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Author
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Topic: Dragon Models' 1:72 Saturn V 5-foot model
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cspg
Member Posts: 4009
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 01-04-2012 08:13 AM
   
This would be the most troublesome detail pointed by the reviewer (and as shown on the photos): S-II second stage
...it has some seams lines on each side where the stage was glued together and has not been sanded and finished off. |
cycleroadie
Member Posts: 235
From: Apalachin, NY USA
Registered: May 2011
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posted 01-04-2012 08:21 AM
quote:
Originally posted by dog320:
I guess some people would have liked some kind of horizontal display with the stages/ CSM/ BPC separate and a removed SLA panel.
Be better off building themselves the 4D Vision model if that is what you are looking for. |
Apollo Redux
Member Posts: 346
From: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Registered: Sep 2006
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posted 01-04-2012 09:14 PM
quote:
Originally posted by classicstratcat:
Here is a quick review that I found of Dragon's 1/72 Saturn V, with photos.
Thank you for posting. You saved me $$$.  |
Dennis Beatty
Member Posts: 277
From: Medford, Oregon, 97504
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 01-04-2012 09:21 PM
I also wish to express my thanks for saving me from spending my $$ on what now appears to be a disappointing model. I was lucky enough to acquire the 1/144 Bandai version which is exquisite. I wouldn't have been able to keep from comparing the quality of the two. |
Kevmac
Member Posts: 186
From: College Station, TX
Registered: Apr 2003
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posted 01-04-2012 09:45 PM
I'm debating still, but considering keeping my order. I'm very disappointed also, but while it does have flaws, it would be nice to have a 1/72 line-up of manned launch vehicles if they end up producing the Mercury Atlas and Gemini Titan versions. For a display piece, this could be acceptable, especially for the price. It's a shame Dragon didn't try harder. They could have easily put more quality into this – especially the paint lines. I'm looking over at my Buzz Aldrin/Space Voyagers Saturn V that came out several years ago sitting on top of my file cabinet and thinking that even though it does separate into all the components, I've rarely ever pulled it apart to "play" with it. It is also just for display alongside some other vehicles and spacecraft. I'd be interested if all the Dragon Saturn Vs have these same deficiencies, which they probably do. Please let us know of any other reviews out there. |
jjknap
Member Posts: 113
From: Bourbonnais, IL USA
Registered: Apr 2011
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posted 01-04-2012 09:57 PM
I am keeping my order as well. Disappointed a bit, but really looking forward to a 1/72 sized model next to my 1/72 shuttle stack. Thanks for the review though. |
GoesTo11
Member Posts: 992
From: Denver, CO USA
Registered: Jun 2004
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posted 01-04-2012 10:01 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Kevmac:
For a display piece, this could be acceptable, especially for the price.
My feelings exactly. I have an open pre-order for this from The Flying Mule, and I'm not ready to bail on it yet. I can't get past the prospect of having a five-foot big-a** Saturn V sitting in my office for US$220...and I say this as an owner of the Bandai, and the 4D cutaway. At this point, I accept that this model won't meet my "Only a cS'er would notice" detail criteria. But balancing that with price and display impact (not to mention the aforementioned prospect of a set of 1:72 US manned boosters side-by-side), I'm still comfortable with this purchase. |
mode1charlie
Member Posts: 402
From: Honolulu, HI, USA
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 01-04-2012 10:15 PM
S-IC, S-II, and S-IVB accuracy issues aside, and in regards to the apparent use of a plastic CSM with glued BPC as well as no LM - what's to stop someone from using the Dragon Apollo 9 or 10 models on top? Has anyone checked if one of those fits? |
GoesTo11
Member Posts: 992
From: Denver, CO USA
Registered: Jun 2004
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posted 01-04-2012 10:26 PM
I have the Dragon Apollo 10 SLA/LM/CSM model (with separate BPC), and even if I were so inclined to combine them with the Saturn V, I can't tell from current online illustrations of either whether or not they would easily be compatible. I don't have my Saturn V yet, so when I do I might take a look at the prospect just out of curiosity. |
cspg
Member Posts: 4009
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 01-05-2012 01:04 AM
That's why Dragon should have produced the three stages separately. Then you could either display them side by side or as an assembled booster. Maybe it would have been easier that way to pay attention to details. But not necessarily a great idea from a seller's point of view (who would want to buy a S-II alone?). |
Jay Chladek
Member Posts: 2205
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007
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posted 01-05-2012 06:33 AM
Well, I have it on good authority that Dragon's current plans for their 1/72 pre-builts are to do them as kits eventually. Granted we never quite know if they will do that. But, I am pretty sure it will happen with the Saturn given that having both a prebuilt and an unbuilt kit in the line will spread out the tooling costs.In my case, I am waiting for the unbuilt version as I had a feeling the pre-built was going to seem a bit rushed as it were, given the price point they were asking for it. Granted it does look big and impressive, but I've seen some better details on 1/144 model kits. It looks to me like they rushed it to market as it just seems to lack a "wow" factor with the exception of its sheer size. At least stuff can be added to it as opposed to having to grind off inaccurate stuff (and I can certainly add some cool stuff to this model once a kit version comes out as I have enough references to do it). But I don't know if I would consider this exactly worthy of a 200 dollar investment, especially since they went the cheap route on the CSM and went for a plastic one instead of diecast and left the LM out. Overall, to me it looks like if you want a big pre-built Saturn with all the bells and whistles, the 4D Vision cutaway is the way to go. If you have the skills to improve this one, I say go for it. But not every space collector is going to have those skills. |
cspg
Member Posts: 4009
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 01-05-2012 07:36 AM
quote:
Originally posted by GoesTo11:
I have an open pre-order for this from The Flying Mule,
Me too and the finger on the "cancel my order" email but... quote:
not to mention the aforementioned prospect of a set of 1:72 US manned boosters side-by-side...
