1/144 Apex Soyuz Rocket Conversion Update 2

In the last update I mentioned that I'd be using the photo etch grid fins from the RealSpace kit. Well, I folded and test fitted one of the PE grid fins on the 3D part. It was a big fat no-go. It was just too big. It was too wide to fit and would have … Continue reading 1/144 Apex Soyuz Rocket Conversion Update 2

1/144 Apex Soyuz Rocket Conversion Update 1

My original plan was to use the RealSpace Models Soyuz conversion set. But when I finished the initial assembly of the rocket and started looking at the Soyuz second stage part I started to find some things that made me reconsider. First, I noticed that one of the small nozzles on the escape rocket was … Continue reading 1/144 Apex Soyuz Rocket Conversion Update 1

1/144 Apex Soyuz Rocket Conversion

For my first build of the year I'll be doing a conversion of the Apex Vostok kit and build it as a Soyuz rocket. The core of the build will be the Apex kit plus parts from the Airfix Vostok kit. For the Soyuz part I'll be using the conversion set from RealSpace Models. One … Continue reading 1/144 Apex Soyuz Rocket Conversion

1/144 Saturn I Block II SA-5 Build Update 9 (Final)

Saturn I Block II SA-5 is finally finished. When I posted the last update I was at the stage where I needed to scratch build the S-I retrorockets. I used a short section of 0.125 inch styrene rod about an inch longer than I needed. I chucked that in my Dremel tool and used it … Continue reading 1/144 Saturn I Block II SA-5 Build Update 9 (Final)

1/144 Saturn I Block II SA-5 Build Update 8

Time for another update. The construction is finished except for adding the S-I retrorockets and the S-I engines. The engines have been painted. The two halves have been glued together with epoxy. I then applied a final primer coat after a small bit of sanding on the S-I/S-IV joint. Once that was done I gave … Continue reading 1/144 Saturn I Block II SA-5 Build Update 8