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Author
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Topic: Scale models of NASA's Orion crew module
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Philip
Member Posts: 6082
From: Brussels, Belgium
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 12-02-2012 05:04 AM
   
Any suggestions for a 1/48 scale Orion capsule? |
apolloprojeckt
Member Posts: 1483
From: Arnhem, Netherlands
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 12-02-2012 06:17 AM
Philip you must see this, there is a kit. I build it also several times in different colors. This is a model of the CEV ORION 606-D build by Stratosphere Models for Boeing. Originally they only wanted the model that I was already offering, but I decided to give them something more and up to date and I created 11 new parts for this contract to update the CEV ORION 606-C as close as possible to the 606-D standard within the time and budget available. New silicone molds were created for most of the new parts and cast resin parts were made. These new kit version will be available to the public. A new, bigger avionics ring will also be made to completely accurize the model.  
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bdipaolo
Member Posts: 89
From:
Registered: Oct 2010
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posted 09-10-2014 01:39 PM
Now that Orion is at last in its flight configuration, I wish someone would produce an accurate model, with the heat tiles and such. (Though of course we still do not know what the real ESA-designed service module will look like.) Good project for you CAD/3D designers out there — just need to do the design and let Shapeways do the production! |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 45703
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-11-2014 03:51 PM
The lack of models (at present) may be due to the rights over the capsule's design. Orion is not yet in the public domain. For this first flight (EFT-1), Lockheed Martin retains ownership of the capsule and its design. It won't be until EM-1 that Lockheed will turn over physical and intellectual ownership of Orion to NASA. |
Ronpur
Member Posts: 1242
From: Brandon, Fl
Registered: May 2012
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posted 09-12-2014 10:12 PM
I have to think that Revell has a kit of Orion and SLS coming sometime soon. They have done everything NASA since Mercury. A 1/48 capsule and 1/144 launch vehicle would be typical. |
keymichael1855
Member Posts: 179
From: Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012
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posted 11-24-2014 02:31 PM
Here is where I am in the process of creating a 3D printed model of the crew module. Here is how the CAD model looks at this point: And here is how the 1:72 scale test print came out from Shapeways:  
I wanted to make sure that everything looked good and printed successfully before I moved forward. The next step is to recreate the 900+ tiles!!! I think that I have a good process for doing it, but I just hope that my old computer will be able to handle them all. Wish me luck! |
Retro Rocket
Member Posts: 453
From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA
Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 11-25-2014 12:15 AM
Great work! What program are you using for the CAD? |
jgoldader
Member Posts: 22
From:
Registered: May 2011
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posted 11-25-2014 06:08 AM
Gorgeous, Michael! Have you considered using a decal wrap for the tiles? It would save a lot of work. |
Retro Rocket
Member Posts: 453
From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA
Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 11-25-2014 12:32 PM
That's a good suggestion, the geography of the capsule is perfect for a 2D layout. |
mode1charlie
Member Posts: 1236
From: Honolulu, HI
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 11-25-2014 04:29 PM
Michael, that looks fantastic! I'll be signing up for one when it's done. |
keymichael1855
Member Posts: 179
From: Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012
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posted 11-25-2014 07:20 PM
Thanks! I'm very happy with it so far, and I just hope that I can represent the tiles accurately. JP, I use an older version of AutoCAD to do the modeling. As for using decals to represent the tiles, I've given that some thought and it has positives and negatives. If modeling them doesn't work, that might be a good back up plan. I'll keep you posted! |
bdipaolo
Member Posts: 89
From:
Registered: Oct 2010
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posted 11-30-2014 06:42 PM
Outstanding Michael! I love the history of spaceflight, but the future is fascinating too. That looks awesome. I'm sure you have seen the pics of the EFT-1 stacking of CM to (dummy) SM on the Orion Facebook page. Next step, a full EFT-1 stack! |
keymichael1855
Member Posts: 179
From: Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012
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posted 12-16-2014 05:47 PM
Okay everybody, Orion is finished!!! I just finished up with the last of the tiling and details on the CAD model this afternoon. For all of you "rivet counters," don't look at it too closely! Given my CAD ability, computer power, and references available, I've done the best that I can do. Although it isn't perfect, I think it is a pretty good representation of the crew module. I'm going to be ordering a test print in 1:48 and some other smaller scales this week, and will post pictures when I receive them. Comments welcome!  
