Posts: 382
From: Rochester, NY
Registered: Jan 2012

Posts: 210
From: australia
Registered: Feb 2008

posted 02-29-2012 01:43 AM            

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I am staring at one as I type, that I made when I was 15 — 35 years ago. At the time, it was the only model Saturn V available in Australia.

Mine is nowhere near as well made as some of the models I see on this forum, but I recall it was pretty easy to make — hardest thing I recall is painting the markings by hand, no airbrushes in those days.

As far as accuracy is concerned, the old one has a number of inaccuracies, too many retro rockets on the stages, and the CSM, it's scale is not right, seems too long and the skin detail is all wrong, radiators incorrect. I guess they have fixed that, so it would look better in the new version.

I feel it is a reasonable representation of the rocket, and it was easy to assemble without needing advanced skills.

Posts: 600
From: Slatington, PA
Registered: Mar 2009

posted 02-29-2012 10:04 AM               

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I'll post these pictures but it has been quite awhile since this build was completed and to re-cap the kits inaccuracies would take me a day or so to remember exactly what the model needed.

I do remember the raised portion where the seam between the two halves are is incorrect but I did not correct it.

All this talk of this kit makes me want to do another, Skylab maybe.

Posts: 382
From: Rochester, NY
Registered: Jan 2012

posted 02-29-2012 03:49 PM               

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Thank you gentlemen for the info on the Airfix kit and posting the photographs of an actual model. I appreciate all of your help and am inspired to build my kit when it arrives.

Does New Ware produce a detail set for this Airfix kit?

Posts: 600
From: Slatington, PA
Registered: Mar 2009

Posts: 3120
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002

posted 02-10-2014 04:50 PM            

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Is there anywhere I could get a spare boost protective cover and launch escape tower for a 1969 vintage Airfix 1:144 scale Saturn V model?

I have a 44-year-old Saturn V, and a box containing most of the parts for another complete rocket, but it's missing the two parts I actually need. I would be happy to trade other parts for the parts I need.

Posts: 104
From: Adelaide, South Australia
Registered: Jan 2014

Posts: 176
From: Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012

posted 02-19-2014 03:24 PM               

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AussiePete, thanks for providing a link to my shop. I do have a 1:144 scale BPC and LES tower that is very nicely detailed, and would look great atop the Airfix.

Blackarrow, should you decide that you would like to try a 3D printed part as a replacement, just be sure and contact me first so that I can get accurate measurements from you. As you all know, scales are all over the place in these model kits, and I want to make sure that your BPC fits as it should.

Posts: 104
From: Adelaide, South Australia
Registered: Jan 2014

posted 02-19-2014 05:11 PM               

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No problem Michael. I find myself at your shop often. Just can't decide what I want to buy.

Can I ask what the surface texture is like. Do 3D printed parts require much preparation before painting?

Posts: 176
From: Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012

posted 02-19-2014 09:43 PM               

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I'll make it easy — you should order one of each piece! Let me know if there is something that you would like.

As for surface texture, it all depends on what material you decide to use. The more money you spend, the smoother it will be. Frosted Detail and Ultra Detail are the smoothest, and will require very little surface prep. However, they are the most expensive. Models in White, Strong, and Flexible are much cheaper, but will come with more of a grainy finish. They will require several coats of a filler material at a minimum, and hand sanding and smoothing where possible. I always order the "polished" version when possible, as that will save some surface prep time.

As a general rule, I have always ordered Frosted Detail and Ultra Detail on smaller parts (1:72 and under), and WSF on larger parts (1:48 and larger). Here is an example of the 1:48 scale BPC in WSF polished:

As you can see, it is pretty smooth after a few coats of a filler primer and a couple of coats of paint. If you have any questions about which material to order in a particular model, just let me know — I'd be glad to help. Thanks!