|
Author
|
Topic: Bandai's Apollo 11 and Saturn V 1:144 model
|
alexbaja
Member Posts: 448
From: Naxxar, Malta
Registered: Dec 2010
|
posted 01-19-2012 03:53 AM
   
Yes, Pascal I am sure you are also right but with the inflation I think we have to save much more money to afford future Bandai space models. 
|
dog320
Member Posts: 49
From: West Sussex, United Kingdom
Registered: Jul 2010
|
posted 01-19-2012 08:35 AM
quote:
Originally posted by apolloprojeckt:
There are a lot of people now saving money a long time now for this rocket model, now they have almost got the money together they are sold out. And they are very angry.
I don't understand why they would they be angry. Bandai are under no obligation to keep producing models until people eventually feel like buying them. Everyone had the chance to get this when it was released - there was plenty of advanced notice on this forum.Anyway they can console themselves that the model has two obvious errors. The SM is too long and the BPC LET mounts are far too large. I like mine but I wouldn't pay $1000+ for it. |
mode1charlie
Member Posts: 1169
From: Honolulu, HI
Registered: Sep 2010
|
posted 01-20-2012 09:59 PM
quote:
Originally posted by dog320:
Anyway they can console themselves that the model has two obvious errors. The SM is too long and the BPC LET mounts are far too large.
You're right about the too-long SM. It initially caused me to not want to buy the model. But I got the Bandai shuttle and was so impressed by its high quality that I decided to get the Saturn V. I'm glad I did. The SM issue is a relatively minor flaw given the otherwise great quality. And someday someone will create a Bandai-compatible corrected 3D model that can be printed on a 3D printer and solve that problem. One hopes.
|
SuperKungFu
Member Posts: 68
From: West Covina, CA USA
Registered: Jun 2011
|
posted 01-25-2012 11:06 PM
Sometimes I see people have the entire model on display and at the very bottom there's another set of the command/service/lunar module. Does this model have two sets? So you can display both at the same time? |
alexbaja
Member Posts: 448
From: Naxxar, Malta
Registered: Dec 2010
|
posted 01-26-2012 04:10 AM
This model has these sets in double, the descent stage of the LM and two CM which are different, one is in chrome finish and the other is in golden brown color representing touch down.If you have seen the double SM then that person is well off as he would have bought two Bandai Saturn V in order to use the second SM and discard the Saturn V.  |
the clocks running
Member Posts: 382
From: Rochester, NY
Registered: Jan 2012
|
posted 02-27-2012 08:14 PM
I have spent the last two months researching and trying to acquire this model at a fair price. I absolutely will not pay what the Japanese retailers want for this model on eBay (and then pay $150 to ship it to me). No one bids on most of these models ($1900 to $3000 for the Buy It Now price) and they have ruined the market. Just because I have the money does not mean that I am willing to pay way too much. $500 was expensive but this is ridiculous! Now after my rant above here is the story. Bandai only produced about 20,000 of the Apollo 11 Saturn V models. The Bandai Tamashii division designed the Otona No Chogokin (super alloy adult model) Apollo 11 Saturn V and this was the first piece in the series. Only about ten pieces were imported by the former US distributor. Bluefin, the current distributor, cannot get any more from Bandai. First off, why spend all the money to produce expensive molds and only complete 20,000 pieces? Also, since the Apollo program was part of the US space program would it not make sense to export way more than ten pieces to the US because I am sure that way more than ten of us here wanted them? I hope that Bandai, or another company, will utilize the current molds and produce more of these models. Any of the members on this site who own the Bandai Apollo 11 Saturn V kudos to you for having the good sense to buy the model early. I missed the boat and forgot to check on it in 2010 and in my current dilemma. Who still wants this model and wants to spend a more sensible amount of money ($500) for it? I am going to contact the appropriate party at Bandai and make a diligent effort to get this model back for another production run. |
Dennis Beatty
Member Posts: 356
From:
Registered: Jan 2000
|
posted 02-27-2012 09:50 PM
Are you certain that only 10 were imported? I purchased mine from Bad Cat Toys and my recollection is that they were getting in about that many just for their customers. There must have been other hobby shops that stocked this item.Perhaps we can take a roll call of those of us on this list that purchased them originally? |
