Accurate Models 1:20 Rocketdyne F-1 engine

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Author	Topic: Accurate Models 1:20 Rocketdyne F-1 engine
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 54765 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999	posted 01-02-2004 01:37 AM Accurate Models, a new division of Custom Replicas, has announced plans for their first model kit: a 1/20 scale Rocketdyne Apollo Saturn V F1 engine. The kit will include a large pressure cast resin rocket bell and detailed upper engine parts. The model is planned to be presented on a typical rocket engine support (test bench) type stand.
Scorpius Member Posts: 23 From: Champaign, IL Registered: Oct 2007	posted 10-21-2007 03:46 PM I just finished the Accurate Models 1/20 F-1 engine for Fred Karst (GACspaceguy). The only thing left to do is have an acrylic cover made for it. It was about six months of work in my little amount of spare time.
GACspaceguy Member Posts: 3191 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006	posted 10-22-2007 08:19 AM This has actually been a two and half year ordeal. Not with Carlos, but with the model. I had bought the model from Accurate Models directly the first time and had commissioned another model builder that I found here on cS to build it. After a year and a half of having my model he went bust and my model went with it so I then had to find another model. I finally managed to buy one from eBay as by that time the model was out of production. I was working with the folks from Accurate Models to try and put me a kit together from some of the prototype parts and left over production parts (those are some great folks at Accurate Models!) but the eBay find resolved that. I was glad to find that one on eBay and have not seen one since. I found Carlos through a modeling site that listed a number of folks that would build models for hire. At that time Carlos' site said he was here in Savannah, Georgia. where I am (after the last attempt at getting the engine built, one of my criteria was the person building the model had to be within driving distance). It turned out he had moved to Florida but we hooked up and I sent him the model for building. It turns out that the model was a good challenge and that the kit was short some parts that he had to scratch build. He kept me informed ever step of the way with notes and pictures. He is a super guy to work with and if you can convince him to build another one you should be well pleased. I have now to plan when I can go and pick up this gem as there is no way it's going through the mail!
Scorpius Member Posts: 23 From: Champaign, IL Registered: Oct 2007	posted 10-22-2007 09:01 AM quote: Originally posted by GACspaceguy: He is a super guy to work with and if you can convince him to build another one you should be well pleased. Thank you sir, you are too kind. Yes it was challenging, but a very rewarding portfolio piece. I can't describe the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction I got when I was taking the photos. Pure elation. I'm sorry you had to go through so much nonsense to finally get one.
SpaceAholic Member Posts: 5473 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999	posted 07-11-2010 09:47 AM Hats off to Pascal Hecker ("apolloprojeckt") who has proven again he is one of the best modelers around. His latest build was to irresistible to pass up — I really like the fact that he coated the F-1 with copper/silver; an elegant solution to reducing its fragility which in turn allows for handling of the model without worry of damage. The last image compares the model with an actual F-1 Lox inlet cover (center cover) for scale. Thanks Pascal - truly a superb job.
apolloprojeckt Member Posts: 1570 From: Arnhem, Netherlands Registered: Feb 2009	posted 07-11-2010 10:07 AM Thanks Scott, for the compliment, I appreciate it much...
mode1charlie Member Posts: 1501 From: Honolulu, HI Registered: Sep 2010	posted 02-03-2011 11:28 PM Very impressive. A couple of questions: Is this model made of plastic or resin? And how hard is it to build?
Norman.King Member Posts: 405 From: Herne Bay, Kent, UK Registered: Feb 2010	posted 02-04-2011 01:30 AM It is mostly made of Resin with some spin cast white metal parts. I've never built one but to quote from the manufacture, "these kits can be built by the average to above-average modeller" although I believe you would have to be a way-above-average modeller to achieve a finish like the examples above.
apolloprojeckt Member Posts: 1570 From: Arnhem, Netherlands Registered: Feb 2009	posted 02-27-2015 05:45 PM A few years ago I did a first plating silver F-1. I have done total 10 plating versions, six silver, three bronze and my last, a 24 karat gold version.
Daugherty54 Member Posts: 622 From: Cabot, Arkansas, USA Registered: Sep 2010	posted 02-28-2015 10:15 PM Here is my 1/20th F-1 built by Steve Nichols. It is one of my most prized possessions.
SpaceAholic Member Posts: 5473 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999	posted 03-20-2015 08:26 PM Silver and gold edition united. Models or fine art? Pascal certainly stepped it up a notch with his latest iteration.
apolloprojeckt Member Posts: 1570 From: Arnhem, Netherlands Registered: Feb 2009	posted 03-21-2015 02:36 AM Great to see this
the clocks running Member Posts: 383 From: Rochester, NY Registered: Jan 2012	posted 03-21-2015 10:35 AM Is that an Apollo fuel cell behind your new F-1 scale models? Pretty cool!
SpaceAholic Member Posts: 5473 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999	posted 03-21-2015 11:04 AM Affirm.
holcombeyates Member Posts: 337 From: UK Registered: Dec 2010	posted 04-27-2015 04:32 AM I see that a few people have built their F1 rocket engine into a small section of the S1C stage - including outer skin and a fin. Does anyone have any leads or info on how I can get hold of plans or better still a kit of this diorama? Thanks!
apolloprojeckt Member Posts: 1570 From: Arnhem, Netherlands Registered: Feb 2009	posted 04-28-2015 12:43 PM You can ask by the kit maker, Jim Key, if he has one on stock maybe. For the fin base you can buy it here, 3D printing.
