‘SPACE SUITS - A GUIDE FOR SCALE MODEL BUILDERS’ ON RELEASE NOW

MAT IRVINE REPORTS 

Here’s the latest in the series of ‘Space in Miniature’ black and white books from Mike Mackowski. This eighth in the series concentrates on that basic necessity for working in space, the space suit.

US suits only

SIM 8’s opening editorial states that although the original intention was to feature all type of space suits, it soon became apparent that to try and include Soviet/Russian and Chinese suits as well as US designs was too much for a single title - and of course, there might be a further book down the line.  

The book is written mostly by Karl Dodenhoff (left above) with editing by Mike Mackowski (right). Karl is an acknowledged expert on space suits in general and more details can be found on his website.

Aimed at model builders

SIM 8 is intended primarily for modellers, so general coverage is on space suits that have been available in kit form, whether in mainstream styrene or more specialist resin. Actually, there have been models of most suits over the years, so coverage is pretty comprehensive. 

Tracking the history of space suit design

Consequently SIM 8 has details of the suits devised for all US manned projects, from Mercury to Apollo, plus Skylab and into the Space Shuttle era. The last though, is on ‘specialist space suits’ and not the more general blue jump-suits that were used extensively on board the Shuttle and currently inside the ISS. 

Abandoned space suit

So you start with thorough details of the original Mercury space suit, itself adapted from a US Navy high-altitude pressure suit.  Then the move to Gemini, where the suits were new designs, made to allow for the first EVAs. The first Apollo suits were actually modified Gemini designs, but these never flew, and were abandoned after the Apollo 1 fire. Instead, a new suit was devised and used through Apollo, Skylab and Apollo-Soyuz. 

Support system details

And it is not just space suits that are included in SIM 8. Associated equipment, such as the Gemini Extravehicular Life Support System (ELSS) - the pack carried on astronauts’ chests - is detailed, as is the first Manned Manoeuvring Unit (MMU) devised. This was the AMU, intended for Gemini, but never used for that project. 

Bandai kit link

The MMU is detailed well, as is the most recent version, the Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER). This latter is currently available as part of the Bandai ISS Extravehicular Mobility Unit kit, reviewed in SMN here.

Summation

Spacecraft in Miniature 8 - Space Suits is intended specifically for modellers to build detailed creations, but anyone with an interest in space technology and history will find it interesting. Thanks to Mike for the review copy.

More on Mike Mackowski at SMN here.

Copies of the book are available here. The website has extra photographs that could not be included, and colour originals, backing up the black and whites in the book.

GEMINI 1:24 SCALE SPACECRAFT RETURNS WITH REVELL

Weekender with Mat Irvine:

The 1:24 scale Gemini spacecraft was one of Revell’s most popular space kits of the 1960s, and now, if you missed the last reissue in 2000, it’s available once more in the 'Revell Classics' range.

Different shades

The 88-part kit remains pretty much as first issued in 1965, except that this time round, you get components moulded in white. In the past, the Revell Gemini has usually been supplied in dark or mid-grey styrene, though dark-blue and even light-blue versions have been reported. There have been white ones too - when the kit was issued as a ‘History Maker’ in 1982 - but these appear to be rare, or restricted to kits issued in Europe. Incidentally, for this reissue Revell scanned my original box, to use the artwork with the new design. 

The parts are the same as before, but are now moulded in white. A few ‘The History Makers’ issues were also in white.

Spacecraft in white

White parts do make painting easier though, as two of the three real spacecraft sections were finished in white: the central reentry module that housed the retro-rockets, and the aft equipment module. Only the conical spacecraft itself was a different shade, and here we come to a modelmaker’s urban myth that’s persisted over the years. 

Blue or black?

The Gemini craft itself was not, as so often quoted, painted blue - instead it was finished in black. It certainly had a metallic sheen, but it was still black. The misreported blue colour almost certainly originated with early NASA photographs, which often tended to be copies of copies, a process that almost invariably introduced false tints. Many images were also of mid-ocean recoveries, with lots of sky and sea, again leading to false impressions of the capsule’s colour. In fact, the black comes from special high-temperature paints applied for protection from re-entry heat. So, it’s best to ignore Revell’s instructions for a dark-grey finish - instead stick to black, with white for the heat shield. 

New decals (right above) compared with an original sheet, and with new plans (below).

New decal sheet

The kit components have not changed with this reissue, but Revell Germany has taken the opportunity to supply a new decal sheet, with more markings. Now, as well as the national markings that you got before, there are extra decals for the instrument panels and the small red markings that appear over the shingles on the nose. Not absolutely all markings are included, but it’s a good start. For an even more comprehensive decal sheet, check out Rick Sternbach’s Space Model Systems, now available through CultTVMan’s online shop.

