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Author
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Topic: Dragon Models 1:72 Saturn V rocket model
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model maker
Member Posts: 130
From: NEVADA , USA
Registered: May 2012
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posted 10-07-2012 11:28 AM
  
I enjoy mine and was a little disappointed with the two seam lines and the fuzzy black overspray in some spots but as time has gone by I really don't notice it as much and have mine turned in a way to show the most detail and the seams are behind it. Can anyone tell me the best way to remove the "fuzzy looking black overspray onto the white areas? There are only a couple of spots but I would still like to clean it up. I heard some type of pencil erasers would do the trick, any ideas guys? |
tetrox
Member Posts: 142
From: London England
Registered: Jan 2008
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posted 10-07-2012 02:46 PM
Unless you are prepared to repaint that whole area if things go wrong I would tend to leave things alone and turn the offending area away from you.After having my uncharacteristic fit of pique yesterday after receiving my model I decided very late in the evening that Its "six million dollar man" moment had arrived and today am the proud owner of a Dragon Saturn V box of bits, having disassembled it completely into all of its component parts. The obvious main problem with removing overspray on a prebuilt model is making things worse and it doesnt take a lot to alter the sheen of the original paint work which can stand out a mile. Having ownership of what is now a kit I have spent a little time experimenting on my second stage horizontal marking which looks like it was airbrushed on a moving bus with large overspray. The major problems involve handling the stages so plastic gloves were worn to avoid marking. I tried for my own use using: - White and clear pencil erasures both of which removed a little overspray but damaged the sheen of the paint below.
- Various mild solvents such nail polish remover pads (non acetone, acetone being very aggressive ) again I found remove overspray but leave a mark and needed some force.
- A flat edge of hobby blade does work but again alters the sheen as does VERY fine grit polishing abrasive paper.
Four methods did remove overspray but were liable to smudging if not careful, these being car body scratch paste, plastic polish, 4in1 hand and tool wipes and UPVC cleaner.I am at pains to make clear that I do not recommend any of the above methods as formulations of products differ and this is purely an experiment for my own curiosity, my intention is to remove all the paint work and start again. Having tried them I would leave alone as most methods seem to leave their own problems and solvents easily damage plastic and leave traces or you could embark on your own paint job if you feel confident. Now what to do with all these bits and pieces? |
tetrox
Member Posts: 142
From: London England
Registered: Jan 2008
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posted 10-08-2012 02:03 AM
As a follow up to my previous post I personally found the overspray on the second stage horizontal lower skirt black marking to be the most noticeable as it combined with an unevenly painted marking.Again instead of having a life (or any sleep) I embarked upon an experiment with a Nobel prize clearly in mind. I cut some decal paper which had been previously painted for another project a semi gloss black into long 4mm wide strips. I used the strips to create a new straight upper edge to the marking, a technique discussed in another model building thread. The decal strips applied better than I had expected as the stringers on the model are not too deep, though a decal setting solution would help things further. The result is a nice crisp straight demarcation and looks much better than previously as well as being more forgiving if a mistake is made, though I had the advantage having no obstructions from feed lines to deal with. Again this was for my own amusement only and I would not wish others to damage their models however is much safer than using methods described in my previous post. |
model maker
Member Posts: 130
From: NEVADA , USA
Registered: May 2012
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posted 10-08-2012 12:05 PM
Thank you tetrox. My overspray is only noticeable in three places and it is all on one section and that being the connecting section between the first and second stage so I really am fortunate in that regard. I can live with it even though it is on the side I like best to display and the two seams are hidden on the back side. I just thought this slight overspray could quickly be dealt with. You are right about making the area look worse trying to fix a small thing, I have done THAT more times then I like to admit. |
model maker
Member Posts: 130
From: NEVADA , USA
Registered: May 2012
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posted 10-08-2012 12:20 PM
One other thing I noticed is how delicate the balance is for the CSM sitting on the SLA. One little jiggle here and there can cause it to fall off and get damaged. I wish there was a way it "locked" into place so it won't fall off and get damaged. I may put a slight adhesive that will hold it firmly but not permanent such as model cement. I have my Saturn V sitting in a corner on a 24 inch by 6 foot long piece of wood covered in a blue cloth. The walls AND ceiling in that display area have large sheets of flat black poster paper and the table top is 28.5 inches tall and the tip of the escape tower is 3/4 of an inch away from the ceiling. The walls when I come into the room I get to look UP to look at the CSM section. My Dragon 1/6 Neil Armstrong figure shares this space as well as my 1/48 Apollo spacecraft model from the 1970's that is the CSM sitting on the SLA with the LEM displayed inside. |
p51
Member Posts: 1648
From: Olympia, WA
Registered: Sep 2011
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posted 10-08-2012 12:26 PM
quote:
Originally posted by model maker:
One other thing I noticed is how delicate the balance is for the CSM sitting on the SLA. One little jiggle here and there can cause it to fall off and get damaged. I wish there was a way it "locked" into place so it won't fall off and get damaged. I may put a slight adhesive that will hold it firmly but not permanent such as model cement.