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p51
Member Posts: 1705
From: Olympia, WA
Registered: Sep 2011
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posted 12-16-2014 06:22 PM
Any chance you might be selling some of those printings once you get them where you want? |
keymichael1855
Member Posts: 179
From: Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012
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posted 12-18-2014 06:38 AM
Yes, I will be offering the Orion CM for sale in all scales from 1:144 to 1:24 (or larger if there is a request). Here are my models on my Shapeways page.They aren't for sale yet, because I want to make sure that they will print successfully first. Hope this helps. Thanks! |
Daugherty54
Member Posts: 612
From: Cabot, Arkansas, USA
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 12-29-2014 07:14 PM
I received my Orion model today from Stratosphere Models. It looks like a fairly simple build and the size at 1/48 is impressive. The details and ultimate display factor will depend heavily on the painting detail. I may start it this week before school starts back. Any tips will be appreciated. |
bdipaolo
Member Posts: 89
From:
Registered: Oct 2010
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posted 12-30-2014 06:21 PM
Can't wait to see them, Michael. Service module next? |
Philip
Member Posts: 6082
From: Brussels, Belgium
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 12-31-2014 06:04 AM
Looks like a great product for the new year. |
Daugherty54
Member Posts: 612
From: Cabot, Arkansas, USA
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 12-31-2014 03:40 PM
I too look forward to a 1/24 version. |
mode1charlie
Member Posts: 1236
From: Honolulu, HI
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 12-31-2014 05:10 PM
Not to be a pain, but are the proportions on the Orion correct? The hull slope/angle seems a bit steep compared with photographs I've seen. I may be wrong, or the illustration may be misleading.See here for an illustration of what (I assume to be) the actual Orion (and Apollo) capsule from the side. |
keymichael1855
Member Posts: 179
From: Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012
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posted 01-03-2015 09:22 AM
Barrett, yes, I plan to do the service module at some point in the near future after the CM. Burke, the pictures and renderings are really distorting the true shape of the model. I assure you that it's the correct shape. In fact, the pic in the link you posted has one of the images that I used in my reference material. I have test prints coming in scales ranging from 1:144 all the way up to 1:24. I'm expecting them in the next week or two, and will post pictures as soon as I have them in hand. I spent a LOT of time developing this model, and am really looking forward to seeing it printed! |
mode1charlie
Member Posts: 1236
From: Honolulu, HI
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 01-03-2015 03:33 PM
Thanks, Michael. Question answered! I look forward to ordering one of these as well when it's done. |
keymichael1855
Member Posts: 179
From: Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012
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posted 01-12-2015 09:26 PM
Orion crew modules have finally arrived!!! I received five crew modules this weekend, ranging in scale from 1:144 all the way up to 1:24. The tiling came out even better than I expected, and is visible on even the smallest scale (1:144) — although it is pretty faint. Here is a pic in 1:72 scale: And here is a pic showing several scales (1:144, 1:96, 1:72, 1:48, and 1:24):  Lastly, here is "straight on" shot to show the true angle of the CM's profile. I know there was some discussion about how it looked too steep in some photos.  If you would like to take a look at them on my Shapeways page, here is a link. As always, comments and questions are welcome. Thanks! |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 45703
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 01-12-2015 10:08 PM
That looks excellent, Michael! So, from a non-modeller perspective, would it be best to order this in black (if that is an option) and then just use paint (and maybe foil for the heat shield) to add detail? Or is white better and then paint the entire thing? |
keymichael1855
Member Posts: 179
From: Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012
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posted 01-12-2015 10:32 PM
Hi Robert, thanks!The smaller CMs (1:48 and smaller) will come in a translucent white/yellow color, because this is the only material that is capable of capturing the tile detail. The larger scale CMs (1:32 and higher) come in white. I think they have a process that can dye them, but it doesn't look that good compared to paint. In either material, a good primer coat and a semi-gloss black should do the trick. I would recommend Alclad chrome for the heat shield. Foiling would be difficult because of the compound curve — it will wrinkle unless you do it in thin strips. Hope this helps! I will be painting these in the coming weeks and will post pics. Thanks! |