the clocks running
Member Posts: 382
From: Rochester, NY
Registered: Jan 2012
|
posted 02-27-2012 10:25 PM
I actually spoke with the former US Bandai distributor and this is the information that they supplied. The store where you purchased your model from may have purchased the product from an international distributor. All I know is that I want one and need to figure out how to encourage Bandai to re-release the model. Yes, it will probably take a miracle. |
alexbaja
Member Posts: 448
From: Naxxar, Malta
Registered: Dec 2010
|
posted 02-28-2012 01:13 AM
I know that this could cause a stir amongst this community but people pay thousands of dollars for a signed photo so why shouldn't a person wanting a model pay extra if they are out of production. All models that have a limited run go up in price because they are scarce. I personally had to pay much more money to get certain models which were out of production. Another drawback is that for us who live outside the US and go on e-bay we usually have to buy them more expensive as the market will be open to the whole world meaning there will be much more bidders to compete with so up goes the price. Unfortunately this is the world we live in, if you miss the boat the first time you have to pay dearly the second time round to enquire what you want. |
the clocks running
Member Posts: 382
From: Rochester, NY
Registered: Jan 2012
|
posted 02-28-2012 01:44 AM
Everyone is entitled to their opinion and that is a good thing. I just do not want to pay $2000 or more for this model because I will regret it more than not having it at all. I can build this model. Yes, it will take a great deal of effort and modification but I would rather take a 1/144 scale kit and complete the changes myself than spend $2000 on an investment that to me is just not worth it. I can completely understand why one of the Apollo astronauts signatures or an actual relic from the space program has value but not a model kit. I respectfully share this view. |
Norman.King
Member Posts: 375
From: Herne Bay, Kent, UK
Registered: Feb 2010
|
posted 02-28-2012 01:50 AM
quote:
Originally posted by the clocks running:
Who still wants this model and wants to spend a more sensible amount of money ($500) for it?
I feel your pain (I missed out on the original Code 3 releases) but even if Bandai do re-release prepare to pay more than $500.I pre-ordered mine (early 2010) from Hobby Supermarket Japan for 39,840 yen plus 12,300 yen shipping to the UK which I seem to recall was a discounted price. This week I watched one on eBay sell for just over $1300 + $125 shipping which suggests this is now the going rate. (I too doubt those asking $2000+ will have any takers - YET!) Will Bandai re-issue, who knows, but using Code 3 as an example, their re-issued models (by another manufacturer) were significantly more expensive than the originals (and those that weren't re-issued remain very expensive to buy). |
the clocks running
Member Posts: 382
From: Rochester, NY
Registered: Jan 2012
|
posted 02-28-2012 01:53 AM
I spent some more time and studied photos of the Bandai Apollo 11 Saturn V and am amazed at the level of detail. I am definitely going to take one of the 1/144 scale kits and attempt many of the mods to recreate some of the unique qualities that Bandai included in the details of this model. Better warm up the Xacto hobby knife and Powerjet airbrush compressor and get them ready for a workout. |
alexbaja
Member Posts: 448
From: Naxxar, Malta
Registered: Dec 2010
|
posted 02-28-2012 01:55 AM
There is a Danbury Mint Saturn V on eBay at the moment which I think is a very good alternative to the Bandai model. This would save you a lot of time building one. |
the clocks running
Member Posts: 382
From: Rochester, NY
Registered: Jan 2012
|
posted 02-28-2012 01:59 AM
Thanks for the Danbury Mint info. I don't mind building the model really. It should be a great deal of fun. I hope. I am fortunate that I have most of the Code 3 releases like the Apollo Command Module and Apollo 17 on the moon. Are these models very valuable? I am definitely keeping them but am curious. I am happy that I found a good forum like collectSPACE to keep up with what is coming out so I can hopefully not miss an opportunity like the Bandai Saturn V. |
Norman.King
Member Posts: 375
From: Herne Bay, Kent, UK
Registered: Feb 2010
|
posted 02-28-2012 02:04 AM
quote:
Originally posted by the clocks running:
I am definitely going to take one of the 1/144 scale kits and attempt many of the mods to recreate some of the unique qualities that Bandai included in the details of this model.
