1/87 Thor

[gamevender]

This is the Glencoe re-release of the Adams kit. Fit was actually pretty good, although the launch pad posed a few problems here and there and the railings are pretty thick. You get two sets of markings. One for a USAF experimental bird with a pitot at the top and some to show the missile in UK service. I modified the nose cone into what was known as a "non-ablative re-entry" type, whatever that means and if I even have that term correct. Suffice to say its flatter with a more pointed top. The launch base is actually incorrect for the British missiles, but it suited Adam's purposes as it was also used in their Vanguard missile kit. It was a fun build and looks pretty good when completed. I made the concrete pad out of a piece of sheet plastic. 

 

 

[saturnapollo]

Very nice indeed!

 

"non-ablative re-entry" - the Apollo Command Module had an ablative material - which is material which breaks away during re-entry taking the heat with it. The shuttle tiles were non ablative which means they did not break away but absorbed the heat.

 

Keith

Edited August 6, 2022 by saturnapollo

[TEXANTOMCAT]

Great build 🙂👍

[Pete in Lincs]

That looks very nice indeed. 

I live on a former RAF base which had Thor missiles years ago.

[desert falcon]

Very cool 👍

[Yg Models]

interesting / non standard topic of kit. thx for sharing.

[Roberto]

Lovely and interesting!

[Bertie McBoatface]

On 8/6/2022 at 7:39 PM, Pete in Lincs said:

That looks very nice indeed. 

I live on a former RAF base which had Thor missiles years ago.

 

I like it too. I like the contrast between sleek missile and clunky launcher. Excellent work especially on the base and figures.

 

When I was a JT I worked with an old sergeant who had been on the Thor in Lincolnshire somewhere. These personal connections, however tenuous make models so much more special.