It should be an easy fix. This is the section from the Mercury at the McMinnvile OR museum.

It's an off white, somewhat translucent section. This is the only time I've seen the hold down clamps painted white. Most of what I've seen is 3 white-ish sections separated bu the clamps painted black like the rest of the body. Originally I was going to just mask the areas after priming but then I thought that would be too white. Then I thought of white decal film, it would allow some black to show through. Anyway I ordered the decals from bare metal last week, and then forgot about it. Hopefully it will be here soon and I can really finish.

Gary, I'm trying to be clever about the next build. I've given a few clues, any guesses?

I've already started on the project. If I post a photo it will give it away. It's non traditional and pushing the limits of the GB.

Mach71> Thanks!  The classic white paint scheme that's on every Apollo model from the 60s and early 70s.  Even in the movies! 

As for the kit, I don't know if Revell will release it again soon.  The last one was in the 90s, and it goes for about $100.  Here's one on E-Bay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Revell-85-5090-Apollo-Lunar-Spacecraft-kit-Buzz-Aldrin-1-48-Mint-Sealed-2011-/192897789906?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c10#viTabs_0

I must admit, I'm glad I had enough parts to replicate my missing pieces, and that I found a 1/48th scale paper model version online.  If anyone wanted to duplicate this, I think that if you could get a 1/48th LM and CM/SM, it's possible to build the escape tower and the LM storage area from scratch by using the paper model plans.  All you need are some sheets and rods of plastic and determination.    I have enough real plans and details to give a good guide.  In fact, if other companies release their own 1/48th scale CM/SM and LM, they might be better candidates for converting.

It is possible for the future I may build a paper SIV-B to go along with the model.  The only hold-up is the cost of a 1/48th scale J2 engine nozzle.  Those 3D printed models are expensive!

Gary

PS> Just saw the post about the windows.  Well, not everything is perfect!  You'll get them fixed, I know.

BTW, what was the third project you mentioned?

Mach71: It can't be that hard to fix can it? Good luck!!! 

In the words of Spock in "The City onthe Edge of Forever"

"I am a fool!"

I left the dielectric windows on the antenna section black!

I have some solid white and grey decal sheets on the way. That should work.

Gary, I was just looking at your Apollo again and I just love the "prototype" clean white look! Particularly on the LEM. You really captured the look of the design. Great job.

I also really like the look of your base, It fits the kit perfectly.

I sure wish that was one of the kits Revell was re releasing, It makes a great display.

Thanks, everyone!  She's a keeper (as I'm not sure I'll ever get another kit). 

Mach71>  Well, I say go for it, as long as it's related to space exploration in some way.  (I count the V2 as it was the first man-made object to reach "space".)  I have some minor missles from AMT's Man In Space set I'm redoing, so I'll be adding those to the build log.  As long as you get the project started, we'll find funding to keep her going after the cut-off date!

Oh, as a remind for everyone, you might want to add your project builds to the "Space" thread.  It needs some love.  I'm working on a write-up even now. 

Gary

Today in Space History:

1960 April 29 - . Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

• All eight H-1 engines of the Saturn C-1 first stage ground-tested simultaneously - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. At Redstone Arsenal, all eight H-1 engines of the first stage of the Saturn C-1 launch vehicle were static-fired simultaneously for the first time and achieved 1.3 million pounds of thrust..

1960 April 29 - .

• Agreements concluded for all overseas Mercury tracking stations - . Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Mercury.

  Construction was proceeding on schedule at Cape Canaveral, Bermuda, Grand Canary Islands, the Woomera and Muchea Australian sites, and at the demonstration site on Wallops Island, Virginia. The survey of Guaymas in Western Mexico completed that phase of the program, but the construction was yet to be accomplished.

1961 April 29 - . Launch Vehicle: Saturn I.

• Saturn I fight qualification. - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. The first successful flight qualification test of the Saturn SA-1 booster took place in an eight-engine test lasting 30 seconds..

1964 April 29 - . 18:00 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Delamar Dry Lake DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 003.

• X-15A Opt Deg/Att Indic. Technology/test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 6285 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30968 m. Air dropped in Delamar Dry Lake DZ..

Great work Gary! Boy there is not much space when both spacecraft are mated for launch!

I love the look.

Thanks for my wings, and everyone for the kind words. 

I have an Idea for a 3rd build, but I'm not sure I can get it done by July 20. I know I can by Apollo 12's date, It's a golden opportunity (hint) for a kind of kit I haven't built in over 20 years. I'll try with Mission Control's permission!

