posted 08-13-2007 07:21 PM               

I'd also like a set of your repro patches -- please put me on the list!

Putting together a Molly Brown patch is sort of a personal pet project of mine and I'm pretty far along w/ the supplier, so I'm going to press forward. I'm not worried about the duplicated effort on my part, and you were planning to make one anyway, so it's a "wash" as we say in the States. Perhaps the patches I'm putting together will have a niche appeal among those who are Gus Grissom or John Young fans but don't want (or need) the rest of the Gemini reproductions.

posted 09-26-2007 02:32 PM               

I recently met with my manufacturer (the guy who owns the firm that produced the Spaceview patches until a couple of years ago). His verdict on our plans: very hard to do on modern machines.

In his opinion, it will be impossible to recreate the 'uneven' effect of stitching that was so typical of embroidery machines from the sixties.

Also, these machines made bigger stitches than current ones, and used cotton thread that was substantially thicker ans shinier than modern polyester yarn.

I think we might get away with the patches that were not 100% embroidered; that leaves Gem 9. 10 and 12 as problem cases...

The only solution to this situation my patchmaker could come up with; find an embroidery company that still operates Shiffley embroidery machines. It is the only way to approach the 'old fashioned look' that we need for quality repro's.

There must be at least one US manufacturer still doing that; it is providing the US Army with patches.

So, do any of you out there in the States know of a manufacturer who has a functioning Shiffley machine available for private, small run orders? Perhaps AB still has one stashed away in its basement? ;o)

posted 10-15-2007 03:30 PM               

When Luc offered (very generously) to shepherd this project, I was under the impression that most of us who jumped on board were interested mainly because of our frustration with currently available mass-market Gemini patches, which (with a couple of exceptions) do not accurately reflect the original designs...For example, patches with crew names when the originals had none, etc.

My own view is that "our" Gemini repros should reflect the original designs as accurately as possible...WITHIN REASON. My concern from some of the most recent developments is that when we're talking about mimicking 1960's production traits, flaws, etc. that the set will wind up being prohibitively expensive for some of us, or it may not see production at all.

posted 10-15-2007 03:46 PM               

As they are mainly in use for one particular US client, AB is currently looking into the possibilities of our little project. Should this fail to produce any favourable results, I will certainly propose to go for modern-looking versions of the Gemini patches, but matching the astronaut-worn designs.

From the ouset I stated that I was aiming for millimeter-precise, stitch-by-stitch reproductions. I would like to research the possibilities until choices are exhausted, then move on to my trusted manufacturer to produce 'acceptable' reproductions. That is, if most here agree with me.

posted 12-04-2007 01:40 PM               

Robert is trying to find out whether AB in Weaverville will be able to make reproductions to the quality of the recent STS-120, which I thought had some of the 'old' look to it, especially compared with some recent Shuttle patches.

So, as I envisage it, we would have Gemini 5, 6, 7, 8 and 11 produced with my regular producer; the 100% embroidered Gemini 9, 10 and 12 by AB.

Promise to keep you posted... spring '08 should see us with the reproductions added to our collections.

posted 12-05-2007 09:27 PM               

Question: Why can't all the mission reproductions be done by the same manufacturer?

posted 12-06-2007 07:13 AM               

It's understandable that Luc would use his regular embroidery company if they have assured him that the patches with the twill backgrounds can be recreated to the specs he provides. Obviously, with the few that require 100% embroidery he believes that AB will do a better job.

Having met him, I can assure you that Luc is dedicated to bringing us a quality product.

posted 12-12-2007 03:58 AM               

Has anyone seen the US Astronaut Hall of Fame Gemini 4 mission patch? The HOF is just outside of KSC. I was there last August and saw a presentation for Ed White that had a GT 4 patch. It reminds me greatly of the one listed from McDivitt at the Michigan Museum. The HOF patch is has a red background. Anyone know the history in this one? I have a picture if anyone needs it.

posted 01-30-2008 08:20 PM               

I was able to see the original at the Astronaut Hall of Fame this weekend and I'm satisfied I got as close as I could given the constraints of the project -- thanks to Bill Hunt and his great photo!

So, if you want a Molly Brown patch for your set, check out the FS: Molly Brown Commemorative Patch thread and order up! I have 26 of the greeting cards left. After that, simpler packaging.

posted 02-06-2008 03:49 AM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by Robert Pearlman:
There is a picture of the GT-IV Fliteline medal-based patch on page two of this very thread. It was photographed among items belonging to Jim McDivitt, however it's noted that it was given to him (rather than requested).

---

posted 02-06-2008 10:48 AM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by Bill Hunt:
Those who want a "flag" patch can simply obtain a Beta cloth flag, yes?

---

posted 02-06-2008 12:56 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by mjanovec:
Beta cloth never flew on Gemini.

---

quote:

---

So it would hardly be a suitable substitution.

---