts
Copyright 2020 collectSPACE.com All rights reserved.
Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.47a
|
|
|
 advertisement
|