Hey Gary, that looks really cool! Congrats! Mission accomplished! You guys put a lot of work into your builds. Well done.

Gary: Wow, looks awesome!!!

Individual Modules:

And I finally get my wings!

Mission Director (GAF)

Final Project Report:  April 29th, 2019

The Apollo model is finished.  All components have been checked out and final mission directives have been finalized.  After 7 months of sometimes unbelievable frustrations, she stands ready on the pad for launch.  T-Minus 10 seconds and counting... 

Mission Director (GAF)

Mach71>  Great builds and a superb finish!  Both models turned out great, and I love your background poster.  I've chosen two of the photos of the Mercury and V2 for inclusion on the first page.  In recognition of achieving the goal of finishing two models at once, here's your Senior Astronaut Modeler badge.  Well done!

GAF

Hey Mach!  Congrats!  They both look great!  I like how you photographed them too. That is a cool backdrop to have them photographed against.  Good thinking on that.

Mach71: Great job there on Faith 7!!! Looking forward to the beauty shots. And the V-2 don't look too shabby either! 

Scott: Looks good! Good luck with the weather. 

Bakster: The crackle looks nice, looking forward to seeing the finished results. 

Gary: Sounds cool, looking forward to more photos. 

PS: Mach71: Looks awesome!!! You posted the beauty shots while I was posting this... 

And forgot to say good luck with the move Steve. So glad to hear the operation went as well as it did.

There is probably more I could do, but I think I'm ready to call these done!

modelcrazy

See, this is why I love the forum, things I never though of is tried, proof of concept done and shared, fails and successes. It never occured to me to crackel a desert floor . There are several techniques over the years that have never occured to me as well as things I thought of and shared with others. Your desert is going to look great. 

Thanks Steve. I agree about the sharing of concepts, fails, and successes. I glean knowledge from others, and this is why I like to share the stuff I try too. We all grow in the hobby by sharing what we do. Good ideas, bad ideas, there is always something to learn from them. 

Good luck with the move, and the remodeling, Steve. Thanks to everyone else for their comments as well! Fingers are crossed as I move forward. 

Scottrc the Saturn is looking good! I hope the weather lets you get some paint on it soon.

Bakster the crakle is looking very realistic. It will really add to XS-1.

Have a safe move Steve, It's a real pain to move.

Gary, glad to hear your just about done. 

Like you I'm basically done. I think I got all the little details cleaned up tonight.

Also like you I'm trying to figure out how to photograph the Mercury. I hope the have some photos up tomorrow.

Scottrc>  The SV looks like it will turn out nice!  Hope the weather clears up enough for some painting.  The last few days have been really great here, though the temperatures are beginning to creep up.  We'll see mid-80s this week.

Bakster>  The Crackle seems to be a good representation of a dry lake bed.  I think it will be great with the X-1 sitting on it.  Don't worry about the time.  Still got about 2 1/2 months.

Steve>  Don't worry about it, just glad you're doing okay.  Hope the move back to Boise goes well and you can get back to the bench. 

Update: The model is done.  I got a couple of minor things touched up and fixed today (including gluing one of the Service Module RCS nozzles back on after knocking it off).

At the moment, I'm just considering what the best way to photograph the model will be.  I have this National Geographic moon poster I am considering as a background, or the plain black board I've used before.  I will do a little experimenting and try posting the final results tomorrow evening.  I'm sure glad this one is finished (after 50 years)!

Gary

Today In Space History:

1961 April 28 - . 14:03 GMT - . Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: Wallops Island LA4. Launch Vehicle: Little Joe 1.

• Mercury LJ-5B - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Spacecraft: Mercury. Apogee: 4.00 km (2.40 mi).

  Little Joe 5B (LJ-5B) was launched from Wallops Island to test the Mercury escape system under maximum dynamic pressure conditions. At the time of lift-off, one of the launch vehicle rocket motors did not ignite until after 4 seconds had elapsed. This delay caused the launch vehicle to pitch into a lower trajectory than had been planned, with a result that the abort maneuver experienced greater dynamic pressures than had been specified in the flight test plan. Other than this, all other sequential systems operated according to plan, and after landing, a normal helicopter recovery was accomplished. Thus, all test objectives were met and were actually exceeded because the spacecraft withstood the higher dynamic pressures.

1963 April 28 - . LV Family: N1. Launch Vehicle: N1 1964.

• N1 Plans - . Nation: Russia. Spacecraft: L3-1963, OS-1 (1965), TMK-1.

