Posts: 425 From: Greensboro, NC USA Registered: Aug 2012
posted 06-02-2017 10:24 AM
Spaceship, Spaceship, SPACESHIP!!!
Liembo Member
Posts: 741 From: Bothell, WA Registered: Jan 2013
posted 06-02-2017 11:51 AM
Now that we have them, is anyone planning any modifications for improved accuracy or detailing? Skylab shroud? Crawler and LUT?
I am not thrilled with the look of the J-2 engines on the kit.
Given the constraints of using existing Lego parts they did a remarkable job. Only a few deviations, the stage 3 aft interstage in particular. It's a very hefty and solid model, no fear of breakage when separating the stages from each other.
kosmo Member
Posts: 466 From: Registered: Sep 2001
posted 06-03-2017 09:56 AM
Definitely going to modify the fins.
Liembo Member
Posts: 741 From: Bothell, WA Registered: Jan 2013
posted 06-03-2017 04:29 PM
First modification, improving the J-2 on the third stage S-IVB. I think it look a little more realistic, but I had to figure out how to get past the two L brackets and 6x6 plate for another centimeter of depth to support it.
posted 06-04-2017 10:57 AM
Does anyone know if the build instructions for the original model as submitted with the internal tanks and other details left out on the production version will be made available? What about build instructions for the LUT shown in a number of photos?
SpaceyInMN Member
Posts: 358 From: Andover, MN Registered: Dec 2013
posted 06-04-2017 12:52 PM
I got mine in the mail yesterday and started building it last night. I finished it this morning. It took about four hours total and was a thoroughly enjoyable build. Kudos to Lego for such a spectacular product!
Liembo Member
Posts: 741 From: Bothell, WA Registered: Jan 2013
posted 06-04-2017 01:36 PM
quote:Originally posted by ELinder: Does anyone know if the build instructions for the original model as submitted with the internal tanks and other details left out on the production version will be made available?
The prototype with the internal tanks was 2-4 studs wider than the production version, so I don't think it will be possible to build like that version unfortunately.
And as Robert said, if you were to attempt it yourself, it would likely weaken the structure, so it would have to be for display only and not any sort of regular handling.
quote:Originally posted by Liembo: The prototype with the internal tanks was 2-4 studs wider than the production version...
I'm confused. Weren't both the prototype Saturn and the LUT in the photos built with stock available pieces for the initially submitted design?
Liembo Member
Posts: 741 From: Bothell, WA Registered: Jan 2013
posted 06-04-2017 04:02 PM
Yes, but Lego has the right to modify the design as they see fit for the consumer release to satisfy pricing and production needs.
The original prototypes are vastly different than the consumer version, even within the Updates page for the kit, the design of the rocket changed. Lego kept the idea of the original Lego Ideas concept but refined it as needed. The internal tanks were more of a nice to have than a must have, apparently.
It would be great if the plans and parts list for the LUT and crawler concepts were released for others to attempt to build on their own.
quote:Originally posted by Liembo: Yes, but Lego has the right to modify the design as they see fit for the consumer release to satisfy pricing and production needs.
Yes, I know Lego changed the design. I have one on its way. I was specifically asking about whether instructions would be available to build it ourselves as it was originally submitted. We have a lot of old Lego, so we'd also like to build that version.
Liembo Member
Posts: 741 From: Bothell, WA Registered: Jan 2013
posted 06-04-2017 06:08 PM
It is a far cry from the concept with the tanks. It uses some support pieces internally that could potentially be modified into tank but not with out a lot of rework on the bits that are built in to hold on the skin (I am kicking around the idea of trying it myself). You'll see what I mean when you build it.
The prototype with the tanks on the Lego Ideas site is much wider than the consumer version. You would be starting from scratch to mimic that, the skin is not constructed the same and having built a few kits from custom plans myself, sourcing the parts along will cost you several hundred dollars to replicate it in the event you don't have them already.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 47349 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-04-2017 06:14 PM
I would be surprised if Felix and Valerie, the co-designers, went to the extent of developing instructions for their original (digital) concept; but you could ask them through their Facebook page.
