posted 04-07-2022 11:25 AM
That's more a red plum than a red apple.
Guswastheman Member
Posts: 158 From: Gresham, OR Registered: Apr 2011
posted 04-22-2022 06:17 PM
Ran across BigBadToyStore, and they have the Blitzway Apollo 11 Astronaut (LM-5 A7L Space Suit Ver.) First Moon Landing 1/4 Superb Scale Statue in stock for $849.99 with $4.00 flat shipping cost. This is the lowest total price I have seen.
My total was $853.99 and states delivery is 6 to 9 Days, with the flat rate shipping.
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2864 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 04-24-2022 02:37 PM
I purchased one as well except I was charged $62.26 more for sales tax, for a $916.26 total. I truly hope they are in fact in stock.
Guswastheman Member
Posts: 158 From: Gresham, OR Registered: Apr 2011
posted 04-25-2022 11:18 AM
On Friday, when I placed my order online, BigBadToyStore was closed.
Wanting to confirm that the figure was truly in stock and that the flat rate shipping cost of $4.00 was accurate, I gave them a call. I found their customer service to be exceptional and the answers to both questions were YES! I live in Oregon, which has no sales tax, so not sure if your state does, if they collect it at purchase or not.
The 411 on their inventory was explained to me that they had ordered and received 70 individual units. Out of those 70, 65 were purchased previously as a pre-order, leaving five available. I know that one other cS member also placed an order on Friday after reading my original post and as of 10 minutes ago, they had three remaining units.
garymilgrom Member
Posts: 2093 From: Atlanta, GA Registered: Feb 2007
posted 04-25-2022 01:38 PM
Purchased as well, looking forward to this large model. Thanks for the tips here.
randyc Member
Posts: 851 From: Denver, CO USA Registered: May 2003
posted 04-25-2022 02:17 PM
They are now sold out from BigBadToyStore.
Is there any information on how many of these figurines were made and whether more will be made after the first production run is sold out?
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2864 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 04-25-2022 04:55 PM
Website says "In Stock" just now?
David C Member
Posts: 1357 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
posted 04-26-2022 04:50 AM
Well, I’ve decided to give this a miss. It’s impressively massive, but for the price it’s just doesn’t seem to be a big enough improvement over the DID releases in terms of accuracy.
I look forward to you guys posting pictures and making me regret this.
Guswastheman Member
Posts: 158 From: Gresham, OR Registered: Apr 2011
posted 04-27-2022 06:17 PM
I just received my shipping notification from FedEx that the package has been picked up and will be arriving on Tuesday.
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2864 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 04-30-2022 03:00 PM
The astronaut arrived today. Bullet proof packaging. Nice model and impressive for size.
The LM leg is a smooth shiny chrome type material. It is not covered in kapton or mylar. The astronaut is done well, however I am not a spacesuit expert. It needs an antenna on the PLSS for a model this size as has been mentioned.
Overall I am pleased with having one.
randyc Member
Posts: 851 From: Denver, CO USA Registered: May 2003
posted 04-30-2022 04:24 PM
Was the environmental sample container available or used on Apollo 11? There's a photo of Alan Bean holding one used during the Apollo 12 mission but I haven't seen any photos showing that one was used during the Apollo 11 mission.
David C Member
Posts: 1357 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
posted 05-01-2022 04:00 AM
Not to my knowledge.
It does look big and impressive, but I'm happy with my decision. No PLSS aerial. Some wrong colors. No LM restraint points. Armstrong didn't wear his Speedmaster outside. I also don't find the way they've done the gauntlets convincing. The white and grey look like two separate garments.
The DID figure has errors too, but being smaller, they're less obvious.
oly Member
Posts: 1405 From: Perth, Western Australia Registered: Apr 2015
posted 05-07-2022 05:10 AM
Adam Savage Reviews Blitzway's 1/4 Scale Apollo 11 Astronaut!
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2864 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 05-07-2022 02:18 PM
While watching this I just kept thinking "read and follow the instructions." The instructions clearly tell you to put the ring on the leg first (Adam had to take it apart to install this). It also states to put the leg on first and then the astronaut as well as being careful in placing the astronaut's hand on the rung of the ladder so that it does not get damaged.
While Adam made a big deal about the Omega watch, and it is well done, I am planning on removing the watch as Armstrong did not wear it. He talked about doing some weathering, but I would rather spend the effort on the PLSS antenna that is an obvious miss (they should have skipped the watch and added the antenna).
The other item that needs work is the plaque on the leg. It needs a cover, and in this case, it would not be taking anything away as the plaque is not accurate anyway. The plaque does not have any of the signatures and at the bottom it says, "APOLLO 11 Humanity's Greatest Adventure."
It is a great model and if I never touch it, it is still a wonderful addition to the Kollection.
randyc Member
Posts: 851 From: Denver, CO USA Registered: May 2003
posted 05-07-2022 04:41 PM
I'm also removing the watch. If anyone plans to make a cover for the plaque and a PLSS antenna I will buy them. A flag carrier would be nice as well, especially if it can be attached to the ladder without having to glue it in place.
