posted 02-12-2018 02:31 PM               

There are two relatively minor issues with the model that I would like to remedy, and I am reaching out to the cS community for some assistance. For both of these issues, I would like to know if anyone else has a model like this one that can be used as a reference.

The first issue, which you can see in the photos above, is that my model is missing the landing footpads. I am planning on reproducing a set of replacement footpads, and with the help of Michael Key (keymichael1855) I will be attempting to design my first 3D printed parts. Hat tip to Fred Karst (GACSpaceguy) for connecting me with Michael. I would like my replacement parts to be as close to the original model's design as possible, as opposed to emulating the actual flown hardware. In other words, they would reflect some simplification and artistic license on the part of the MSFC modeler. I have found several period photos of this model, but none are clear enough or are of high enough resolution from which to get a good sense of the actual shape of the footpads or show how they had attached to the landing legs. Do any cS readers have good photos or plans, or an identical model that could be used as a reference for replacing the footpads?

The second issue is that the connection between the LEM ascent and descent stages is loose enough to produce a gap and causes the two stages to be misaligned. I cannot see a way to tighten up the gap between the stages without first fully separating them. And, therein lies the basic problem... the internal mechanism to release the stages is inoperative and I cannot separate them. The connections between all of the separable parts of the model are very well engineered, but it seems that this particular joint may have become worn out or broken. If anyone can provide photos or a schematic diagram for how the internal attach/detach mechanism works it may help me with my attempt at repair.

As a side note, the way in which this model was engineered is very impressive. Each of stage connections is built in such a way as to hide them in plain sight. To detach the CM from the Service Module, for example, the umbilical cable tunnel serves as a lever which, when pulled away from the SM, disengages an internal latch. Similarly, the LEM front hatch, when pressed, serves as the latch release to undock the ascent stage from the Command Module. The CM probe is even a good approximation to the real one. The LEM descent stage release (the one that currently doesn't work) is a button built into a raised section on the side of the octagonal structure. The MSFC model builders included a detailed photographic guide to assembly/disassembly on the bottom of the base (shown below).

posted 03-19-2018 05:30 PM               

Glenn recalls that the landing pads were stamped metal and attached to the legs with "some sort of solder." He went on to say that "the undersides of the pads were smooth [with] no fastener head evident."

With the new knowledge afforded by Glenn's images and description, I have a much better idea of how the original model's footpads looked. I don’t have a way to create stamped metal parts, and I would like to avoid permanently bonding the footpads to the model for preservation purposes. So, the original approach to use 3D printing suggested by Michael Key and Vincent Meens may still be the most promising way to go. How thin can stereolithography parts be made? Opinions/advice welcomed.

Glenn's photos also included some good views of the LEM ascent-to-decent stage linkage. From what I can see, the connections are identical to those of the other modules (SM-to-CM and CM-to-LEM ascent stage). The internal mechanism is still a mystery to me, but now that I can see the similarities I may be able to get some clues from the way the ascent-to-CM docking link is released by the ascent stage forward hatch button.

posted 03-19-2018 11:01 PM               

It may cost a couple hundred dollars, but given your investment, I'd think you'd be happy with the outcome, and it would be similar, if not identical, to the originals. You could use a little silver solder to attach them, or JB Weld, and then paint to match the rest of the landing gear.