It can be done. Check out this 1/96 model built by another forum member. |
alexbaja
Member Posts: 448
From: Naxxar, Malta
Registered: Dec 2010
|
posted 02-28-2012 02:08 AM
quote:
Originally posted by the clocks running:
I am fortunate that I have most of the Code 3 releases like the Apollo Command Module and Apollo 17 on the moon.
I think that if you do some research on eBay you will find out the prices these models are going for, so there you are I had to pay a lot of money to get my Code 3 lunar rover, my Franklin Mint lunar module and my Danbury Mint Apollo 13 model as they were out of production. |
the clocks running
Member Posts: 382
From: Rochester, NY
Registered: Jan 2012
|
posted 02-28-2012 02:09 AM
Pascal is a super talented artist. Thank you very much for the link. One thing that I find frustrating with the Revell 1/96 model, and most Saturn V models period, is that they never include the "ribs" in the S-II stage. The Bandai model and the Airfix 1/144 scale models include this feature. Also, the Danbury Mint model includes the "ribs". |
alexbaja
Member Posts: 448
From: Naxxar, Malta
Registered: Dec 2010
|
posted 02-28-2012 02:19 AM
Come on my friend get down and start building your Saturn V because theclockisrunning. |
the clocks running
Member Posts: 382
From: Rochester, NY
Registered: Jan 2012
|
posted 02-28-2012 02:21 AM
I need to buy some tools first. I need a new Iwata airbrush and am going to invest in it very soon. |
Norman.King
Member Posts: 375
From: Herne Bay, Kent, UK
Registered: Feb 2010
|
posted 02-28-2012 02:54 AM
quote:
Originally posted by alexbaja:
I had to pay a lot of money to get my Code 3 lunar rover.
Me too. The LRV and LM cost me $400 each although that is starting to look like a bargain seeing what they're selling for now (check out the LRV on eBay). |
cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
|
posted 02-28-2012 07:41 AM
With those high prices, it makes you wonder why someone hasn't started producing more or new models... |
history in miniature
Member Posts: 600
From: Slatington, PA
Registered: Mar 2009
|
posted 02-28-2012 10:24 AM
Here is the Revell 96th scale kit with New Wares detail set, PVC sewer pipe for all tanks and evergreen corrugated sheet to replicate the ribbing.  
|
alexbaja
Member Posts: 448
From: Naxxar, Malta
Registered: Dec 2010
|
posted 02-28-2012 10:39 AM
Now that is NICE!  |
Cunumdrum61
Member Posts: 38
From: Australia
Registered: Jan 2012
|
posted 02-28-2012 01:32 PM
I do not think the Bandai's Saturn V was worth $500 when it was released. For $500 I would build anyone a super accurate 1/44 scale Saturn V! I really think it was overpriced even when it was released, though it was a nice model. That Saturn V in 1/96 scale looks nice and much better detailed than the Bandai Saturn V. I have two Dragon 1/72 scale Saturn V's that I am super detailing at the moment. One will be the Skylab Saturn V. |
the clocks running
Member Posts: 382
From: Rochester, NY
Registered: Jan 2012
|
posted 02-28-2012 01:42 PM
Amazing work on the 1/96 Saturn V. Thank you for sharing the images. |
GACspaceguy
Member Posts: 2474
From: Guyton, GA
Registered: Jan 2006
|
posted 02-29-2012 04:34 AM
Steve, I love your 1/96 Saturn V. It just is so clean looking and accurate. |
apolloprojeckt
Member Posts: 1447
From: Arnhem, Netherlands
Registered: Feb 2009
|
posted 02-29-2012 04:45 AM
Yes I know this of Steve, very nice and clean one. For us builders is this regular, not so difficult model, only the time is a lot.I have build it also a few times, example on the 'Kennedy Space Center' style: there you can see how really big this rocket is.  