I'm also not displaying the model with the environmental sample container. I'm not aware of one being used on the Apollo 11 mission and even if it was used it wasn't in Armstrong's hand when he first stepped on the surface.
Mike Dixon Member
Posts: 1625 From: Kew, Victoria, Australia Registered: May 2003
posted 05-07-2022 05:33 PM
With that level of detail, I'm a little surprised they didn't include the names on the plaque. But it's a fine piece.
holcombeyates Member
Posts: 307 From: UK Registered: Dec 2010
posted 05-08-2022 02:26 AM
No yo yo on the belt?
hbw60 Member
Posts: 284 From: Registered: Aug 2018
posted 05-08-2022 02:48 AM
quote:Originally posted by Mike Dixon: With that level of detail, I'm a little surprised they didn't include the names on the plaque. But it's a fine piece.
I'm sure it's for legal reasons. Neil Armstrong sued Hallmark for using his name/voice on a Christmas ornament without his permission. Dave Scott sued Bulova for using his name/image in their marketing materials. Both of them won. And there are probably other examples. So I'm sure Blitzway did this specifically to avoid lawsuits from the astronauts or their families.
It's a shame they didn't try to get permission to use their names. Neil's children are always happy to make money from their father's legacy, Buzz has spent decades specifically trying to make deals like this, and Mike always seemed easygoing about things. For a small fee, they could have added the names, they could have added Neil's name to the nameplate rather than a generic "astronaut" title, and they could have added a lifting visor to reveal Neil's face. I would happily pay an extra $500 for that. It's a beautiful statue, but the obvious attempt to avoid the names tarnishes the impact a bit.
David C Member
Posts: 1357 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
posted 05-08-2022 06:30 AM
quote:Originally posted by hbw60: ...the obvious attempt to avoid the names tarnishes the impact a bit.
It does, but as mentioned, the plaque should be covered anyhow.
What should be there are three clearly visible red name tags: on the OPS, RCU and PLSS. I guess someone could produce a bunch, and they could be attached with white glue which is non-permanent and doesn't deface.
JoeA New Member
Posts: 8 From: Macomb Township, MI USA Registered: Apr 2012
posted 05-08-2022 03:03 PM
Mine came with two LH moonboot covers. Contacted the supplier I got it from to see about an exchange. Can't have Neil with two left feet while stepping on the moon.
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2864 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 05-10-2022 09:17 AM
I fashioned an antenna for the astronaut. It is just a bent piece of 0.25 inch wide 3-inch long aluminum. I bent a small flange on the end and right now it is just tucked under the flap of one of the OPS cover. I plan on attaching with a small screw once I find one I like in the size I like.
What do those who have thought about adding antenna think. Does it add to the model?
garymilgrom Member
Posts: 2093 From: Atlanta, GA Registered: Feb 2007
posted 05-10-2022 01:40 PM
Yes it adds to the model. I’m planning to do the same and will use your dimensions. Thanks! Is your antenna round or flat? I’ve heard the latter is correct.
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2864 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 05-10-2022 05:57 PM
Yes, it is flat.
David C Member
Posts: 1357 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
posted 05-10-2022 06:08 PM
Is it flat, or is it like a metal tape measure? That’s my dim memory from the distant past. That way it could fold without breaking and still spring straight up. Convex on the outside when stowed.
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2864 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 05-10-2022 06:21 PM
You are correct. Hard to replicate at that scale. I plan to thin the one I show here a little, the tape measure comparison is a good one.
JoeA New Member
Posts: 8 From: Macomb Township, MI USA Registered: Apr 2012
posted 05-10-2022 06:55 PM
Looking at actual pictures of the OPS and comparing the width of the 1" nameplates, it looks to me that would fall more in line to 3/16" wide. Then looking at the schematic of the OPS the antenna would be about 10.25" long (1/4 = 2.56").
I went on eBay looking for an 3/16" aluminum strip, and I found that a company (Spain) makes them in a convex shape and are about 3-3/4" long. They use them for the bridge nose support on mask. Can order 50 of them for $4. I am gonna give that a try.
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2864 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 05-11-2022 11:53 AM
I think I could agree with the length as I had thought the penetration was closer to the end thus when I gauged it I had it too long. The width I struggle with as using this photo and the info on this PLSS cS thread I feel the original is 1 inch wide thus 0.25 inch in scale.
JoeA New Member
Posts: 8 From: Macomb Township, MI USA Registered: Apr 2012
posted 05-12-2022 06:30 PM
I was kinda going along knowing that name tags are a standard 1" wide, and looking at this picture from NASA, the antenna is smaller in width. But whatever you think his best is right for you.
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2864 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 05-12-2022 07:16 PM
Interesting with that perspective, it does look close to 3/16" in that view. Thanks.
