Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Centuri Skylab Build, #KB-4, Finished


This build was more detailed than I thought it would be.

The 3D parts are heavier than the original vacu-forms pieces. 
The Centuri catalog says the weight is 3.4 oz. This build weighs 4.1 oz.
A B6-2 and C6-3 were the recommended motors. I'll launch mine with a C5-3 Super C.

That black turbine exhaust tube reminds me of the exhaust tube on the old Estes Thor Agena B.





The solar panel fins came out very well. They aren't textured but still look okay.







The docking collars are larger and dish shaped. The catalog picture was probably a prototype. The prototype had docking collars that looked like two short lengths of launch lug.






Decals, decals and more decals.







The original kit nose cone was smooth, but I like the raised line ridges on the 3D print.


3 comments:

  1. This turned out very well! I’ve got an original nose cone. I may have to try this build. Where did you have the vacuform parts printed?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Dave,
      I went through Etsy and found 3DPrintCustomz from Dallas, Texas. These were resin printed and smooth, no layering. Cost was $88.00.
      The pod engines fit BT-20 tubes, the nose cone fit a BT-52.
      Just be sure all parts are printed. I had to go back and have the second docking collar sent out. These will be heavier than vacu-form.

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  2. The build is Amazing. The 3D parts really look better than the original, to me. I may go back and redo my Skylab and do the solar panel like you did.

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