  An Inter-Institution Soviet considers Korolev's N1 plans. He believes the first booster will be launched in 1965. The N1 is to have a payload capability of 75 tonnes to a 250 km altitude orbit, 50 tonnes to a 3000 km altitude orbit, and 16 tonnes in geostationary orbit. It could launch spacecraft capable of landing men on the moon and returning them to earth, or manned flybys of Mars or Venus. Three to ten launches would be needed for such missions, with the components being docked together in low earth orbit. The N1 can also be used to launch a large space station for military research. After the N1 discussion a decision is made that cosmonauts will not have to spend more than three to four days in a spacecraft mock-up on the ground to prove their readiness for flight. A simulation of the entire flight duration is not necessary.

1967 April 28 - .

• The McDonnell Company and Douglas Aircraft Company merged to form McDonnell Douglas Corporation. - . Nation: USA.

See, this is why I love the forum, things I never though of is tried, proof of concept done and shared, fails and successes. It never occured to me to crackel a desert floor . There are several techniques over the years that have never occured to me as well as things I thought of and shared with others.

Your desert is going to look great. 

Scott, nice job on the SV.

Mach, the capsule and V2 are looking surpurb.

Gary, the CM is really comming along, I nice job on the base.

Sorry I've been scarce. The last push at work before quitting and moving back to Boise at the end of this week. A long drive home then settling in and getting my workbench set up, after I replace the flooring in the hobby room. I may be scarce for a wee longer.

scottrc

I now need the weather to cooperate. Its too big to paint in my workshop.

I hear you about the weather, Scott. We had snow yesterday. Pert near May, and we are still getting snow. Anyway, your Saturn looks good!

Update: You may recall that I was striving for a crackled desert look. Though my dio is based on the movie, The Right Stuff-- it will be based loosely so. In the movie the desert does not have that appearance. I am striving for it because I think it will be a cool effect.

Little did I know that getting there is a big journey. Wide are the various products and ways to achieve this, but narrow is the door to get what I am looking for. I am getting there though.

Below: Here are various tests that I ran. These are not my first. Like I said, it's been a journey. There are two things I am striving for: The first is getting a decent scale to the pattern. The second is to get a pattern in keeping with what nature kicks out. I feel like I am getting close. 

Some things that I learned:

1. It is imperative that the base be primed for crackle paste to work best. If you don't prime, the crackle will curl up off the base, paint and all. That could be an affect you are striving for though because nature produces that too. But, for my build, it is not what I want. The primer that I used is, Gesso. This gives a solid base for the crackle to stick to.

2. The size of the patterns are directly proportional to the thickness of the crackle applied. The thinner you apply it, the smaller the pattern. The reverse is true if you apply it thick. I need to go thin in order to keep it in scale. And let me tell you, it is not an easy thing to do. You need to work fast with this stuff and it is not all that easy to minimize ridges. Along with that they recommend not reworking the same areas too much. This can affect how the crackle works. In that case--the potential is no crackle at all. Yesterday, I purchased a wide plastic drywall knife. This works pretty well because I can get large swaths, reducing the number of ridges.

Today I coated the base with Gesso. I should get the crackle applied this week. Oh, and by the way, Gary. This project will probably use up the remaining time left with this GB. I am optimistic I'll finish it in the allotted time. 

There you go... probably more than you'd want to know about Crackle. 

Superb work Mach.

Everything is sanded and the Saturn is ready for primer. I now need the weather to cooperate. Its too big to paint in my workshop.

Mach71>  Those are excellant!  Hope to see some final shots this Monday.  Impressive to finish up two at once.

My own work on "The Apollo" model is done.  I've added a couple of final stencils to access doors, and one more to the hatch.  I still have to do the astronaut figure, but that's something extra.  I'll finish him up as I start on some other minor things I had planned to do after this one (a Redstone, Atlas-Mercury and Titan-Gemini).

Hope everyone else is doing okay as we enter the final months of this group build.

Gary

Today In Space History:

1959 April 27 - .

• Project Mercury astronauts reported for duty - . Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Mercury.

  The seven Project Mercury astronauts reported for duty. A tentative schedule of Mercury astronaut activities for the first months of training was issued. Actual training began the next day. Within 3 months the astronauts were acquainted with the various facets of the Mercury program. The first training week was as follows: Monday, April 27, check in; April 28, general briefing; April 29, spacecraft configuration and escape methods; April 30, support and restraint; May 1, operational concepts and procedures. These lectures were presented by specialists in the particular field of study. Besides the above, unscheduled activities involved 3 hours flying time and 4 hours of athletics.