A friend of mine got one of these and it's the only one I have seen yet so far. He said the same thing in regard to the lack of way to lock the parts into place. He keeps his in a box because he said he can't leave it standing upright because, "one bump and I'll break it into a million pieces." I was surpised how loose the fit really was. I thought my die cast smaller scale Apollo 13 Saturn was poorly designed in regard to fit (it, too, comes apart way too easily) but it's mostly metal. After seeing one of these models I have changed my mind about getting one. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 43206
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 10-08-2012 12:31 PM
I've had mine standing since February, bumped it plenty of times, had the CSM go flying and the worse that happened were the thrusters separating (which was bound to happen). Now, I have my model positioned on carpet, and experiences will differ, but it isn't that fragile that a fall will always (or even perhaps, frequently) result in broken pieces. |
model maker
Member Posts: 130
From: NEVADA , USA
Registered: May 2012
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posted 10-08-2012 12:53 PM
This may be the reason Dragon used plastic for the CSM as I have heard from those who used the Dragon Apollo 10 "metal" diecast on top of the Dragon Saturn V is that is much more top heavy and more prone to falling off. I have something called "Museum Gel", it is a clear, removable adhesive used to secure glass and crystal from breakage and theft. I may put a couple of small dabs of it inside the rim of the top of the SLA to hold it in place since it is removable. |
Jay Chladek
Member Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007
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posted 10-08-2012 03:19 PM
Micro Krystal Klear will do a similar job. It is a white glue, yet it dries with a glossier sheen than say Elmers glue. It is normally used to make windows on small models by gaping empty spaces, but it also works great as a temporary glue or something to glue small bits on that don't require much bonding strength. I've used it before with good results and the best thing I've found about it is it stays somewhat flexible. So a small bump won't break the bond. But, you can still intentionally pull the part off.It can be found easily enough in well stocked hobby shops as it is a Microscale brand product. All you need is a brush to apply it and it is water soluable, so residue can be cleaned off easily. |
Orthon
Member Posts: 144
From: San Tan Valley, Arizona 85143
Registered: May 2002
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posted 10-08-2012 06:29 PM
Does anyone know if it is possible to buy replacement thruster pods for the 1:72 service module? One of mine broke off and disappeared into thin air. Thanks! |
tetrox
Member Posts: 142
From: London England
Registered: Jan 2008
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posted 10-09-2012 08:03 AM
From what I understand, DragonCare are very obliging in the USA in response to this type of problem. |
Philip
Member Posts: 5968
From: Brussels, Belgium
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 10-13-2012 05:30 AM
Although I've been a scale modeller in my teenage years, I'm still impressed by the difference in scale between the 1/100th model and the 1/72th model. |
CaptSpry
Member Posts: 33
From: San Diego, CA
Registered: Feb 2012
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posted 10-31-2012 03:14 PM
After one of my friends got drunk, and knocked over my Saturn V, I figured it was time to get her in a case. Here she is: 
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GACspaceguy
Member Posts: 2489
From: Guyton, GA
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 10-31-2012 04:04 PM
Love it! By the way, have you every thought of placing a 1/100 scale 4D model LM in the fish tank.  |
jutrased
Member Posts: 65
From: North Smithfield, RI USA
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 11-15-2012 01:36 PM
Just received an email today from The Flying Mule and it looks like there will be a third round in the release of the Dragon 1/72 Saturn V 5-ft model. It is listed in their pre-order listings with an arrival this month. Price is now $221.99. |
model maker
Member Posts: 130
From: NEVADA , USA
Registered: May 2012
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posted 11-17-2012 11:07 AM
That's great news. I wonder if the flaws of the first run of these has been corrected? |
cspg
Member Posts: 6215
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 11-17-2012 03:08 PM
So that I would have to buy ANOTHER one?!?!? Don't give them ideas (or at least not those ones!)  |
cspg
Member Posts: 6215
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 11-30-2012 10:41 AM
quote:
Originally posted by jutrased:
It is listed in their pre-order listings with an arrival this month.
