Well I am Building a Saturn V Skylab model rocket.

Years ago, many years ago when I was about 7-8 years old; my Father, Brother and me would fly Model Rockets as a hobby in the summer.
Well the 3 of us together where working on the original 1/100th Scale Saturn V. While moving into a new home the Model Rocket got smashed and was not repairable. My Father never did spend the money for a new kit considering this was the 70's and with inflation and gasoline being expensive, money was tight.

I messed around with Model Rockets again in my mid to late 30's. I built several low skill to medium kits and even built a few from scratch even. The Saturn V kit was discontinued then and I would have built it then if I could.

So one day mid summer I came across a very nice cardboard tube, I thought hmm this would make a decent rocket. So I built a Model Rocket again from scratch and also a Launch pad and a Launcher controller.

I basically got into the hobby again and realized that Estes Model Co re-released the Saturn V only to be discontinued again. You can find them on EBAY for a hefty price. But Estes recently released the Saturn V Limited Edition Skylab. I think is even cooler and I found it cheap on Walmart.com for $60 considering many sell for $119 at online hobby shops and other places, even Amazon has it for $90 right now, which is still a good deal IMO.


So I took the plunge and ordered it a few days ago, it came today and I already primed the main tubes. It's a skill level 5 Model Rocket; the build is challenging and doable for me, but I want it to be museum quality painted and this troubles me a bit.

I just wonder if there might be anyone on ATS who has built either the standard Saturn V or this limited Edition Skylab version? Maybe give me some tips and advice perhaps?

Well this is the kit.



Here's a unboxing video from Tim Van Milligan from Apogee Components. They have this Model for sale also, but pricey, however they do have many cool and affordable rockets and resources.

www.youtube.com...

Hope you enjoy my post.

I am thinking of updating this post with the build. This is my winter project, the final painting will not be able to be done till late spring. I have not choice but to paint outdoors.

a reply to: Ilikesecrets

There are a few rockets I’ve always wanted to build and this is one of them.
Little joe was another one.

I haven’t launched a rocket in a long time… maybe it’s about time to start the hobby again.

a reply to: Ilikesecrets

I did a model of the Saturn 5 based on washing up bottles and shampoo tubes.

It went on Blue Peter and was held up by Valerie Singleton
.

I got a Blue Peter badge for that.

Probably, and sadly, my finest moment.

originally posted by: Oldcarpy2
a reply to: Ilikesecrets

I did a model of the Saturn 5 based on washing up bottles and shampoo tubes.

It went on Blue Peter and was held up by Valerie Singleton
.

I got a Blue Peter badge for that.

Probably, and sadly, my finest moment.

You're talking about the Saturn 1b with the multible tubes? Yea i seen that kit also. It looks to be difficult as well. Walmart has that kit right now for $50 or so, thought about picking it up too. I also like the Mecury Redstone kit as well.

a reply to: Ilikesecrets

No. I did my own version. Not a kit?

originally posted by: Oldcarpy2
a reply to: Ilikesecrets

No. I did my own version. Not a kit?

Yea I got that with the shampoo bottles and all. What i did not understand was the Blue Peter badge stuff? I was just letting you know that their is a kit that actually flies if you was interested in that sort of thing?

originally posted by: Bluntone22
a reply to: Ilikesecrets

There are a few rockets I’ve always wanted to build and this is one of them.
Little joe was another one.

I haven’t launched a rocket in a long time… maybe it’s about time to start the hobby again.

Do it! Have fun again. Consider the Saturn 1b kit or the Mercury Redstone also.

a reply to: Ilikesecrets

Ok, Ill be the first to ask. How ever did you get that thing into your bedroom? And how much glue does it take to hold a 100,000 ton Space Lab together? And I hope you have windows open!!!



Im sorry. I couldnt resist. Looks really cool. Send pics along the way!

originally posted by: mysterioustranger
a reply to: Ilikesecrets

Ok, Ill be the first to ask. How ever did you get that thing into your bedroom? And how much glue does it take to hold a 100,000 ton Space Lab together? And I hope you have windows open!!!