1967 April 27 - . 04:10 GMT - . Launch Site: Fort Churchill. LV Family: Black Brant. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant VB.

• Test / ionosphere / plasma mission - . Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 398 km (247 mi).

1967 April 27 - . 04:31 GMT - . Launch Site: Woomera. Launch Complex: Woomera LA2. Launch Pad: LA2 SL. LV Family: Skylark. Launch Vehicle: Skylark 3 AC.

• Test mission - . Nation: Australia. Agency: Royal Aerospace Establishment, WRE. Apogee: 203 km (126 mi).

1972 April 27 - .

• Landing of Apollo 16 - . Return Crew: Duke, Mattingly, Young. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Duke, Mattingly, Young. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 16.

  Entry and landing were normal, completing a 265-hour 51-minute mission. The command module was viewed on television while dropping on the drogue parachutes, and continuous coverage was provided through crew recovery. Splashdown was at 2:45 p.m. EST (19:45 GMT) in mid-Pacific, 5 kilometers from the recovery ship U.S.S. Ticonderoga. All primary mission objectives had been achieved.

Thanks.

Both are looking very cool, Mach. 

The last (I think) parts were attached today! 

The electrical plugs from the retro straps to the capsule.

The "wire" from the strap to the plug required a bit of work, I still need to do some touch up paint but I think Gordo's ship is done!

I'll get some photos of the whole thing up on Monday.

Overall I'm very happy with how this came out, Some things could be done better and if I was doing it again there are a few things I would do differently.

Some more painting on the V2:

There is not much left on the V2 as well. Some touch up paint and I think thats it.

I'll let the paint sit for a bit.

I might call this one done monday also.

mach71

Thank you very much, but it's the Tamiya lacquer. Great pain

Gamera>  Thanks!  Yes, the astronaut is one of those things I decided to add at the last.  It will give a sense of scale to the model, though I will probably only display it with the LM.

Good luck with your astronaut!  I can understand about seams, especially on a pessure suit like that.

Mach71>  I really like the Mercury capsule.  It's going to look great!  I don't think I've seen a V2 in that paint scheme, so looking forward to that.

Update:

Not much to report on my end.  I got some dullcoat sprayed onto the decals and that did help, though not as much as I had hoped.  I'll just have to live with it.  The stencils on the LES were applied and they do help add some interest to an otherwise plain white surface.  I really need to come up with some more to help break up the monotony.

The model is now essentially finished, though I'm going to keep working on it detail wise, and finish up the astronaut figure.  This weekend should see it ready for rolling out on the pad (I hope).

Gary

Today in Space History:

1961 April 26 - .

• Dyna-Soar system package program. - . Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Dynasoar.

  The Dyna-Soar program office completed a system package program, further elaborating the three-step approach. Under Step 1, 20 air-launch tests would not begin until January 1964 and overlap with the beginning of space launches. The first of two unmanned launches would take place in August 1964, followed by 12 manned suborbital launches atop a Titan 2 beginning in April 1965, which would extend the speed envelope gradually from 4.9 km/s to 6.7 km/s. Step 2A would be completed with a single orbital flight from Cape Canaveral to Edwards Air Force Base in April 1966. The interim operational vehicle, capable of reconnaissance, satellite inspection, space logistics missions, and bombing, would be available in October 1967. The complete weapons system, including space-to-earth and space-to-space missiles, would become operational in late 1971.

1971 April 26 - .

• Quarantine for crew members who would go to the moon on future Apollo flights was discontinued - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Low, George. Program: Apollo. Flight: Apollo 15.

  Acting NASA Administrator George M. Low discontinued the quarantine for future Apollo flights to the moon beginning with the Apollo 15 mission. The decision was based on a recommendation of the Interagency Committee on Back Contamination (ICBC). The ICBC would continue as an active body, however, at least until the results of the last Apollo lunar mission were reviewed. Biomedical characterization of returned lunar samples would also be continued.

Bakster

Hey Mach--with these latest photos I am able to really appreciate the work you are doing with paint. You are putting down some nice finishes. That capsule looks awesome. The paint looks very much like painted or anodized metal. Your V2 is looking good too. 

Very nice work sir.  

 

Thank you very much, but it's the Tamiya lacquer. Great paint. 

Kudos to you too, Gary. It is looking good!

Hey Mach--with these latest photos I am able to really appreciate the work you are doing with paint. You are putting down some nice finishes. That capsule looks awesome. The paint looks very much like painted or anodized metal. Your V2 is looking good too. 

Very nice work sir.