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  Bandai's Apollo 11 Saturn V 1:144 model (Page 1)

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Author Topic:   Bandai's Apollo 11 Saturn V 1:144 model
Robert Pearlman
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From: Houston, TX
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posted 07-23-2009 04:53 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Bandai is preparing to release a 1:144 diecast Saturn V and Apollo 11 diorama kit in 2010, per the HobbyHype forums, including photos (such as the below) from Toy-world.com.hk.

DMScott
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From: Lexington, MA, USA
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posted 07-26-2009 06:02 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for DMScott   Click Here to Email DMScott     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
My wife is Japanese and we just did a little research. The model is not yet on the Bandai site. It is for the Apollo 40th and will be released in 2010.

The information on the display at the toy fair insists that this is not a toy, but is for "grownups." The translation of the material used to make the model is "superalloy"

Price will be in the $500.00 range.

Here is an amateur YouTube video showing some a bit more detail.

ApolloManiacs
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From: Tokyo, Japan
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posted 03-13-2010 05:07 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ApolloManiacs   Click Here to Email ApolloManiacs     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Bandai announced final release date on its official web site. It will be March 27, 2010 in Japan.

Norman.King
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From: Herne Bay, Kent, UK
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posted 03-20-2010 03:33 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Norman.King   Click Here to Email Norman.King     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Does anyone know if these will be a limited run or mass production?

Robert Pearlman
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posted 03-28-2010 12:20 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
According to Bandai's press release issued last October, the company plans to ship one million units by Dec. 2010.
The main sales channels nationwide model shop, toy shop, toy shop models of electronics retail stores, mail order and Internet in 2010 and by December it plans to sell 1 million units.

Rick Mulheirn
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From: England
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posted 03-28-2010 01:40 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Mulheirn   Click Here to Email Rick Mulheirn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Rick Mulheirn:
It has to be the finest mass produced finished Saturn V to date and a model that I suspect will... depending upon the production run of course, increase in value with time.
A production run of one million may just shoot a large hole in my hypothesis...!

ApolloManiacs
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From: Tokyo, Japan
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posted 03-29-2010 08:49 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for ApolloManiacs   Click Here to Email ApolloManiacs     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Today I heard about the sales from Bandai's staff. He said that 90% of stock will run out until May! It's making very nice sales in Japan now.

mwallace05
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posted 03-31-2010 05:38 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for mwallace05     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I received the model yesterday (March 30) in Ohio. It is nice but I am somewhat disappointed because I was under the impression that the model had a lot of die cast metal in it. Super Alloy.

Over 97% of the model though appears to be just plastic.

Norman.King
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From: Herne Bay, Kent, UK
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posted 03-31-2010 01:06 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Norman.King   Click Here to Email Norman.King     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The advert would certainly appear to be misleading; I thought it was predominantly made of Super Alloy as well.

Anyway, the main thing for me, what is the fine detail like?

mwallace05
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posted 03-31-2010 05:14 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for mwallace05     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The fine detail is very good.

Of course my eyes aren't as good as they used to be so I need a magnifying glass to see detail on the lunar modules. They are very small and with the exception of the ladders are all plastic as well. You need to be careful when lifting them out of the padding and with handling them because it would be very easy to damage them.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 04-01-2010 08:57 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by mwallace05:
I was under the impression that the model had a lot of die cast metal in it. Super Alloy.
Part of the confusion may be due to a cultural mistranslation.

According to Wikipedia, Chogokin is Japanese for "super Alloy" and is a "fictitious material" that first appeared in a comic book. Bandai has used the name to describe its line of diecast toys, but its not clear that everything released under the brand has been made of metal...

andrewcli
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From: La Jolla, CA, USA
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posted 04-03-2010 01:10 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for andrewcli   Click Here to Email andrewcli     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I picked up my package today and here is what I have to say:

The shipping package was done very well. The box is nice too that it has a handle that you can carry it around.

The model is very well done, I like the details. No errors in painting, nice and sharp. I did have one problem, one of the fins broke off, but easy to glue back on.

Although it is made of plastic, each stage is weighty - probably from the engine nozzles and from the domes.

The instructions are written in Japanese, but the diagrams are pretty good to follow. Each stage is connected by a locking ring mechanism, so I would be careful not to over torque it.

The Spacecraft Lunar Module Adapter (SLA) panels can be opened, but are fragile, so don't put too much force there. When putting the lunar module (LM) in, I would first connect it to the SLA with it's panels open before placing it on the third stage. The legs have to be positioned so that there are between each latch of the panel - it's a snug fit and you have to gently work it in. If you don't do that, then the service module cannot connect. You can leave one panel open to see the LM. I'm surprised that the LM is nicely done, especially being so small.

