|
Author
|
Topic: Building a 1:32 scale Apollo-Soyuz model
|
holcombeyates
Member Posts: 331
From: UK
Registered: Dec 2010
|
posted 02-18-2016 08:47 AM
   
For a long time I have thought about building a 1/32nd scale Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) model. I have an Apollo command and service module and plan to grab hold of an ogonek Soyuz to modify. Before I do that I would (scratch) build the docking module. Has anyone attempted this before? I can't find any kits or 3D printing models. Would be a nice model when complete. Any advice welcome. Thanks. |
Daugherty54
Member Posts: 622
From: Cabot, Arkansas, USA
Registered: Sep 2010
|
posted 02-18-2016 10:53 AM
On eBay there are occasionally 1/30 Ogonek Soyuz kits for sale around $100. Not terribly detailed but a good starting point.
|
holcombeyates
Member Posts: 331
From: UK
Registered: Dec 2010
|
posted 02-20-2016 12:34 AM
I will look out for an Ogonek Soyuz but must make the docking module first, otherwise I will buy the kit and it will just sit on the shelf. |
holcombeyates
Member Posts: 331
From: UK
Registered: Dec 2010
|
posted 08-12-2017 01:34 PM
Would appreciate any more pointers on building a 1/32 scale ASTP model.I have the Apollo CSM but would have to scratch-build the docking module and modify an Ogonyek Soyuz model. Any pointers on scratch-building this would be really appreciated or as I am really constrained by time where I might get hold of a kit or 3D printed version. Thanks. |
jgoldader
Member Posts: 23
From:
Registered: May 2011
|
posted 08-13-2017 12:52 PM
If I were approaching the project, my first problem to solve would be, how will I support the three main pieces (Apollo, docking module, Soyuz)? Basically, you've got to figure out where the loads are going to be. The whole thing is going to be about 2.5 feet long and weigh a few pounds, I'd guess. If you want, say, a support rod to go into the docking module and bear much weight, then the module will have to be a lot stronger, physically, than if you're supporting each of the three main pieces (or even just the Apollo and Soyuz) and sort of having the docking module just connecting the two, but not supporting most of the weight.I'd probably look at using a thick styrene or ABS tube, sliding into sleeves in the ports of the two spacecraft, as the main structural member of the docking module, and the rest of the module's structure would simply be built around the tube. You might be able to get away with PVC pipe, depending on what adhesives/etc you want to work with (probably epoxy would be needed for PVC). Having the pipe slide into "sleeves" in the docking ports should work and would allow disassembly. But the more I think about it, the more I would recommend supporting the Apollo and Soyuz separately. If you're using the docking module to bear the whole load, then your next problem will be, how to transmit that load through the Apollo and Soyuz? You could end up with one really long piece of PVC that extends right through both spacecraft. And at a couple of feet long, the tube would bend... so my gut says, support the two spacecraft independently, don't expect the docking module to bear much load. There are a few dimensioned drawings out there, check out this page at NASA. And you should look for images taken during flight to get the docking module external details and such right. I know there's the one at NASM, but many of the covers and blankets, etc. are not installed on the Soyuz and docking module. Hope this helps! |
apolloprojeckt
Member Posts: 1568
From: Arnhem, Netherlands
Registered: Feb 2009
|
posted 08-13-2017 02:50 PM
Stephen Nichols' did this version already, beautiful piece! 
|
holcombeyates
Member Posts: 331
From: UK
Registered: Dec 2010
|
posted 08-14-2017 05:27 AM
Many thanks for the information. This would be quite a build. I think I will start with the DM and complete the CSM and DM part first (when time allows).I am great at starting models and ideas but the finishing off is another matter... is it just me or are there other modelers out there like me? |
history in miniature
Member Posts: 648
From: Slatington, PA
Registered: Mar 2009
|
posted 08-15-2017 12:55 PM
Here's a picture of the docking module in progress. |
holcombeyates
Member Posts: 331
From: UK
Registered: Dec 2010
|
posted 02-02-2023 02:31 PM
It has been a while. Keen to share some of my work on the 1/32nd ASTP model – specifically the adapted Soyuz model. The docking section took the most time and was scratch built – quite a bit of kit bashing but as this started in lockdown, can anyone spot the bits taken from a covid testing kit?  The scratchbuilt periscope and docking targets are almost complete and just needs to be attached. Quite a learning curve with Alclad paints to paint the docking mechanism, but I am a convert.  At this rate it maybe finished to coincide with the 50th anniversary!! Now to go back to the Apollo CSM. I have just got hold of a New Ware Apollo external detail set, look excellent. The one remaining challenge that I have is to paint the Soyuz solar panels. Not clear what colour they are painted – all help and advice appreciated. I am tempted to just paint them white and be done with it. |
apolloprojeckt
Member Posts: 1568
From: Arnhem, Netherlands
Registered: Feb 2009
|
posted 02-02-2023 02:46 PM
Very nice!! |
holcombeyates
Member Posts: 331
From: UK
Registered: Dec 2010
|
posted 04-04-2025 08:44 AM
Finally, I am delighted to say that I have finally finished by ASTP model in 1/32nd scale.The finished result makes for a big model at approximately 70cm long, but it lends itself to display beautifully and continues to be a great source of pride. The final display has both spacecraft just feet apart prior to docking as I felt this made a more dynamic display than having them ‘hard docked’ together. It is my biggest and longest build so for and likely to be for considerable time. I am definitely taking taking a short break from another big build (and summer is coming!), my thoughts now drift towards a future build of a Soyuz LOK lunar orbiter from an ogonyek Soyuz kit or typically going one further, even docked with a scratch-built LK lunar Lander. The finishing touch will be to order a custom-built acrylic Perspex box that allows my model to be displayed and viewed from all sides. It also protects those numerous delicate structures I built by hand (especially on the front end of the Soyuz), preserving it for what I hope will be many enjoyable years to come. Thank you for all your suggestions and support during this build. I hope you like the end result.  
|
GACspaceguy
Member Posts: 3169
From: Guyton, GA
Registered: Jan 2006
|
posted 04-04-2025 08:56 AM
That is very impressive! |
mode1charlie
Member Posts: 1492
From: Honolulu, HI
Registered: Sep 2010
|
posted 04-04-2025 03:11 PM
Very, very nice!
|
Jurg Bolli
Member Posts: 1254
From: Albuquerque, NM
Registered: Nov 2000
|
posted 04-04-2025 06:01 PM
Great model! |
Joel Katzowitz
Member Posts: 896
From: Marietta GA USA
Registered: Dec 1999
|
posted 04-05-2025 06:13 AM
I'm not a model builder but that is quite an impressive piece of work!!! Not to mention the dedication, in time and effort, to get it finished. |
holcombeyates
Member Posts: 331
From: UK
Registered: Dec 2010
|
posted 04-07-2025 03:34 AM
Thank you for your kind words gents, delighted you like it, now for the next space build! |
advertisement