1/48th Scale Saturn V

[Steven]

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.

 

[Steven]

Three of the four resin fin shrouds were warped upon receipt. I tossed out all four and scratch built them out of cardboard tubing.

 

[Steven]

Using the pattern that came with the kit, I traced this onto the tube and cut out all four shrouds.

 

[Steven]

One of four.

 

[Steven]

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.

 

[Steven]

I began using 1 mm. stringers and glued them on individually with CA.

 

[Steven]

A finished shroud.

 

[Steven]

With resin fins dry mounted.

 

[Steven]

Fins and shrouds mounted.

 

[Steven]

Using the supplied styrene pieces, I cut out what I needed.


And glued them between the shrouds.

 

[Steven]

Plywood centering rings where the motor tube will go through is epoxied in place.

 

[Steven]

End of motor tube sanded down to provide better grip for the metal engine retainer using JB Weld.

 

[Steven]

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.

 

[Steven]

Screw on retainer in place.

 

[Steven]

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.

 

[Steven]

Some of the staff.

 

[Steven]

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.

 

[Steven]

Booster section.

 

[Belugawrx]

1600' ..will there be a go-pro involved ?

 

[Steven]

1600' ..will there be a go-pro involved ?

Yes. One on the upper section and one on the lower one.