mode1charlie
Member Posts: 1236
From: Honolulu, HI
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 01-13-2015 04:36 AM
Looks fantastic, Michael. I will definitely be ordering one. Now, hmm - the only question is what scale... |
keymichael1855
Member Posts: 179
From: Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012
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posted 01-13-2015 02:26 PM
Thanks Burke! As for what scale to order, you should order one of each and make yourself a "sampler platter!" |
bdipaolo
Member Posts: 89
From:
Registered: Oct 2010
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posted 01-17-2015 03:11 PM
Michael, is the 1:48 print in "White Strong & Flexible"? |
keymichael1855
Member Posts: 179
From: Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012
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posted 01-20-2015 07:08 AM
Barrett, the 1:48 print that is seen is in Frosted Ultra Detail. Frosted Detail would probably print good too, but I would worry that all of the detail might get lost if printed in White Strong and Flexible. I finally had a chance to paint up the 1:48 Crew Module and make a nice little launch configuration out of it. Here is how it turned out:  
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E2M Lem Man
Member Posts: 846
From: Los Angeles CA. USA
Registered: Jan 2005
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posted 01-20-2015 08:26 PM
Absolutely beautiful, Michael! Gorgeous! |
GACspaceguy
Member Posts: 2665
From: Guyton, GA
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 01-21-2015 04:42 AM
Absolutely amazing!!! |
Jeff
Member Posts: 527
From: Fayetteville, NC, USA
Registered: May 2009
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posted 01-21-2015 06:49 AM
Fantastic Michael!!! |
Retro Rocket
Member Posts: 453
From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA
Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 01-21-2015 02:39 PM
Really nice Michael, I know how much work goes into these CAD models. You should see of NASA would be interested in buying some! I have the contacts if you want. |
mode1charlie
Member Posts: 1236
From: Honolulu, HI
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 01-22-2015 12:44 AM
Outstanding! Great work, Michael.
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keymichael1855
Member Posts: 179
From: Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012
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posted 01-27-2015 08:20 AM
Thanks for the nice words everybody! JP, glad you think that the model is nice enough for your contacts at NASA to see and possibly purchase! I will get in touch with you privately about it, as I have another project that I might need your help on.Here is another model of Orion that I just finished up yesterday. This is a 1:72 scale launch configuration showing the CM, LAS, and the top portion of the Delta IV adapter. I designed it to be displayed alongside the Dragon Apollo 9 (or 10) models, to show similarities and differences. It's amazing to see how much larger Orion is when compared to Apollo!  
As always, comments are welcome, and the parts to build this model are available in my Shapeways shop. Feel free to contact me for the decals. Thanks! |
history in miniature
Member Posts: 616
From: Slatington, PA
Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 01-27-2015 03:04 PM
Looks Great!!! |
apolloprojeckt
Member Posts: 1483
From: Arnhem, Netherlands
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 01-27-2015 03:55 PM
Very nice!!! |
Columbia409
New Member Posts: 9
From: Frederick, Md, USA
Registered: Sep 2014
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posted 02-13-2015 12:21 PM
Nearly completed the Shapeways' 1/144 scale Orion crew module. I'm considering adding the thermal tile labels, but haven't decided how to do that — and it will take some time and a very steady hand! Also haven't put on the Stars and Stripes yet in these photos. 
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keymichael1855
Member Posts: 179
From: Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012
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posted 02-15-2015 02:57 PM
Columbia 409, you did an amazing job on the tiny 1:144 scale CM. I detailed a 1:96 version, and so I have an appreciation for the level of detail you were able to achieve with an even smaller version of the model. Well done! |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 45703
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 02-16-2015 09:05 AM
Toys and Models Corporation this past weekend previewed their upcoming 1:48 scale Orion spacecraft at the North American International Toy Fair in New York. According to Space.com, the crew module and service module will separate.  |
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