posted 06-25-2015 10:53 PM               

This was a good excuse to finally get back to work on my Mercury project. I'll post more about the other props and sets as we go. The link above will get you to Ryan's suit and here is a little about the capsule.

I always wanted to make it so others could build it. I have been approached by several small museums and science centers through the years about building them a replica. It's pretty labor intensive but I thought providing a basic kit and letting the user cut and fit all the pre-formed shingles would save time for me and money for them.

A basic kit would include the complete structure, all the shingles, window parts, recovery section, fasteners, and detailed instructions. This would allow the user to build an exterior replica for very cheap and add to it later as time and/or money permitted. The shingles require trimming with scissors but no other fabrication is required. The film director has called it an Ikea style kit. A heat shield kit, antenna fairing, and interior parts would all be options.

posted 06-26-2015 08:36 AM               

I tried lots of things and eventually settled on black 0.030 polystyrene. It looks pretty good raw but if it gets painted, scratches won't show as bad. Its thin enough to look like the real ones yet thick enough to be durable once formed. Its a bit pricy compared to other plastics (white is much cheaper) but it still gets each panel under $5 material cost which was an original arbitrary goal.

posted 07-04-2015 10:58 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by mode1charlie:
Late to this thread, but is the idea (aside from making the film) also to manufacture additional Mercury capsule mockups and offer them for sale?

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Lauren contacted me to see if I could help or point him in the right direction. He went looking for one and to even rent one was a major hit to his budget. The shipping and insurance was going to be more than the rental!

I needed an excuse to get back on my personal project and this was a good one. I liked his story and idea so I offered to help. I am supplying my time and capsule for free. Shipping the parts to his studio and assembling it there is a test of the concept of providing partial kits or parts for others to build one day.

I would be interested in supporting the right science center or small museums in the future. I understand how cost prohibitive it is for these small places trying to share space history. This all started as a project just for me to build my own replica and share the design with others. I don't want to be pressured as this was never intended to really be a business venture but I always wanted to share it, somehow...

We won't need detailed parts like the recovery section or heat shield for the movie. I still need to finalize these parts but don't have time before filming. When we are done filming and I get these parts finished, I'll see what it will take to actually sell them. I have to come up with a price and want to compensate all the friends that have helped me thru the years before I think about me. It has just always been easier to do it gratis.

posted 10-03-2015 11:20 PM               

I did all the original computer work for them years ago. I have provided computer files of the geometry for CNC cutting panels. I have also seen them printed and framed full size and they looked really nice

The movie didn't get funded and I haven't done much since. I'll get back to it soon when my garage gets below 100F (I live in AZ) . Several museums and other interested parties have contacted me for 'short kits'

I need to finish some engineering and prototyping for the heat shield and Recovery section. These were not part of the movie prop.