Moved to March 2013. |
WAWalsh
Member Posts: 809
From: Cortlandt Manor, NY
Registered: May 2000
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posted 12-31-2012 12:36 PM
This should probably come with the lead -- "what did I do wrong."Based on the recommendations here, I purchased a Detolf display cabinet (I will say that despite the IKEA reputation for construction issues, it was easy to put together). I then finally unpacked the Dragon Saturn V, which I purchased a number of months ago. I put together the Saturn V. I tried to place it within the cabinet. I discovered that the escape rocket at the top makes the model about an inch too tall, if I use the base which comes with the model. Have I goofed this completely somewhere? Are those using the Detolf improvising a stand so that the Saturn V fits? On a different note, my initial reaction to the Dragon is disappointment. Two pieces had broken off the second stage during shipping and one of the SM thrusters has only three nozzles, not four. Getting the F1 engines in was not easy and, ultimately, I opted for subtle filing over brute force to get the engines in. The shroud for the LM section is also remarkably flimsy. Hope to add the Apollo 10 model in the near future, however, as it would be nice to have the LM visible. |
model maker
Member Posts: 130
From: NEVADA , USA
Registered: May 2012
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posted 12-31-2012 01:29 PM
If you decide to replace the plastic CSM with the metal Apollo 10 CSM it will be very top heavy and will fall off easily, so beware! |
WAWalsh
Member Posts: 809
From: Cortlandt Manor, NY
Registered: May 2000
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posted 12-31-2012 02:07 PM
Thanks -- In rereading through the thread, I noted conclusion. May just put it inside the case at the base. Absent another suggestion, suspect I will have to design an alternative, lower stand. |
birds-or-shells
Member Posts: 35
From: Marlton, NJ
Registered: Feb 2008
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posted 12-31-2012 05:09 PM
The base that comes with the Detolf cabinet is too high to allow the model to fit in the cabinet with the escape tower attached. You need to replace this base with one made of plywood not thicker than 3/8 inch. For my display I went to Home Depot and in the lumber department found 2' by 2' square sheets of plywood that are 3/8 inch thick which are identified as "3/8 2X2 BC Handypanel." They cost around $6.00. You should spray paint it flat black and then drill at the center point a hole using a 3/8" bit. Insert the rod that came with the model into this hole and use a hammer to pound rod into hole until it is flush with the bottom of the board — it should fit very tightly!As noted in earlier posts replacing the command module with one made of metal will make the model top-heavy. The best way to address this is by gluing each stage of the rocket together using "Micro Kristal Klear" which is manufactured by Micorscale Industries, Inc. It costs about $3.00 and can be found in modeling shops, online retailers and eBay. The benefit of this particular adhesive is it provides a flexible joint and it is not permanent so you can still take things apart if ever want to. To use the glue apply it to each joint to be attached using a #1 or #3 fine sable paint brush which are only a $1.00 and can be found at any craft store. Without the glue the whole rocket will fall over and break — trust me, I know! |
Kal-El
New Member Posts: 8
From: Plainfield, Illinois 60544
Registered: Dec 2012
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posted 12-31-2012 09:25 PM
Thanks for the info. |
birds-or-shells
Member Posts: 35
From: Marlton, NJ
Registered: Feb 2008
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posted 01-01-2013 08:06 AM
quote:
Originally posted by WAWalsh:
Two pieces had broken off the second stage during shipping and one of the SM thrusters has only three nozzles, not four.
Mine also arrived damaged. Three of the five "LH-2 Feed Line Fairing" were broken off on the S-II Second Stage (I had no idea what these pieces were called but was able to find an image using Google).I contacted the retailer (Flying Mule) who will send me a replacement Second Stage when it becomes available. Alternatively I could have contacted Dragon customer support. In the meanwhile I reattached these pieces using "Micro Kristal Klear" manufactured by Micorscale Industries, Inc. The repair looks so good I may not even bother replacing the second stage. Regarding the missing thruster - if you do a mash-up with the Apollo 8 and/or Apollo 11 models you will end up with extra thrusters. |
WAWalsh
Member Posts: 809
From: Cortlandt Manor, NY
Registered: May 2000
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posted 01-01-2013 10:29 PM
Thanks. I had the same pieces broken off (two, not three); nice to know what they are. |
sev8n
Member Posts: 236
From: Dallas TX USA
Registered: Jul 2012
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posted 01-02-2013 11:33 AM
Add me to the list of those who received their kit with broken fairings. In my case they were not only broken but missing, I was able to get replacements through Flying Mule. |
Madon_space
Member Posts: 667
From: uk
Registered: Sep 2002
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posted 01-11-2013 05:45 AM
Got mine for Christmas along with the Apollo 10 command/service module 1:72 scale.The issues are there as everyone has mentioned but to be honest I am not really that bothered as I just love the size of this thing so I won't be making any changes to it any time soon. I would of liked to put it in another cabinet but not sure it would look right as I already have the Detolf display case on either side of my fireplace so don't think two on one side and one on the other would look right. What do you guys think?  