That said, they did share today that a fan of their project did build it:
The original model buit in real life by Craig Dillon, a great enormous job.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 47349 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-05-2017 10:35 AM
Tested video
Join us for a special LEGO with Friends! Adam, Norm, and Will work together to build the LEGO NASA Apollo Saturn V, a massive model that's beautifully designed and structurally impressive. We've been eagerly waiting to build this new LEGO Ideas set since we first heard about it!
cspg Member
Posts: 6275 From: Geneva, Switzerland Registered: May 2006
posted 06-06-2017 10:01 AM
Mine arrived today, June 6.
Liembo Member
Posts: 741 From: Bothell, WA Registered: Jan 2013
posted 06-07-2017 10:48 AM
Here's my concept for a Saturn IB S-IB and interstage (AS-201 colors). It should be fully compatible with the Lego 21309 Saturn V S-IVB third stage.
I hope going to build it, fine tune it and then release the plans in a few weeks.
cspg Member
Posts: 6275 From: Geneva, Switzerland Registered: May 2006
posted 06-08-2017 04:12 AM
Cool!
Ronpur Member
Posts: 1250 From: Brandon, Fl Registered: May 2012
posted 06-15-2017 07:23 PM
I went to the KSC Visitor's Complex today and finally got a Saturn V! Thanks to a very helpful cashier who went and found me one in the back. I won't be building it for a few weeks, since I want to share the experience with my girlfriend's son.
Liembo Member
Posts: 741 From: Bothell, WA Registered: Jan 2013
posted 06-16-2017 04:06 PM
Here's the Saturn IB mod in its complete state. I'll build its own LM/CSM in the next few weeks.
Philip Member
Posts: 6106 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 06-16-2017 04:12 PM
How long took the built?
Liembo Member
Posts: 741 From: Bothell, WA Registered: Jan 2013
posted 06-16-2017 04:47 PM
The design took four to six hours, the build, once the parts arrived, only took a few hours, but I had to spend another hour or so adjusting the design. I will share the plans/part list soon. It ran me about $40 to build.
PeterO Member
Posts: 436 From: North Carolina Registered: Mar 2002
posted 06-16-2017 06:01 PM
That looks great! I'm looking forward to the plans. Did you design it with LDD? If so, are you planning to release the LDD file?
SpaceyInMN Member
Posts: 358 From: Andover, MN Registered: Dec 2013
posted 06-16-2017 06:33 PM
Looks like I'll be having to justify buying more Legos. My wife will love this...
Gonzo Member
Posts: 598 From: Holland, MI, USA Registered: Mar 2012
posted 06-19-2017 05:56 AM
Father's Day gift from my daughter.
Since there were none on the floor at a local Barnes & Noble and they are so hard to find, asked information if they had any idea if/when they might get one in on a whim. Lady checked inventory which showed two in stock. I asked, "really?", as excitement started. So she double checked the floor and said she'd check in back. She wanted to know where they were too if not on the floor. Computer was wrong, they only had one, which she let me have.
Just started last night and only part way through the first stage. I can say this. This thing will be HUGE for a Lego build!
Posts: 6275 From: Geneva, Switzerland Registered: May 2006
posted 06-19-2017 02:56 PM
Cool and neat!
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 47349 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-19-2017 04:58 PM
Proof that LEGO appeals to everyone, even those who have recovered Saturn V F-1 engines. From Jeff Bezos on Twitter:
Flipping pancakes, Lego Saturn V, Wonder Woman matinee. Love being a dad. #FathersDay
Gonzo Member
Posts: 598 From: Holland, MI, USA Registered: Mar 2012
posted 06-26-2017 05:47 AM
And I can confirm, this thing is HUGE, and heavy. Got it finished last night. I'll post pics later.