SpaceAholic Member Posts: 5473 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999	posted 04-30-2015 07:46 AM Any idea why the F-1 kits are such low rate production (as they seem to be out of stock most of the time)... is that intentional decision by Accurate Models or an issue with manufacturing throughput?
moonguyron Member Posts: 191 From: Trinity, FL USA Registered: Jan 2011	posted 06-02-2015 02:59 PM I have been in contact with Jim Key (Custom Replicas, formerly Accurate Models) and he says he is about to produce what will be the last of the 1:20 Rocketdyne F-1 Saturn Engine model kits. The molds are almost gone he says and he doesn't anticipate making any more. Of these five, three are spoken for. In short he has only two of the kits for sale and there will not be others. They are $249.95 plus $17.00 shipping. Contact him at Custom Replicas.
SpaceAholic Member Posts: 5473 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999	posted 06-02-2015 11:55 PM One wonders what the total run of models will be inclusive of these last five kits.
holcombeyates Member Posts: 337 From: UK Registered: Dec 2010	posted 09-18-2024 11:09 AM I bought this fantastic F-1 1/20th scale model in 2009 and now have some time to complete it. The problem is, I have moved house twice since then and now cannot find the CD with the instructions! I have tried to contact Custom Replicas but the website is no longer online. Can anyone help me with a new website or a PDF of the instructions?
apolloprojeckt Member Posts: 1570 From: Arnhem, Netherlands Registered: Feb 2009	posted 09-18-2024 12:13 PM Send me an email. I have build this one 21 times and have more CDs.
holcombeyates Member Posts: 337 From: UK Registered: Dec 2010	posted 10-01-2024 10:59 AM I am happy with the model so far, but sadly have a bunch of bits missing (I think I lost them when I moved house twice since I bought the model!), but have accepted the challenge and am busy researching and scratch building all the valves, etc. that hang off the combustion chamber. But I am also missing: Decals sheet(s) Parts 13, 46 and 47 If anyone can help with photos, dimensions, etc., that would be a great help! Thanks as always.
holcombeyates Member Posts: 337 From: UK Registered: Dec 2010	posted 06-17-2025 09:39 AM At last... I have finished the build of my Accurate Models' 1/20 scale F-1 rocket engine. One of my most complex and demanding builds. I purchased a Saturn V base plate — it is made of PLA — to mount the engine against. It was bought from Shapeways some time ago. My intention is to mount the engine horizontally integrated into the base of the Saturn V first stage. There will be two mirrors placed behind and below my model to give an impression of being one of the five F-1 engines (inspiration came from the National Air and Space Museum). One of the photos is shown with the engine vertical to show how it will fit together. Having now painted the PLA Saturn V base, I am not happy with the alclad paint job and wonder if a similar base made out of a different 3D printed material might be a solution. The PLA is rather rough and alclad is not forgiving of rough surfaces. I can't find an alternative version of the F-1 base plate on the internet so wondering if any cS members have some ideas or suggestions?
drs. j Member Posts: 21 From: Nes, Netherlands Registered: Jul 2014	posted 06-19-2025 06:30 AM You need to sand 3D printed surfaces very, very well. So sand, fill, sand, fill. Then a few primer coats with sanding in between. The first sanding of primer coat will show stripes, that are areas that are higher or lower (depend how you define it), keep on priming until everything is even when you hit it with a high number sanding board. Than you can start you alclad.
EMU Member Posts: 17 From: Registered: Sep 2023	posted 06-19-2025 01:37 PM Use a resin printer and the will be no lines visible.
holcombeyates Member Posts: 337 From: UK Registered: Dec 2010	posted 06-20-2025 05:27 AM Yes, I was thinking about a resin print — the challenge is that I bought this PLSA print via Shapeways in 2020. Unfortunately since Shapeways went bust they no longer hold the stl files and I do not know who the designer was or how I might contact them now. Anyone have any ideas on who the designed was or means of contacting them? Thanks!
mercsim Member Posts: 264 From: Phoenix, AZ Registered: Feb 2007	posted 06-20-2025 08:18 AM If you get the files, try ABS and the Acetone vapor treatment. I did some models for a military contractor and they came out great with minimal effort. Just Google it.
EMU Member Posts: 17 From: Registered: Sep 2023	posted 06-20-2025 09:45 AM This engine model is amazing. I do think mounting it the way you are describing it, is a great idea. However, that PLA print, well, would need a lot of tweaking. Not just surface-wise, but it does not look very accurate at all. I am not a Saturn V expert, I just searched for some pics online. Maybe you could hire somebody to model that section for you. Or talk to Accurate Models. Maybe they could release that section as a kit. Maybe even with a quarter section of the center engine to fill your mirrored display. (maybe tricky though since not all four 90 degrees section are the same). They did an awesome job modeling the full engine. Modeling that section would be easy. Alternatively, look for some full Saturn V model STL files out there. The PLA model you have does not seem that detailed and may actually be a section of a full rocket model. I would just display the engine by itself. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
holcombeyates Member Posts: 337 From: UK Registered: Dec 2010	posted 06-26-2025 03:33 AM Thank you for all your ideas and recommendations. I am going to ditch the PLA and try and get a resin printed version of the Saturn V base plate. I understand that the company that made the F-1 rocket engine has gone bust? If you know differently or have contact details then do please let me know! Thank you.