Accurate Models 1:20 Rocketdyne F-1 engine

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Author	Topic: Accurate Models 1:20 Rocketdyne F-1 engine
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: 2474 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 GA. 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.
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42982 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999	posted 07-06-2010 04:52 AM From Accurate Models (Custom Replicas): We recently revised our website to make browsing much easier. If anyone is still interested in the F1 kit, we are going to make a summertime batch of 10 kits. You can now purchase it at our website through PayPal, much easier than before. International orders e-mail us for a shipping quote.
SpaceAholic Member Posts: 4437 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: 1447 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: 1169 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: 375 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's web page "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: 1447 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. This one is related to the 60 years of the F-1:
Daugherty54 Member Posts: 591 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.
Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007	posted 03-01-2015 07:58 PM The gold plating looks fantastic! But here's the $64,000 question... How much was the plating? I sure hope not $64,000. Will you plate the Topping LEM? If not I'd like to try one if you could give me an idea of cost.
apolloprojeckt Member Posts: 1447 From: Arnhem, Netherlands Registered: Feb 2009	posted 03-02-2015 10:27 AM I have send you a mail.
SpaceAholic Member Posts: 4437 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: 1447 From: Arnhem, Netherlands Registered: Feb 2009	posted 03-21-2015 02:36 AM Great to see this
the clocks running Member Posts: 382 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: 4437 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999	posted 03-21-2015 11:04 AM Affirm.
holcombeyates Member Posts: 243 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: 1447 From: Arnhem, Netherlands Registered: Feb 2009	posted 04-27-2015 05:27 AM You mean so?
holcombeyates Member Posts: 243 From: UK Registered: Dec 2010	posted 04-28-2015 09:37 AM Thanks for the photos. Can you advise where I get one of these dioramas from?
apolloprojeckt Member Posts: 1447 From: Arnhem, Netherlands Registered: Feb 2009	posted 04-28-2015 10:52 AM As kit or ready model, I do more plating versions, painting only can also. I do it often and also cS member "history in miniature" (Steve).
holcombeyates Member Posts: 243 From: UK Registered: Dec 2010	posted 04-28-2015 12:37 PM Thanks. Can I ask how much for an unmade, unpainted version shipped to the UK?
apolloprojeckt Member Posts: 1447 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.
holcombeyates Member Posts: 243 From: UK Registered: Dec 2010	posted 04-30-2015 05:49 AM Thank you for the link, will get my base on order ASAP.
SpaceAholic Member Posts: 4437 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 5, three are spoken for. In short he has only 2 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: 4437 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 5 kits.