Skill Level 3 1/195 scale model of the Apollo-Saturn V moon rocket in configuration of Apollos 15, 16, and 17. A more flyable version than the Estes Saturn V!
This kit was designed to take advantage of Balsa Machining Service's laser-cutting and wood-turning technology to create a moderately sized Saturn V that the modeler can fly without a great deal of stress and expense. The sturdy escape tower uses two laser-cut pieces crossed for the basic structure with laser-cut cardstock pieces on four sides to give an intricate look with minimum modeler effort. Other laser-cut details fit into slots or onto marks burned into the three main body tubes. The fin fairings are made of laser-cut plywood skeletons with cardstock shrouds over them. The nozzles include wood turnings with cardstock nozzle extensions, making this the only flying Saturn V kit with scale nozzles that fly with the rocket. First and foremost, this is a flying rocket kit. So it was made with a couple of compromises on details. First, the fins are a bit oversized. About as much as Estes oversized their fins. This makes it posssible for this model to be stable with just about 19 grams of nose weight (included). If you build heavy, you may need more weight--that's covered in the instructions. Also, the corrugations on the Saturn VI interstage and intertank sections aren't really visible in launch photos. What you see are the lines between sections. So that's what this model gives you--tape strips that give that look. On the bright side, it means you don't have to fight with corrugated wraps to get a good-looking Saturn V. This rocket flies very well on 18 mm black powder motors. It rips off the pad on a C6-5, and gives stately, satisfying boosts on a B4-4. If you'd like to enter this kit in a NAR contest, the kit includes scale drawings and photographs that are perfect for Sport Scale documentation.
Made in the USA
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