|
history in miniature
Member Posts: 600
From: Slatington, PA
Registered: Mar 2009
|
posted 02-29-2012 07:05 AM
Thank you everyone for the kind words. As I do not wish to deviate from the original topic but I must say this, the serial number on this model should have been S-1C-5 as 6 was Apollo 11 and all moon bound Saturn V's had their F-1's covered with an insulation blanket (batted) and the S-IVB stage on this build does not have the insulation strips on it. |
the clocks running
Member Posts: 382
From: Rochester, NY
Registered: Jan 2012
|
posted 05-10-2012 01:43 AM
A miracle has happened. My Bandai Apollo 11 Saturn V model is on its way to my door. I can't wait to get this beauty next week. Now I need to install a shelf in the living room and have a plexi cover built. |
Norman.King
Member Posts: 375
From: Herne Bay, Kent, UK
Registered: Feb 2010
|
posted 05-10-2012 01:50 PM
Have they re-issued it? |
the clocks running
Member Posts: 382
From: Rochester, NY
Registered: Jan 2012
|
posted 05-10-2012 04:07 PM
No, unfortunately the kit has not been re-released. I found the fair priced item in Japan and instead of paying the current eBay price for it, I saved several hundred dollars. Right now these models are $2000 US plus on eBay. |
SuperKungFu
Member Posts: 68
From: West Covina, CA USA
Registered: Jun 2011
|
posted 05-10-2012 07:44 PM
How much did you pay for yours? If you don't mind me asking? |
the clocks running
Member Posts: 382
From: Rochester, NY
Registered: Jan 2012
|
posted 05-11-2012 12:04 AM
No problem, I paid about $1300 plus shipping. |
the clocks running
Member Posts: 382
From: Rochester, NY
Registered: Jan 2012
|
posted 05-15-2012 11:31 PM
Well here it is... I received the package today and am very happy with my new acquisition. |
the clocks running
Member Posts: 382
From: Rochester, NY
Registered: Jan 2012
|
posted 05-16-2012 03:15 AM
Since I have had some time to inspect the model I wanted to share my thoughts.
Even though Bandai did not include a majority of metal parts for this "Super Alloy" diecast model it is extremely well detailed. I wish that model kits included the level of detail that Bandai utilized in the production of this model. I saved some money purchasing this kit from a Japanese retailer because the box and slip cover were pretty rough looking but the model is in new condition. I was able to salvage part of the slip cover and placed the remaining artwork inside the box. Now I need to have a plexi cover built to protect my new baby. |
the clocks running
Member Posts: 382
From: Rochester, NY
Registered: Jan 2012
|
posted 05-22-2012 02:30 AM
Did anyone else find the BPC cover to be too difficult to place over the CM when mounted to the SM?Some pics of my shiny new Bandai Apollo 11 Saturn V setup. I used a couple of N scale model train figures to add scale to the model.  
|
SuperKungFu
Member Posts: 68
From: West Covina, CA USA
Registered: Jun 2011
|
posted 05-23-2012 09:31 AM
Just got my model. Here are a lot of pictures. |
the clocks running
Member Posts: 382
From: Rochester, NY
Registered: Jan 2012
|
posted 05-23-2012 05:22 PM
Congrats on acquiring the Bandai Saturn V! Where did you find one?
|
SuperKungFu
Member Posts: 68
From: West Covina, CA USA
Registered: Jun 2011
|
posted 05-23-2012 10:48 PM
Bought it off this forum in the Buy, Sell, Trade section. |
SuperKungFu
Member Posts: 68
From: West Covina, CA USA
Registered: Jun 2011
|
posted 05-29-2012 09:53 PM
I can't get over how awesome this model looks in real life. |
advertisement