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  Grumman LM contractor model population

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Author Topic:   Grumman LM contractor model population
bklyn55
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Posts: 379
From: Milford, CT
Registered: Dec 2014

posted 03-24-2021 11:07 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for bklyn55   Click Here to Email bklyn55     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Anybody know how many Apollo lunar module models Grumman made?

I'm talking final configuration with pre-Apollo 11 quote on base. I purchased mine from the Grumman "store" when I worked there in early 1968. Yes, still have, and in one piece, though slightly yellowed with age (patina!).

Rick Mulheirn
Member

Posts: 4326
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001

posted 03-24-2021 01:52 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Mulheirn   Click Here to Email Rick Mulheirn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
This is a topic Andy Lagomarsino (aka Dr LEM) and I have discussed from time to time. Based on his experience of restoring these models for more than 20 years and our combined experience following online auctions of all kinds over many years our best guesstimate would be around 5,000 of the classic lunar module in both pre- and post-quote base formats.

That conclusion has also been based on historical context from Mark Johnson at Precise Models who has had in-depth insight from the original owners. He sent me details of a single order from Grumman dated, if memory serves me right, from 1971 for a single batch of 500.

Cost price $21.44 each. I'll take 3!!

bklyn55
Member

Posts: 379
From: Milford, CT
Registered: Dec 2014

posted 03-24-2021 04:43 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for bklyn55   Click Here to Email bklyn55     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I think I paid about $25.

davidcwagner
Member

Posts: 875
From: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 03-24-2021 06:35 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for davidcwagner   Click Here to Email davidcwagner     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Any idea on the number of lunar module models with the mahogany bases?

Rick Mulheirn
Member

Posts: 4326
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001

posted 03-24-2021 07:24 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Mulheirn   Click Here to Email Rick Mulheirn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Personally, I have seen nothing to suggest how many models with the walnut base were made. I've heard them referred to as VIP models, but contractor models given to the UK Prime Minister by the Apollo 11 crew, and on a separate occasion to the UK minister for transport by Frank Borman were "bog standard" (non-quote base) perspex based models so I would imagine we are talking hundreds and not thousands.

Then again, the UK dignitaries in question may not have been VIP enough.

The BBC however did have a walnut base model during their Apollo coverage.

All times are CT (US)

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