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  Worth refinishing base of vintage Apollo LM?

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Author Topic:   Worth refinishing base of vintage Apollo LM?
davidcwagner
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Posts: 799
From: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 07-01-2017 09:29 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for davidcwagner   Click Here to Email davidcwagner     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I have an Apollo lunar module model similar to the one in this RR auction.

My model is in better condition, but the base is scuffed and faded. Is it worth refinishing the wooden base to match the one in the auction?

Jurg Bolli
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Posts: 977
From: Albuquerque, NM
Registered: Nov 2000

posted 07-01-2017 10:53 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Jurg Bolli   Click Here to Email Jurg Bolli     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I have no idea about the value of this but if it makes you happy to have the base redone, then go ahead and do it, I doubt you'll regret it! I am sure it will look great.

Rick Mulheirn
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Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001

posted 07-02-2017 10:35 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Mulheirn   Click Here to Email Rick Mulheirn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
To get a good finish David I think you would have to remove the brass plaque and the plastic stand holding the decent stage engine locating pins. I've never tried it myself but if you can remove them successfully I would go for it. A nicely done base would set the model off beautifully.

Chuckster01
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Posts: 873
From: Orlando, FL
Registered: Jan 2014

posted 07-02-2017 11:35 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Chuckster01   Click Here to Email Chuckster01     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Not to be the black sheep in the thread but I always believe original is better for collector resale value. As with most antiques, if not done perfectly it could greatly diminish the value of the model.

If done as a top quality restoration to original it could enhance that value. I personally do not have the skill needed to perform such a restoration and would not risk such a rare model to try.

capoetc
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Posts: 2169
From: McKinney TX (USA)
Registered: Aug 2005

posted 07-02-2017 10:49 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for capoetc   Click Here to Email capoetc     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Is it possible to make a new round wooden base to display the model? Then you can enjoy displaying it while preserving the original model for the future.

freshspot
unregistered
posted 07-03-2017 04:15 AM           Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I'm with capoetc - I would keep the original as is and then make a new base for display purposes.

Larry McGlynn
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Posts: 1255
From: Boston, MA
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 07-03-2017 03:51 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Larry McGlynn   Click Here to Email Larry McGlynn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
As a collector, I would want to restore the base. A good furniture restorer or local cabinet maker could do the job without taking the brass plaque off. The plastic center support probably unscrews from the bottom.

Rick Mulheirn
Member

Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001

posted 07-03-2017 04:47 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Mulheirn   Click Here to Email Rick Mulheirn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
For what it's worth Larry, on the VIP bases the plastic centre piece is merely glued in to place. It looks a tad amateurish to be honest but thankfully the model hides it for the most part.

It is worth mentioning also that the base in my post above was made from scratch to the exact specifications as an original. Only the brass plaque is original.

I was fortunate to attend a local craft show several years ago and found a craftsman skilled in wood turning. I sourced the walnut and the dimensions... and he turned the wood. I then varnished the base, attached the green beize beneath and secured the central support and the plaque.

I kept the original perspex base.

davidcwagner
Member

Posts: 799
From: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 07-03-2017 06:17 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for davidcwagner   Click Here to Email davidcwagner     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thanks for all the advice. I will leave as is for now.

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