DG27 Member
Posts: 223 From: USA Registered: Nov 2010
posted 05-13-2022 03:13 AM
The rectangular hole in the OPS Beta cloth cover where the antenna comes out measures 3/4 inch wide. Also, for reference, the circular snaps on the cover measure at 9/16 inch in diameter. You should be able to scale the antenna width from these measurements.
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2864 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 05-13-2022 09:29 AM
It is finished! Well, as far as the antenna goes. With input from many folks here I went with 3/16 inches wide and 2.56 inches long. I believe that looks best. Thanks!
What I did (purists stop reading): I used the photos posted here to position the antenna. Using a light green marker, I made a square on the area to replicate the green fitting seen in the photos. Using a tang from a report type cover (see photo) which is 3/16 inches wide I cut to length and added approximately 1/4 inch to bend over a flange. The I used a new sharp exacto knife blade to cut a slot in the cover. Finally, using gel super glue on the top and bottom of the flange, I slid it in the slot and applied pressure. Done.
A couple of things: I polished the antenna with fine steel wool prior to bending. The snaps on the OPS are decorative, not like the ones Adam Savage showed in the video. Under the OPS flap is just more cloth, not more detail. I ended up using a small drop of gel super glue under the button to reattach it. The super glue I use was Gorilla gel brand and it adhered to the cloth quickly.
As you see, I removed the watch and the sample container. I am not sure if I am covering the plaque just yet. I am thinking a decal over the existing one that is correct. I have some 0.020 aluminum sheet in the non-tempered (O condition for all you M&P engineers out there) and using that I could form a retaining flange on one side but it is the latch I am not figuring out just yet. Looking for ideas from all of you.
garymilgrom Member
Posts: 2093 From: Atlanta, GA Registered: Feb 2007
posted 05-13-2022 03:04 PM
My attempt at the PLSS antenna on this 1/4 scale beauty. A friend told me it was flat, any other errors are mine. But a nice addition no matter how accurate.
JoeA New Member
Posts: 8 From: Macomb Township, MI USA Registered: Apr 2012
posted 05-13-2022 11:22 PM
I do not know why Blitzway shows the tether being hooked to the RCU's OPS actuator. Figure if Neil stumbled and it pulled on that, think a lot of bad things could have happened. I believe the tether was connected to the suit harness hook that is hanging on the body.
I bought some brown 1/4" wide Grosgrain Plain Ribbon off eBay and plan to change that tether strap out.
quote:Originally posted by DG27: The rectangular hole in the OPS Beta cloth cover where the antenna comes out measures 3/4 inch wide.
If the cutout is 3/4" and the snaps 9/16" then it looks like the antenna is around 1/2" wide... (1/4 scale) of 1/8" wide. Will have to look at this and compare to the 3/16".
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2864 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 05-14-2022 08:35 AM
I am working on a cover for the plaque and as you can see below it doesn't really look too bad at all. Using 0.020 inch thick aluminum, it is 2 3/8" wide and 3 1/8" long. You may want to check the width on your own model in case there are some manufacturing variations.
I made a paper template because the plaque on the model is 0.150" thick so you can see on the paper template below you have to use a square type retaining flange on this particular model.
I cut out the aluminum flat to include the two sections of 0.0150" flange width. I then scored the lines with an exacto knife. Do not press too hard, I went a little hard and it's very close to snapping off if I play with it too much. I bent the inside line using a vice, then the second line I used a pair of pliers because you can't see that as it will be hidden underneath the plaque as it was more difficult to form.
Then once I had the flange created I just placed the piece in the palm of my hand and then rubbed it with my thumb to get it to go curved you'll have to play with it to make it fit your model.
Okay, any ideas for a latch would be appreciated. I'm going to go look at G scale train model accessories as it is close to a 1/4 scale. More to come.
JohnPaul56 Member
Posts: 260 From: Montclair, NJ, USA Registered: Apr 2010
posted 05-14-2022 10:40 AM
Can you raise the gold visor on the Blitzway Apollo 11 astronaut model to reveal Neil's face? And a follow up question,(maybe not for this topic), did Neil have his gold visor down when he stepped on the moon?
You can't really tell from the initial 16mm film taken from the LM if its down when he steps off the footpad. Although later on, in you can clearly see Neil's face while on the surface.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48864 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-14-2022 10:55 AM
Armstrong was in the lunar module's shadow as he came down the ladder. He appears to have his golden visor up when he takes his first step, as we later see him lower it once he walks out into the sunlight to collect the contingency sample.
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2864 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 05-14-2022 02:50 PM
Neither the visor nor sunshades move.
garymilgrom Member
Posts: 2093 From: Atlanta, GA Registered: Feb 2007
posted 05-14-2022 03:05 PM
Nice cover Fred.
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2864 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 05-15-2022 02:23 PM
I figured there was no way I was going to find a latch that looked anything like the original, so I did a little bit of sheet metal work and, while it's not perfect, it's close enough.
Just don't zoom in too close.
apolloprojeckt Member
Posts: 1517 From: Arnhem, Netherlands Registered: Feb 2009
posted 04-07-2022 11:25 AM
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