Author
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Topic: Precise/Topping Apollo Lunar Module models
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Rick Mulheirn Member Posts: 4167 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 11-18-2014 05:39 PM
I bet there are many collectSPACE members that own one or more of the iconic Precise/Topping Lunar Module models. In my opinion they are the spacecraft model for any collector to own or aspire to.Like minded members will appreciate therefore some pictures sent to me this week by a good friend that show these classics in the factory. For the record, an order for 500 of these models, placed in February 1972 would set you back $21.94 a piece and the order would take just 30 days to complete. I'll take ten! The pictures are dated June 1969 and April 1970 and are shown with the owners written permission.
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GACspaceguy Member Posts: 2474 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 11-18-2014 05:56 PM
OH MY!!!! I wonder what the total number built was and where are they all now. (and is one of those on the table the one we now have)Thanks so much for that post It must have been wonderful to be given one of those models mint in the box. |
Rick Mulheirn Member Posts: 4167 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 11-18-2014 06:01 PM
Anecdotally the figure of 5000 to 6000 has been mentioned but incomplete records do not permit a more "precise".... number. |
Retro Rocket Member Posts: 445 From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 11-18-2014 07:18 PM
Great pics, where did you get those? Any more like that? When I did the 1/12th X-43A models I did them in batches of 25. The way the model was done was cast in white, painted black, then I hand drilled each hole to reveal the white underneath, I think each model had about 130 holes, about 100 of those were built, so... |
David Carey Member Posts: 782 From: Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 11-18-2014 11:15 PM
Thanks for sharing, Rick.Makes you appreciate the hand-production process behind these, and the killer deal one could have gotten by stocking up way back when! I'm pretty sure mine is fourth from the left in the third picture
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Rick Mulheirn Member Posts: 4167 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 11-19-2014 11:57 AM
JP, your production line looks like a formula 1 style clean room. Awesome.The Precise production line a little less so; more like a damp scout hut on a wet Sunday afternoon... but it did the job. |
Rick Mulheirn Member Posts: 4167 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 11-21-2014 05:50 PM
Just some of the material used for the Precise LM and I'm guessing one of the first finished models in its final configuration. Plus other models ready for shipping including a Gemini model in the foreground.
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