1/48th Scale Saturn V

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Steven

Steven

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Dec 7, 2020
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Hi folks. I've been building this rocket since July of 2015. This is a flying scale representation of the Saturn V standing at 7'5" tall. It will recover in two sections each with it's own parachute. This was originally a kit from Sheri's Hot Rockets now OOP. I will be showing photos of most of the build here. The upper section recovers on a 5 ft. chute while the lower booster end recovers on an 8 ft. parachute. This flies on a Reloadable Motor System which first flights will use a J275-W motor. Computer estimates apogee at 1600' ft.
 
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Three of the four resin fin shrouds were warped upon receipt. I tossed out all four and scratch built them out of cardboard tubing.
 
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Using the pattern that came with the kit, I traced this onto the tube and cut out all four shrouds.
 
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Once again the pattern was used to mark off where the stringers would go. The lower section was simply marked with pencil. The upper section I used a pin, then using tape to connect the marks.
 
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Using the supplied styrene pieces, I cut out what I needed.
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And glued them between the shrouds.
 
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This is a two piece retainer. A screw on cap goes over this. You can see the lip inside which prevents the motor from shifting forward. The cap prevents shifting the other way. Positive retention.
 
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Prior to the covid breakout, I have been building much of this inside a Starbucks shop. I have the largest table to work on. Everyone calls it 'my' table.
 
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An early morning shot with my Zed in front. When weather permits, I carry the full stack. With the top up, I break this down into the two separate sections. It all fits in the passenger side.
 
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The aft interstage that originally came with the kit consisted of two molded resin pieces. However, when butted together, there was a half inch gap. I chucked them and used .030" sheet styrene as a replacement. I straightened out the seam later with a knife before applying the individual 1 mm stringers.
 
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I've been using drawings from David Weeks to plot out additional details to incorporate. These have been invaluable.
 
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These are four scratchbuilt umbilical connectors and fill and drain vents. These will go on the bottom of the first stage.
 

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