When you connect the command module (CM) to the service module (SM), it doesn't really lock into place and can easily fall off. To keep it in place, it either has to be pointed upward or connected to the shield cover, it's nicely snugged in there. I will probably keep this in the stacked position. It would look nice when set on it's side and the CM and SM linked to the LM looks nice too. The antenna for the SM is attachable and is small, so don't lose it.

A complaint that I do have is the base and the reflective material that is supposed to be like a mirror - it's cheesy, poorly made and scratched, especially for the amount of money you pay. At the very least, I would expect them to have it well polished and an adhesive wrap on it so that you can peel it away after everything is in place.

The surface of the moon is a piece of rubber or pliable plastic and it's okay.

Another complaint is that they only give you one ascent stage of the LM. You can either place it in the third stage opened, or on the moon surface. Again, pretty cheap on Bandai's part for the amount of money you pay. It would also be nice if there were depressions where the LM can nicely fit on the surface, as for the astronaut that is on the moon's surface. You can easily lose one of them, especially when dusting or vacuuming. I can see my dog swallowing Neil!

For the flag, it's a sticker and you need to fold it against a small metal pin and then insert that onto the rubber mat. Again, pretty cheesy for the amount that you pay.

I guess another thing that you can say is that the "super alloy" is their sign, but there is no adhesive on it's back to apply to the base. I might leave that off.

Mine came with the splashed down CM. It's looks okay, made out of plastic, would be better if it were made of metal - maybe overkill and can be easily left out without having a great impact on the presentation.

So all in all, I'm pretty happy with it. It's a very nice model and very detailed and it fits well with each part. $500 is a bit much, especially for the quality of the reflective base and the absence of a second ascent stage. Maybe half that much would be more reasonable.

One final note, this is not a toy!

andrewcli
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From: La Jolla, CA, USA
Registered: Jul 2007

posted 04-03-2010 03:43 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for andrewcli   Click Here to Email andrewcli     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Coming back, I can stand back and look at it again. I was writing my thoughts down when I was putting it together this morning. Do I have any regrets in buying it? No.

I think for construction, details, and quality, I would give it a 4.5 out of 5. It's really a nice model, despite the plastic. The plastic is very well made and not flimsy or thin. The connection to each stage is seamless and great. You can't see any problems one might see in lower quality models.

This is a model that will sit on a desk or somewhere you want to show it off and not to play with. This is a display model standing next to your other precious items in your collection.

For the value to price ratio, I would probably give it a 3 out of 5. The presentation stand is crappy and for the amount of money you pay, it really hampers my complete enthusiasm. I now know why there are four pins and four flag decals, you can't plant it on the mat without bending the tiny rod - CRAP! There is a small tiny hole that you need to find at 9 o'clock to plant the flag - need to follow the footprints. I would expect better in addition to a second ascent stage and a better made CM splashdown model.

However, this model will look awesome stacked on the LUT.

andrewcli
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From: La Jolla, CA, USA
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posted 04-03-2010 09:44 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for andrewcli   Click Here to Email andrewcli     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
OK, I was able to find the edge of the film on the reflective base and peeled it off, much better!

Norman.King
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From: Herne Bay, Kent, UK
Registered: Feb 2010

posted 04-04-2010 03:12 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Norman.King   Click Here to Email Norman.King     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Andrew, thanks for the insight on the model.

I want to display mine "split" horizontally on its side stands in a specially made display case. How long is it fully assembled?

andrewcli
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From: La Jolla, CA, USA
Registered: Jul 2007

posted 04-04-2010 10:08 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for andrewcli   Click Here to Email andrewcli     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Each stage is fully assembled and connecting each stage can be done very quickly. Again, I would be gentle in doing this. I would say it's about 30" in length when stacked.

If you are using the struts to support the stages, horizontally, there is nothing to put together, just lay each stage onto two struts. Again, you cannot lay the CM with the SM connected unless you use the launch tower and BPC to link the two together. The only way to display the CM linked to the SM is to have it angled upwards, linked to the LM. I don't think the launch tower/BPC will link to the SM alone if that is what you are planning to do.

Enjoy!

dsenechal
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posted 04-04-2010 02:01 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for dsenechal   Click Here to Email dsenechal     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
This model is actually not made of plastic, but appears to be a "cold cast porcelain." If the model was full die-cast metal, the fit and detail would be comparatively clumsy, and it would weigh a ton. Don't be put off because it's not metal - this is better.