But I'll also add, it's a nice set. Went together very well. And it's solid. Stages go together and come apart well with no pieces coming off. Only parts that I can see that may are the tower and fins. But you'd expect those as they're kind of out there on there own without much to hang on to, if you catch my meaning. And forget the 4-6 hour estimate. More like 8+. For me anyway.
Philip Member
Posts: 6106 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 06-26-2017 08:43 AM
What's the approximate weight of the finished launch vehicle?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 47349 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-26-2017 10:14 AM
About 5 pounds (2.3 kg); the full set weighs 5.6 pounds with the box and instruction booklet.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 47349 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-27-2017 12:44 PM
ArtiFex Creation video
LEGO Ideas NASA Apollo Saturn V Speed Build
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 47349 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-27-2017 12:47 PM
quote:Originally posted by Robert Pearlman: ...presumably a recreation of the Apollo 11 mission but in LEGO form.
It appears I was wrong. From Valerie Roche, co-creator of the LEGO Saturn V:
Would you complete your set 21309: LEGO NASA Apollo Saturn V rocket with its launch tower? Very soon, around 2017 07 07, you can support this project at LEGO Ideas and make it become an official LEGO set!
PeterO Member
Posts: 436 From: North Carolina Registered: Mar 2002
posted 06-27-2017 01:45 PM
Although I can imagine the Launch Umbilical Tower (LUT) garnering the necessary 10,000 votes, I doubt that LEGO would produce it.
LEGO makes many themes that have multiple sets. However, each individual set can stand on its own merits, without requiring other sets from the same theme. (There are some accessory packs for sets, but these are not full sets in themselves.) The LUT would not meet that criterion - in order to have a reason for the LUT, every purchaser would have to buy the Saturn V also. I can't see LEGO marketing such a set.
After the successful takeoff of Lego Saturn-V rocket, Valerie Roche (Whatsuptoday) and Emmanuel Urquieta (Spacemd) present you their new collaborative project: NASA Saturn-V Launch Umbilical Tower, the ideal stand at 1/110 scale to complete your set 21309: NASA Apollo Saturn V!
sev8n Member
Posts: 261 From: Dallas TX USA Registered: Jul 2012
posted 07-03-2017 11:53 AM
Here's one built with light and sound added. I like his display stand as well...
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 47349 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
Just a month after LEGO launched sales of its fan-created NASA Apollo Saturn V model, one of the designers has put forth what might be the toy set's ultimate accessory: the moon rocket's launch pad.
Valerie Roche, a Paris-based LEGO fan who teamed with Felix Stiessen of Austria to propose the Saturn V that flew off store shelves in June, has now partnered with Emmanuel Urquieta of Houston, Texas to propose a same-sized Launch Umbilical Tower on the LEGO Ideas website.
cspg Member
Posts: 6275 From: Geneva, Switzerland Registered: May 2006
posted 07-04-2017 02:54 AM
A member of the French Conquest of Space forum mentioned the crawler-transporter, same scale, also in LEGO Ideas.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 47349 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-06-2017 12:19 PM
From Valerie Roche, co-creator of the Saturn V and the proposed LUT:
We have sought out how to thank you for having supported and then bought our design, and it seemed to us as a good idea to put online, instructions to build at a lower cost a solid and aesthetic support for the LEGO NASA Apollo Saturn-V rocket.
We present in a free download file, available here, two different stand colors, including 80 to 87 LEGO bricks available (for sale at a low price at Bricklink).
PeterO Member
Posts: 436 From: North Carolina Registered: Mar 2002
posted 07-18-2017 08:04 AM
There is a Skylab conversion posted on Reddit.
sev8n Member
Posts: 261 From: Dallas TX USA Registered: Jul 2012
posted 07-20-2017 10:50 PM
I just finished my Lego kit. Only then did I realize what happened 48 years ago today. Quite a coincidence!!!
Ronpur Member
Posts: 1250 From: Brandon, Fl Registered: May 2012
posted 07-25-2017 07:28 PM
I saw nine of the Saturn V sets at the gift shop at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex yesterday. I don't know if they do mail order on it, however.