Im sorry. I couldnt resist. Looks really cool. Send pics along the way!

I'll be the 1st to say (or maybe not) I think you got ESP. I am actually building this in my bedroom where I am currently staying. Kinda why the painting will be done outside and some gluing like the epoxy and such. The rocket is rather large actually considering my small workspace.

ETA; I did mention in the OP title that it was model and a model can be of any scale:

a reply to: Ilikesecrets

When was a kid had an ESTES Redstone model rocket - used to shoot it from back yard (had acre of ground)

One flight parachute failed to deploy and rocket cracked up ............

a reply to: Ilikesecrets

Decades ago I built a single-stage high(er) powered ("E"-class motor, I think) to qualify for my hobby rocketry certification. Phenolic tube body, plywood fins, metal motor casing with ceramic(?) nozzle.

Then moved on to working on a team building M through P class monsters as part of the first amateur to space competition.

The high desert gets cold at night!

originally posted by: firerescue
a reply to: Ilikesecrets

When was a kid had an ESTES Redstone model rocket - used to shoot it from back yard (had acre of ground)

One flight parachute failed to deploy and rocket cracked up ............

Yea the Command Module on that kit is delicate to even build cause of the scale of the components, But their is actually after market 3d printed parts or plans to print yourself, same with this Saturn V rocket I can buy or print a one piece fin unit that accepts 5 individual motors. The rocket is rated at 400 ft / 122m with a single F15-4 motor, but with this cluster it can go double in height or more. I am not into losing rockets or chasing the ace for them only to find one in a tree. 400ft/ 122m is fine for me. Actually I will be using something between a E16-4 and the F15-4. I just want to launch with glory and recover it without damage, not looking to break height distance records or my rocket's, lol

I also would like to add this link for anyone interested more into this rocket. I don't recommend buying this kit there though, it's quite pricey for them.


Specifcations and more on the Saturn V Skylab MRK.

originally posted by: Mantiss2021
a reply to: Ilikesecrets

Decades ago I built a single-stage high(er) powered ("E"-class motor, I think) to qualify for my hobby rocketry certification. Phenolic tube body, plywood fins, metal motor casing with ceramic(?) nozzle.

Then moved on to working on a team building M through P class monsters as part of the first amateur to space competition.

The high desert gets cold at night!

I always thought about going for a Class 1 certification, but living in Michigan I doubt it's possible. Most certs are done out West and that would mean a vacation. I don't travel much, especially in today's economy.

What you said you have done is impressive, got any video? I have seen many videos on youtube from amateur to space class range. You should share more on this, sounds interesting to hear from somebody like you that has been involved in that range of rocketry.

a reply to: Ilikesecrets

I knew what ya meant! (Not ESP, but I am a "sensitive")! I was just being silly. Quite the project...and as said...send photos along the way!

I used to use airplane model glue. All sloppy and gloopy. And I was gloopy while using it!!!

a reply to: Ilikesecrets

U2U sent

Happy viewing!

a reply to: Ilikesecrets

Yeah, I had a standard Saturn V rocket back in 1973 when I first got into model rockets. When I first opened it, it looked very daunting indeed. But, the best advice I could give, which is what I do, is to divide the building of the kit into distinct "stages." That way, when you finish building one part, you can feel a sense of accomplishment. And that will carry over to the other stages. Just believe that "I can do this, man!" It works well for me.

Just think of it like this: "One small step completed, one giant step when finished."


TCB

a reply to: Mantiss2021

a reply to: Ilikesecrets

Blue Peter was/is a kids' TV programme, a feature of which was making things out of stuff you'd find around the house. I believe it's still going, but in the 1970s it was a big deal. People who appeared on the show, or won competitions and so on, were given a badge - it was quite a thing to get one.

Well i was going to update this topic with photo's and explanations on the build build. Ats only allows me a few image uploads. So much for that then. Put a lot a work in photo documenting the build too.