Norman.King
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From: Herne Bay, Kent, UK
Registered: Feb 2010

posted 04-07-2010 07:41 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Norman.King   Click Here to Email Norman.King     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
While I was apprehensive about it being plastic now that I have seen it I agree with you. The detail on it is very sharp and I'm very pleased with it. It's going to look great in my display cabinet.

1202 Alarm
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posted 04-07-2010 03:57 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for 1202 Alarm   Click Here to Email 1202 Alarm     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Got mine as well (Switzerland). 10/10!

Quite moving for me, as I got my initial Saturn when first I visited KSC in 1969 (aged 3), then built the Airfix in 1980, Revell, bought the Dragon, the Danbury Mint and now this beautiful model. LM and CM are not perfect but I didn't buy it for these. It will be hard to top this.

jr-transport
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From: Grunthal, MB, Canada
Registered: Apr 2010

posted 04-13-2010 12:54 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for jr-transport   Click Here to Email jr-transport     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Just got mine today, on the anniversary of the Apollo 13 launch and wow what a model. To all of those who are thinking of getting this piece I have two words for you: do it! It's worth every penny.

Rick Mulheirn
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posted 04-14-2010 03:41 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Mulheirn   Click Here to Email Rick Mulheirn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Took delivery of my Bandai Saturn V this morning and I agree with those who posted previously. It is a very impressive model that is, in my opinion, worth the considerable investment.

contra
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From: Kiel, Germany
Registered: Mar 2005

posted 04-14-2010 11:01 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for contra   Click Here to Email contra     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Received the model today. Very pleased with it. Here are some pics...

history in miniature
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posted 04-14-2010 11:56 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for history in miniature   Click Here to Email history in miniature     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
They should have at least batted the F-1's because it is such a beautiful model.

I'm impressed with their efforts.

jr-transport
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From: Grunthal, MB, Canada
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posted 04-16-2010 03:36 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for jr-transport   Click Here to Email jr-transport     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I second that motion; also they definatly should have included a second ascent stage for the LEM.

I display mine on its side with the Revell Block I CSM attached (it doesn't do justice to the rest of the stack) and have the Block II displayed with the LEM inflight.

Go4Launch
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From: Seminole, Fla.
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 04-24-2010 10:00 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Go4Launch   Click Here to Email Go4Launch     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Can this model be displayed upright just standing on the F-1s, or is it necessary to use the base with the two bracing arms?

GoesTo11
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posted 04-29-2010 11:38 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for GoesTo11   Click Here to Email GoesTo11     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Since others have already posted pics and accurate impressions, I'll try not to be repetitive.

Model arrived well-packaged in a box approximately 30"x18"x18", with a good four inches of packing on all sides of the actual model. As noted previously, the model itself is in a heavy cardboard case with a handle, but the color graphics are actually a "sleeve" that fits over the case, which is a nice simulated-vinyl finish with embossed silver graphics.

The components of the model are seated in foam as shown, secure but not difficult to take out (though requisite care should of course be taken). Just a couple of things to add to previous posts about the model itself:

  • Describing it as "plastic" may be technically accurate (I'm not sure about the actual manufacturing process), but it seems to imply "cheap" or "flimsy." I can assure everyone that it is neither. While certain components, such as the LM and SLA doors, are delicate and should be handled appropriately, the overall finish, fit, and heft are comparable to a scaled-up Danbury Mint Saturn V. (Mine, by the way, still hasn't spoken to me since I ordered the Bandai).

  • Some illustrations show both LM descent stages with legs extended. This is inaccurate. Just to clarify, the LM legs are fixed, not folding. One descent stage has the legs extended for landing, the other has the legs folded for seating in the SLA. Like others here, my only real complaint is that there's only one LM ascent stage provided, but I decided I could live with that.

  • The stands for horizontal display, as well as the vertical support struts, are packed in their own boxes underneath the foam "tray" holding the model itself. Packaging overall is outstanding.
This model represented a significant investment for me, but I'm very satisfied with it. I'm sure the experts here will find a few nits to pick with the detailing, but on the whole I'm glad I bought it. It will make a beautiful centerpiece for my collection.

Norman.King
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From: Herne Bay, Kent, UK
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posted 04-29-2010 11:55 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Norman.King   Click Here to Email Norman.King     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I'm glad you’re pleased with it. I am mine.

With regards to a second LM ascent stage, I think everyone who owns this model shares your sentiment. Maybe if enough of us write to Bandai we can get them to sell them separately?

Tricey
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posted 04-30-2010 01:18 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Tricey   Click Here to Email Tricey     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I found out about the Bandai model on this forum last year, so thanks! I received my order and initially I was very pleased. My model does have a few niggles though:

My LM upperstage has a very obvious join. Anyone recommend whether a simple lick of model paint will rectify and if so, any advice on what colour to get?