...that's precisely why I haven't (yet) cancelled my order. |
Ironman One
Member Posts: 52
From: Ormond Beach, FL USA
Registered: Sep 2011
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posted 01-05-2012 09:45 AM
The biggest disappointment for me is the finishing and painting. How Dragon can spend all this money on design and tooling then throw on a sloppy paint job is beyond me (my old pre-built Cox Saturn V from the 70's has a better paint job). Also I don't understand why the BPC does not separate from the capsule, not to mention the interstage? If Dragon follows with a Titan and Atlas, they may have similar problems. I was hoping to purchase the entire "fleet" of boosters, however with what I've seen, I don't think I will. Sad. I will stay with my Revell, Estes and Nick Proach models. |
randyc
Member Posts: 598
From: Highlands Ranch, CO USA
Registered: May 2003
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posted 01-05-2012 01:47 PM
I sure hope that I can replace the Command/Service Module and the LM Adapter with the Apollo 10 model. If that's possible I think it will really improve the overall apperance.I'm also considering replacing the base with one that looks like the bases used for the MSFC built models, or at least a round, wood base that's similar to some of the other models in my collection. |
apolloprojeckt
Member Posts: 743
From: arnhem netherlands
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 01-05-2012 02:09 PM
quote:
Originally posted by randyc:
I sure hope that I can replace the Command/Service Module and the LM Adapter with the Apollo 10 model. If that's possible I think it will really improve the overall appearance.
If it does not fit, a hobby saw creates miracles.  |
Philip
Member Posts: 4783
From: Brussels, Belgium
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 01-07-2012 05:25 AM
Availability in Europe = medio January 2012 |
p51
Member Posts: 733
From: Olympia, WA, USA
Registered: Sep 2011
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posted 01-07-2012 07:45 PM
This is why I absolutely NEVER pre-order anything. I've heard too many horror stories over the years about such items where all the fans go bonkers and try to one-up each other with how early they ordered. And in the end, not only to the pre-order people rarely get said item long before anyone else, they often regret not waiting to see what it looked like first. |
robert_l
Member Posts: 92
From: Dundee,Scotland
Registered: Jul 2008
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posted 01-11-2012 11:29 AM
I think this is amazing. Always wanted a big Saturn V so will be ordering this at the end of the month. Hope they do a IB also. |
jjknap
Member Posts: 113
From: Bourbonnais, IL USA
Registered: Apr 2011
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posted 01-11-2012 06:34 PM
In stock at eztoys.com |
GoesTo11
Member Posts: 992
From: Denver, CO USA
Registered: Jun 2004
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posted 01-12-2012 07:36 PM
For anyone else who pre-ordered with The Flying Mule, they expect to have theirs available for shipping mid-next week. |
Philip
Member Posts: 4783
From: Brussels, Belgium
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 01-13-2012 09:36 AM
Saturn V at 1/72 still listed as a future release in the Netherlands. |
garyd2831
Member Posts: 427
From: Syracuse, New York, USA
Registered: Oct 2009
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posted 01-18-2012 08:40 PM
Flying Mule has it listed in stock now. So all of us who pre-ordered ours will hopefully be seeing it soon.Even if its not perfect, its still a good price for such a large model. You would pay more for a wooden replica with even less detail. I know because I sold one a few months ago that was 1/96 scale and had all sorts of flaws. I will probably touch up any areas that I feel are a little lacking. Again this will be on display in the vertical position 99% percent of the time. |
jjknap
Member Posts: 113
From: Bourbonnais, IL USA
Registered: Apr 2011
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posted 01-18-2012 09:26 PM
quote:
Originally posted by garyd2831:
Flying Mule has it listed in stock now. So all of us who pre-ordered ours will hopefully be seeing it soon.
I keep looking for some updated pictures on the Flying Mule site. Looking forward to getting mine from them next week.Update: The pictures are updated now on the site. It looks pretty good  |
garyd2831
Member Posts: 427
From: Syracuse, New York, USA
Registered: Oct 2009
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posted 01-18-2012 09:38 PM
Probably the first thing I noticed that is incorrect our the white colored fins. I believe they were actually silver in color? |
Daugherty54
Member Posts: 265
From: Cabot, Arkansas, USA
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 01-18-2012 10:22 PM
Phil's Hobby Shop has it in stock, free shipping, total price $183.49. I couldn't pass that up even with the noted deficiencies. |
dog320
Member Posts: 49
From: West Sussex, United Kingdom
Registered: Jul 2010
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posted 01-19-2012 08:27 AM
quote:
Originally posted by garyd2831:
Probably the first thing I noticed that is incorrect our the white colored fins. I believe they were actually silver in color?
