In the older kit, these two wraps were on the same plastic sheet.
Now they are separate.
The older wrap was two different pieces with formed basswood tunnels between them.
The new wrap is larger, the tunnels are part of the vacu-form wrap. Lot of new small details here.
The nozzles are much easier to glue up now.
On the left, more pieces.
The nozzles are still attached to the plate with plastic rings.
The capsule and tower also have fewer pieces.
The older tower had four sides to glue up, now it is a simpler two halves.
The capsule is simpler, showing how it looked at launch with the cover on.
The old 1/70 scale Estes Saturn 1B capsule had printed details showing what was under the capsule launch cover.
And of course, the part we've needed for years, the blow molded LEM Shroud transition!
The decal sheet is the same. The letter "I" is now centered in the word "UNITED".
Tomorrow the build starts!
But Chris, you haven't ranted about the horrible inaccuracies in the wraps! Where's all the teeth gnashing and angst about how badly Estes screwed up this kit? And what, no declaration about never buying another Estes product? (For those who don't get involved in "social media" this was all sarcasm directed to the folks who lost their minds about the minor and easily corrected error in the wraps.) Just did the parts inventory on my kit - due to my granddaughters visiting for the next 4 days I can't start building yet, but I will soon - thanks Chris for doing another Saturn build!
ReplyDeleteHi Openroad,
DeleteThe only "horrible inaccuracy" I know of is the umbilical connections aren't lined up on the inter stage wrap. That will be mentioned in this new blog build.
The beauty of Estes offering the new capsule and wraps separately is that ANY of the 1/100 Saturn kits can be upgraded with them as long as the tube diameters and lengths are the same.
ReplyDeleteHi Jay,
DeleteThose vacu-form wraps can be tough to cut out. You can bet Estes wanted to have extras available. I like the idea you can upgrade older kits to the new hard plastic fins. The vacu-form, two piece fins were a weak point.
Interesting YouTube video titled "Why The Engines That Flew On Saturn V Rocket Look Different In Museums"
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkObNfCki6M