real space models?

Resin models are just like plastic except they're more expensive, you have to use CA glue, they're heavier, they're more expensive, some of them come with surface pits that have to be filled, they have to be washed very thoroughly before painting and oh, by the way -- did I mention they were more expensive?

The expense part is understandable, given that most resin subjects (particularly in the Real Space category) are limited-run models produced by guys in their garage. Some of these guys are extremely talented and meticulous craftsmen, mind you, but they like to make a profit, so I don't begrudge them that. If you want to build a lot of launch vehicles (and many of them are only available in resin) then get ready to open your wallet.

Then again, you could go the route I've chosen to go and start building card models. You'd be surprised how many launch vehicle models are available online, and while the detail on them ranges from spare to overwhelming, they can be built into fairly decent models and they don't cost you an arm and a leg. Launch vehicles are basically tubes and truncated cones, after all.

You speak of wanting to build the manned launch vehicles used along the way in our moon program. I've done the Mercury-Redstone, Mercury-Atlas, Gemini-Titan and Saturn 1B in 1/96th scale. I posted some photos of them in my album at http://www.cardmodels.net/phpbb2/album_personal.php?user_id=370, if you're interested.

All of the models except the Gemini-Titan were "free," and by that I'm not including the price of the paper (I generally use a 65-lb. stock) and the use of my color printer. The Gemini-Titan is one of several well-designed card models that come on the "Project Gemini" CD sold by delta7studios.

All of the models benefit from super-detailing, and once you've mastered a few basic techniques, it's not hard to fabricate pieces. I added plenty of detail to the Redstone, Atlas, Gemini and Saturn 1B, and scratchbuilt items such as the launch escape system towers, etc.

I haven't yet taken or posted photos of my latest four models -- a Mercury-Redstone (in 1/48th scale); a Proton K with a scratchbuilt payload fairing; a scratchbuilt Atlas IIAS; and a scratchbuilt Atlas V Heavy Lift Vehicle. The latter three are in 1/96th scale. Even in that scale, the Atlas V HLV is huge. Erik te Groen (whose models are available at http://www.lansbergen.net/eng/index.htm has promised us a 1/96th-scale Delta V Heavy sometime this year, and the two rockets will look nice side-by-side.

Speaking of Erik, he is a gifted designer and his models build into wonderful replicas. I've built three of his 1/72nd-scale Delta IIs, (the launch vehicles for MER-A, FUSE and Gravity ProBe B) and a couple of his 1/96th-scale Deltas. He includes a lot of detail.

As for the Mercury-Redstone in 1/48th scale, it can be downloaded at cardinspace.com. It is a detailed replica and doesn't present too many difficult challenges.

I should note that when building most of my launch vehicles, I've taken to applying the "skins" to appropriately sized model rocket tubes. Aside from adding strength and rigidity, they also make sure everything is straight. If you visit the model rocketry section of a well-stocked hobby shop, you can find no end of tubes in different diameters.

Thanks for the great info. I have seen lots of models that interest me, but were offered only in resin. Having never worked with resin it put me off a little, but only a little. I don't mind a new challenge and besides... I can only screw it up once. After all, my motto is, "results may vary". You seemed a little vague on the price though... are they expensive?

The price of resin models varys greatly depending on casting quality and number of parts. Glenn's models are considered to be reasonably priced in the world of resin and multi media kits.

Go ahead and check out their prices if you haven't done so.
www.realspacemodels.com
You can see for yourself if they fit your price range. Resing kits aren't anything to be afraid of, but beware, since many kits are very limited production kits made by random small companies or a home garage, some of them do tend to have fit and detail problems. They are more expensive than their styrene cousins, but since they are so easy to create, all of those subjects you can't find in plastic kits are most likely produced by someone in resin. The only way to find if you like them, it to try them.
Good luck!

dhanners,
I just joined the forum last week. I was really amazed at all the cool stuff here. I literally discovered card modelling through this subject. For the past 4 days I have split my free time between surfiing the net for free downloads of card models and actually building those models. I read your above post in this thread today and went to all the links you listed. First let me say that after viewing your work I definitely have something to aspire to, your models are truly amazing, I was especially impressed by your scratchbuilt thrust section on the Gemini Titan.

All of the other sites you mentioned are now in my favorites. I particularly liked Delta 7, and am looking forward to modelling lots of things I saw there.

Thanks for turning me on to a new and already very rewarding branch of modelling!!!!

A C Spectre

I have had a very mixed experience with resin, and I find the material of which Glenn's real space models are made to be of superior quality. I recommend starting with the 1/144 scale kits, as they have small numbers of parts and do not reuire as much structural reinforcement as the larger kits. It is important to note that rockets whose stages are seperated by photoetch parts, such as soyuz, may need some shoreing-up, such as with brass rod.
Brian