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

1/144 Saturn I Block II SA-5 Build Update 7

It's been a while, time for an update on the SA-5 build. There are quite a few details that need to be added to the S-IV and interstage areas. But before that I needed to add the payload section to the S-IV interstage. There are a lot of details that go on the S-IV interstage … Continue reading 1/144 Saturn I Block II SA-5 Build Update 7

1/144 Saturn I Block II SA-5 Build Update 6

Progress continues on the SA-5 model. I made the decision to replace the S-IV that came in the upgrade kit with my own that I would make out of some resin that I already had. This would give me a round S-IV stage that would match the interstage without massive amounts of filler and hours … Continue reading 1/144 Saturn I Block II SA-5 Build Update 6

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

A little more work on the S-I stage. First I took out my Dremel and thinned the walls of the eight H-1 engines. The kit engines have nozzle walls that are far too thick. The picture doesn't show it well but the walls are much thinner that before. Next I glued on the stub fins … Continue reading 1/144 Saturn I Block II SA-5 Build Update 5