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Philip
Member Posts: 5968
From: Brussels, Belgium
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 01-12-2013 05:32 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Madon_space:
What do you guys think?
Superb Apollo/Spaceflight display Rob! |
Madon_space
Member Posts: 667
From: uk
Registered: Sep 2002
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posted 01-12-2013 04:17 PM
Thanks Philip. I was going to incorporate the Dragon Apollo 10 onto the Dragon Saturn V but have now decided to leave them as separate models. I just need to get hold of a Redstone rocket the same size as the Saturn and I will be laughing. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 43206
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 01-12-2013 04:33 PM
Same size or same scale? Dragon produces a 1:72 Mercury-Redstone, if the latter (it comes in diecast and kit form). |
Madon_space
Member Posts: 667
From: uk
Registered: Sep 2002
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posted 01-13-2013 02:46 PM
Thanks Robert I was thinking more in the way of size so it stands out like the Saturn V but thanks for the link.
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model maker
Member Posts: 130
From: NEVADA , USA
Registered: May 2012
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posted 01-28-2013 01:16 PM
I haven't heard anything about any future releases from Dragon. |
model maker
Member Posts: 130
From: NEVADA , USA
Registered: May 2012
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posted 02-22-2013 11:53 AM
I hope they release them again soon. |
cspg
Member Posts: 6215
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 02-23-2013 05:04 AM
quote:
Originally posted by model maker:
I haven't heard anything about any future releases from Dragon.
Nothing on the horizon according to their 2013-2014 Space catalog (and same thing for their Warbirds and commercial airliners series). They have either put things on hold (the space items I mean), stopped or do not wish to communicate any future releases. The latest warbird announcement came from Dragon USA not Dragon itself and the Apollo 1:18 astronauts are also mentionned on Dragon USA website as a new line of products but nothing on the Dragon Hong-Kong web site... On the other hand, WWII afficionados should have a blast (!). |
cspg
Member Posts: 6215
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 03-12-2013 02:59 PM
Model kit is announced. Dragon’s announcement of a 1/72 scale pre-finished replica of a Saturn V rocket in its Space Collection created a huge buzz among space aficionados! Even in miniature form, it was absolutely enormous, as the completed model stood an unbelievable 1.5m tall. Now eager model builders can get in on the action with a full kit version of the Saturn V. As the longest, heaviest and most powerful rocket ever produced, the original Saturn V stood 110.6m high and had a diameter of 10.1m. The Saturn V was at the heart of NASA’s Apollo and Skylab programs between 1967 and 1973. It was able to launch a 45-tonne payload into space beyond Low Earth Orbit. A total of 13 Saturn V launches took place, every one of them a success, plus they safely delivered 24 astronauts to the Moon.Builders and owners of this Saturn rocket from Dragon will cause jaws to drop, while the model will without fail draw gasps of astonishment! The model includes the Command/Service Module (CSM) and Launch Escape System. All the relevant detail is carefully reproduced on the three rocket stages, and the model comes with accurate decals to provide the relevant markings. This Saturn V kit must become a centerpiece of any space fan’s collection, and as such it comes with a stable circular base to allow it to be freestanding on the floor. This spectacular and massive kit will send ambitious modelers into orbit! |
the clocks running
Member Posts: 382
From: Rochester, NY
Registered: Jan 2012
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posted 03-12-2013 04:02 PM
Great News! Now we need someone to make a detail kit to render a realistic 1/72 scale rendition of this bad boy. |
sev8n
Member Posts: 236
From: Dallas TX USA
Registered: Jul 2012
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posted 03-12-2013 07:33 PM
The images on the Dragon site show the same misshapen F-1 engine fairings and eight ullage motors on the SI/SII interstage. I don't see any corrections/improvements over the initial release. |
Jay Chladek
Member Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007
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posted 03-12-2013 11:33 PM
I'm not expecting them to make any improvements to the parts at all given this seems to be Dragon's style (why would they? It sold well enough as a pre-built model). BUT, I will still buy this anyway as an unbuilt kit means I don't have to fiddle around with taking pre-assembled bits apart or strip incorrect paintjobs and repaint things. As a model builder, I can fix what I need to, which is why I build and don't necessarily just collect.The only question now is... what will they charge for the kit? |
the clocks running
Member Posts: 382
From: Rochester, NY
Registered: Jan 2012
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posted 03-12-2013 11:41 PM
Dragon's USA website states that the model kit price is $139.99.The other big question that I have is who will make a mod kit for this model? |
Ronpur
Member Posts: 1213
From: Brandon, Fl
Registered: May 2012
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posted 03-14-2013 09:18 PM
Great news!!! |
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