Also, all my stages have what look like small marks on them; like someone has rubbed them with rubber. Ordinary household polish doesn't remove them and now I wonder if they're actually scratches. I hasten to add, this was how the model arrived.

Any advice would be gratefully received on tidying up my Saturn V.

andrewcli
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From: La Jolla, CA, USA
Registered: Jul 2007

posted 05-02-2010 01:46 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for andrewcli   Click Here to Email andrewcli     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Can you provide any closeup photos of the areas in question?

Tricey
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posted 05-04-2010 11:19 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Tricey   Click Here to Email Tricey     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Here is a photo of the scuffing (found to the right of the 'A' on the first stage):

And here are two pictures of the ascent stage of LM (my larger headache), so you can fully appreciate the top and bottom whereby the join is pretty bad (this is a tiny item and hardly of real consequence, but well, we’re not buying a small bar of chocolate here).

 

Norman.King
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From: Herne Bay, Kent, UK
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posted 05-05-2010 08:24 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Norman.King   Click Here to Email Norman.King     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
There’s little doubt that the mark on your first stage is a scratch or rub. (I've double checked all of my stages and they're all mark free).

Is it possible this mark could have been caused by the horizontal stand? It's in about the right position.

My LM Ascent Stage also has a visible join line around it but not quite as pronounced as yours.

Tricey
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posted 05-07-2010 04:05 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Tricey   Click Here to Email Tricey     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I haven't yet set up the model on any stands; I took each item out to inspect upon delivery, but returned everything back to the box (where it still is today) as I did not want to set it up until I had sourced a suitable display cabinet.

However, it's interesting that you say this sort of mark may be consistent with being put on the display stands; it makes me wonder if I have some form of ex-display version?

I do want to point out that by no means am I downhearted by this. Those of us who own this model can appreciate the actual scale and size of these anomalies (i.e. pretty small!). I still believe that this model is a superb acquisition. It's simply that following the initial posting by others of pictures of their models, I wondered if I alone had received something out of the ordinary and you do acquire something of a sensitive eye when you pay the sort of money we have all paid for something such as this.

mslekar
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From: Eagle,Idaho
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posted 05-13-2010 10:30 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for mslekar   Click Here to Email mslekar     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Wow, I just received my Saturn V, it is very well done and super detail. Now just bring on the rest of the launchers and make it a nice collection!

Sam Que
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From: Chicago, IL, United States
Registered: Feb 2009

posted 05-20-2010 07:52 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Sam Que   Click Here to Email Sam Que     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The unit is far more detailed than what I expected it would be. My only issue was that the silver base had scuffs and scratches. Any ideas on how to buff out or repair?

Has anyone tried to order an additional LM ascent stage, and CM and SM for the extra display?

All in all, very satisfied with the item.

Rick Mulheirn
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From: England
Registered: Feb 2001

posted 05-21-2010 12:55 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Mulheirn   Click Here to Email Rick Mulheirn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The scruffy base as described is more than likely the plastic film that covers the pristine polished base. If you bite your fingers you may have problems finding the corner but it should just peel off; mine did.

Sam Que
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From: Chicago, IL, United States
Registered: Feb 2009

posted 05-21-2010 04:18 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Sam Que   Click Here to Email Sam Que     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Rick, thank you for pointing that out. I never would have noticed. I guess I should use my reading glasses more often.

2003hdannv
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Posts: 231
From: Cape Coral, Florida USA
Registered: Mar 2004

posted 06-02-2010 12:20 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for 2003hdannv   Click Here to Email 2003hdannv     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Can anyone tell me how the Apollo 11 and Saturn V Launch Vehicle plate attaches to the base?

GoesTo11
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From: Denver, CO
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posted 06-04-2010 10:33 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for GoesTo11   Click Here to Email GoesTo11     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I'm assuming that you're referring to the metal "legend" plate shown on the base in the demo pics on this thread. It attaches to the base with adhesive tape included in the same packet as the instruction booklets and the US flags for the Tranquility Base secondary display. It's all in Japanese, so it's easy to miss.

contra
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Posts: 319
From: Kiel, Germany
Registered: Mar 2005

posted 04-24-2011 01:56 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for contra   Click Here to Email contra     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Finally finished the model stand for my Bandai Saturn V.

SuperKungFu
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From: West Covina, CA USA
Registered: Jun 2011

posted 01-25-2012 11:06 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SuperKungFu   Click Here to Email SuperKungFu     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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?


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