Grumman Lunar Module LM-5 based on the Revell 1:48 kit and the New Ware NW068 1/48 Lunar Module detail set

[NellyV]

This was one of the longest builds I ‘ve ever completed, not because of its complexity, but because I found it difficult to find time for it in full time work and also kept losing interest! I started it around 2008 and finished it just in time for the 50th anniversary of the 1st moon landing in 2019.

 

I was 12 years old in 1969 and something of a project Apollo nerd at the time. I subsequently built the Airfix 1:72 kit in the early 70s, but back then there was very little reference material on the detailed configuration and appearance of the Apollo spacecraft and it can only have been a very superficial likeness of the original. With access to the ‘interweb’ that we have these days it is now possible to access a plethora of reference material and my build, based on the Revell 1:48 kit with the addition of the New Ware NW068 1/48 Lunar Module detail set (H mission, Apollo 11 - 14) resin and photoetch set, is I believe a reasonably accurate reproduction of the Apollo 11 Lunar Module for this scale.

 

If you haven't already seen it and would like to see a really impressive larger scale and essentially scratch built model, check out Vincent Meens’ 1/24 scale LM-05 model here, where it is compared with the detailed digital model produced by John Ortmann.

 

I recreated the multiple layers of Kapton and Mylar foil used to insulate the descent stage on my model by using narrow strips of double-sided sticky tape to attach the silver and gold coloured plastic foil stripped off the laminated cardboard inserts found in packets of UK supermarket smoked salmon. The darker Kapton gold effect was achieved by overpainting the lighter shade with Tamiya clear orange acrylic paint. The heat resistant black painted foil areas are made from black plastic bin liner applied in the same manner! Over time, the crinkliness of the single layer foils has flattened somewhat and if I were doing it again, I would try and use multiple layers, just like the original in the hope that it would stay a bit more puffed up. One other detail I added, which I’m amazed worked out OK was the etched gradations on the Commander’s window made from thin acetate sheet and visible in the second shot below. During this multi-year build, I lost the original kit lunar surface base and replaced it with one made from modelling clay.

 

Some interesting Apollo LM factoids(?):

• Grumman had a huge problem keeping the LM weight within the required limits and although the original LM design had rigid panel faces on the octagonal planform descent stage sides, the use of multiple layers of insulating Kapton foil proved to be a lower weight solution in the end. For similar weight saving reasons, the skin of the ascent stage crew compartment was the equivalent thickness of only 3 sheets of printer paper. You could easily push a ball point pen through it!
• The RCS blast deflectors were a last-minute addition to LM-05 to prevent hot jet erosion of the Kapton covering and installed at Kennedy SC prior to lift off. I believe they were later found to be the cause of some of the comms problems Neil and Buzz struggled with during descent because they interfered with radio reception!
• As the 05 designation indicates, the Apollo 11 LM “Eagle” was only the 5th LM built, so it probably took more guts than most folk appreciated at the time to fly and land what was only the 5th iteration of a highly complex vehicle on the lunar surface. I also find it amazing that none of the LM ascent stage engines used to lift off from the lunar surface were live fire tested! The hypergolic fuels used would have eaten into the engine components and made them totally unreliable by the time they were needed. Imagine putting your faith in the correct assembly of an untested engine to get you home and anticipating that it was going to light when needed?

[TimB]

Very nicely done.  You've caught the look of the LM very well, and both the Ascent Stage colours and the foil work very nicely.

 

Regards

 

Tim 

[Logan181]

What colors did you use for the ascent stage?

[NellyV]

On 18/06/2021 at 18:44, Logan181 said:

What colors did you use for the ascent stage?

I recall the unpainted ascent stage panels were anodised aluminum and had a metallic blue grey appearance? I believe the darker panels were painted black for thermal management. I started the build with the ascent stage and TBH I cant remember the exact paint mix used for the anodised panels, but I think it was based on a Humbrol Neutral Gray and the black panels matt black. Bearing in mind the panels on the original were in fact quite flimsy and distorted in places, I'd imagine they're a tough feature to replicate accurately at any scale.

[NellyV]

One other detail. I used Sugru black adhesive putty to replicate the conical black thermal insulation "gloves" around the upper leg support struts. The Revell parts have smaller conical features (shock absorbers?), but if I remember rightly they are moulded with the narrow end toward the descent stage and the wider end facing outwards. I first cut these off and stuck them back together the other way around before building them up with Sugru.

[RET]

Really a very lovely build - you've done a great job and it's apparent by the details, you've done your research. I particularly like the effect you've got with the descent stage covering - the wrinkled black area looks great.

 

Cheers

 

[Tzulscha]

I have to say that that is one of the nicest builds that I have yet seen done with that kit.

 

You said you made the base from modeling clay?

Not plasticene I hope, that stuff will give you some problems in the future. Too oily.

 

Very pretty but I bet she'll be a bugger to dust!

 

Well done!

[NellyV]

2 hours ago, Tzulscha said:

I have to say that that is one of the nicest builds that I have yet seen done with that kit.

 

You said you made the base from modeling clay?

Not plasticene I hope, that stuff will give you some problems in the future. Too oily.

 

Very pretty but I bet she'll be a bugger to dust!

 

Well done!

Many thanks. I used DAS modelling clay on a cardboard base for the lunar surface and bought a football display case to keep it in, so hopefully no dust problem 😉