Yeah, I mentioned that to Dragon months ago, they just don't listen. Still, should be an easy re-paint if you feel so inclined. |
garyd2831
Member Posts: 427
From: Syracuse, New York, USA
Registered: Oct 2009
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posted 01-19-2012 08:37 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Daugherty54:
Phil's Hobby Shop has it in stock, free shipping, total price $183.49.
Man, that makes me want to see if its to late to cancel my pre-order with Flying Mule and go with Phil's Hobby for the nearly $40 savings. |
cycleroadie
Member Posts: 235
From: Apalachin, NY USA
Registered: May 2011
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posted 01-19-2012 11:10 AM
Just checked Phil's; up to $198.49 now.Update: Phil's is sold out. |
Ironman One
Member Posts: 52
From: Ormond Beach, FL USA
Registered: Sep 2011
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posted 01-19-2012 02:04 PM
Did Dragon clean up the painting on this or are these airbrushed photos on Flying Mule's website? Maybe I will purchase a couple of these. I do wish at least the BPC would separate though. |
Henk Boshuijer
Member Posts: 379
From: Netherlands
Registered: May 2007
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posted 01-19-2012 05:39 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Philip:
Saturn V at 1/72 still listed as a future release in the Netherlands.
The model has arrived at the shop. |
garyd2831
Member Posts: 427
From: Syracuse, New York, USA
Registered: Oct 2009
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posted 01-19-2012 06:45 PM
quote:
Originally posted by dog320:
Still, should be an easy re-paint if you feel so inclined.
Very true, it would be easy to repaint them silver in color. Anyone producing the decals (A,B,C & D) for the the fins? |
BMckay
Member Posts: 1895
From: MA, USA
Registered: Sep 2002
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posted 01-19-2012 06:47 PM
Local shop in Massachusetts wants $300 for it. Not sure yet if I will get one. |
dog320
Member Posts: 49
From: West Sussex, United Kingdom
Registered: Jul 2010
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posted 01-20-2012 02:07 AM
quote:
Originally posted by garyd2831:
Anyone producing the decals (A,B,C & D) for the the fins?
Gary, if you look closely at the fin markings they are on a white background. So for a slightly harder re-paint you could just mask these off and paint silver around them. |
apolloprojeckt
Member Posts: 743
From: arnhem netherlands
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 01-20-2012 05:24 AM
The first two arrived this morning. The mailman (UPS) was struggling with the big box, sweat on his forehead. The size of the top box is about the size of a refrigerator for two of these 1/72 rockets.  
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apolloprojeckt
Member Posts: 743
From: arnhem netherlands
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 01-20-2012 05:41 AM
I have looked at the model parts. The quality of the paint and details I give a seven. For the model builder this is a very good model to upgrade, because they could definitely use this model. It is a model for the exterior appearance, quality of workmanship and plastic is outstanding against.I'm curious what other collectors will be saying in the coming week.  
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garyd2831
Member Posts: 427
From: Syracuse, New York, USA
Registered: Oct 2009
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posted 01-20-2012 06:41 AM
I can't wait to mine arrives next week. I actually hope they do offer this with the Skylab faring and paint scheme.I do agree that these could use some nice dark oak wooden bases similar to the ones I have seen at the Marshall Space Flight Center. |
apolloprojeckt
Member Posts: 743
From: arnhem netherlands
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 01-20-2012 06:46 AM
quote:
Originally posted by randyc:
I sure hope that I can replace the Command/Service Module and the LM Adapter with the Apollo 10 model.
I have replaced the Command/Service Module and the LM Adapter with the Apollo 10 model on the Saturn V 1/72.Not so difficult, 15 minutes and it was ready. The ring on the third stage you can easily get through to wobble. The remaining small glue spots are pulled off by gently sanding, and then the job is ready. Very different appearance to the Revell 1/96 let's say (more photos here).  
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garyd2831
Member Posts: 427
From: Syracuse, New York, USA
Registered: Oct 2009
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posted 01-20-2012 07:12 AM
You didn't waist any time... that looks great!With the 1/72 Saturn V and the soon to be Mercury Redstone, maybe we can have a nice display like Wernher von Braun has behind his desk at the Marshall. Maybe we can convince Dragon to build a Jupiter C, Mercury Atlas, Gemini Titan, Saturn 1B and some of the variations of the Saturn 1. |
cspg
Member Posts: 4009
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 01-20-2012 02:08 PM
Mercury-Atlas and Gemini Titan would be neat. |
cspg
Member Posts: 4009
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 01-20-2012 02:16 PM
quote:
Originally posted by apolloprojeckt:
The mailman (UPS) was struggling with the big box, sweat on his forehead.
And another upcoming weird look on my mailman... |
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