The low points:
The tunnels and ullage motors -
I screwed up the black mask on the long tunnels.
The clear fins didn't fit the fairings.
The #1 wrap was short!
Lifting a mask tore a small area of a wrap.
The high points:
It's a challenge to build an older kit.
I was happy with the finished look of all the tunnels.
The nose cone came out well - the folded tower and skirt fit!
Mentioned earlier - This was probably the first time Thru-the-wall fins were used in a kit!
The adapter and wraps.
The upper body/nose cone.
Strange Estes didn't include a service module wrap.
What else was missing?
DECALS!!!
I did have to look at the copy of instructions off the JimZ site to take a look at the instructions -- interesting that it doesn't mention painting the Service Module silver, as would be suggested with the facecard and catalog images.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, this model looks a bit bare without the American flag, USA and UNITED STATES markings (which would usually be depicted with decals). I'm guessing that water-slide decals were probably not included as they might pose a problem with the paper wraps.
Hi Naoto,
DeleteDecals could be a problem around the paper wraps. But, I was careful and they didn't pose a problem on the Zooch Saturn V.
Well done Chris. It is a somewhat "unique" Estes kit.
ReplyDeleteHi Leo,
Delete"Somewhat unique" is right!
I had this kit in the 70's. It was a real challenge to build. Mine looked like a piece of trash.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Not every kit Estes sold back in the day was engineered that well. After my Mercury Redstone debacle, this would have been a huge disappointment! Even with the exceptional skill that Chris has, this build had problems. Imagine a 10 year old trying to make it look good!
DeleteTo Bill R and Anonymous,
DeleteI'm a bit embarrassed I didn't plan ahead and paint the tunnel ends black before gluing in place. It looks like I pre-painted the tunnels on the Zooch Saturn V build. I have wondered how many 10 year old's have given up on bit Saturn V builds.
Well Done!
ReplyDeleteThanks Anonymous!
Delete