Accuracy issues

So far as accuracy is concerned, it’s worth pointing out that the 1965 kit was based on an early McDonnell-Douglas mockup. Most details stayed for the flight version, but some did change. So, yes, you can build the kit straight ‘out of the box’ and get a reasonable-looking Gemini, but if you want ultimate accuracy, then you need to go to Glenn Johnson’s RealSpace Models.

Conversion kit

Glenn Johnson makes a conversion kit with correct ‘scallops’ (the areas just in front of the hatches), thrusters, and module connectors. You also get an aft cover (above) for the equipment module, which actually saves you installing air bottles and other parts there, as this component literally covers the lot! The rear cover, here shown where I have covered it with the protective gold foil, that hid the equipment module contents.

More detail

Interesting as the kit is, there’s plenty of room to add detail, and lots of it. For example, note the module ribs and rivets in this view (above) of Gemini 7, taken from Gemini 6 on December 15, 1965.

Open the hatch!

For that final touch, you could build a Gemini 4 featuring the first US space-walker, astronaut Ed White, when he floated in space on June 3, 1965 (above). Tomas Kladvia of New Ware makes a very neat 1:24 scale double-figure set of White, and his opposite number of the time, the Soviet ‘number one space-walker’, Alexei Leonov.

Thanks to Revell Germany for the review kit.

RealSpace Models Gemini conversion here.

Space Model Systems decal sheet at CultTVMan.

New Ware space walkers here.

One Small Step pix at Mat Irvine’s smallspace site here. 

CJS Aviation, home of the delightfully named Sheri’s Hot Rockets here.

These displays are from the ‘One Small Step’ exhibition that tours the UK. You can see more on Mat Irvine’s web site. 

The same-scale 1:24 Mercury capsule was adapted from the flying scale model Mercury-Redstone launcher, available from Sheri’s Hot Rockets.

NEW FOR 2012 - ‘MAN IN SPACE’ ROCKET FAMILY FROM AMT

Mat Irvine reports:

AMT originally became the best-known producer of model car kits, but in the mid-1960s, the company was also known for issuing the first Star Trek kits. And, as an adjunct to the science-fiction, AMT also moved to science fact, producing the first - and to date the only - kit of all five US manned space launchers prior to the Space Shuttle. And now, here they are back again.

Small scale

In chronological order, the first five launchers were the Mercury-Redstone, Mercury-Atlas, Gemini-Titan II, Saturn 1B and Saturn V. Although the 1:200 scale chosen by AMT was smaller than the classic 1:144 Saturn kits from Airfix and Monogram, AMT made up for this in the first issue with a spectacular cardboard diorama setting that not only featured the sweep of the Kennedy Space Center, but also the launch tower assembly for the Saturn V.

AMT Pro Shop range

First released in 1969, the kit was reissued in 1999 in AMT’s short-lived Pro Shop range, but was missing one vital element - that excellent card diorama was not included. Instead, the five rockets sat on a fairly bland rectangular moulding that had started life as the base for AMT model car display cases!

Stronger box

But now space modellers can breath a sigh of relief, as Round 2 LLC - AMT’s new owner - has reissued the kit as it was way back in 1969, and in some ways, it’s even better than the original. For a start, the box is a lot stronger, and there is a printed sheet for the base, which gives more details. The decals have been improved, and of course the splendid card diorama has returned - and even seems to have been printed on slightly heavier card stock. 

Service Module error

One slight problem for purists is that the two Saturn rockets still have incorrect Apollo Service Modules, depicting the unmanned Block I version. However, this has been a problem with all kits of the Saturn V, and still remains with most, although Airfix recently updated its kit correctly. But in 1:200 scale the markings are not that noticeable, and you can always paint on the correct pattern.

Summation

Overall you get almost 150 parts, moulded in white, and when assembled, the whole structure approaches a height of some 500 mm (20 in). This is an excellent return of the original that’s even better than before.

Thanks to Tony James at Comet Miniatures for the sample kit.

AMT sci-fi stuff here.

INCOMING - HYPER-DETAIL GEMINI SPACE CAPSULE PHOTO-ETCH SET FROM LVM STUDIOS

SMN Report: 

Netherlands-based LVM Studios has a treat in store for real-space fans in April, with an interior super-detail package, designed to fit the 1:24 scale Revell Gemini space capsule kit, itself a recent ‘Classics’ re-release.

About LVM

LVM Studios - the initials are from guiding light Leon van Munster’s name - is a small company based in The Netherlands, whose aim is to design, manufacture and sell model kits and detail-up kits for mainly factual-space subjects such as the Space Shuttle, Gemini, and Soyuz. Sounds like an interesting plan for LVM and we’ll follow progress with interest.

Stats from LVM:

* 1:24 scale to match the Revell Gemini space capsule kit

* Highly detailed ejection seats to go with the kit’s astronauts

* Detailed instrument panels, including overhead and circuit breaker panels

* Lots of detail, including rivets and switches

* Detail parts for the hatches

* Frames for the windows, including clear plastic components for the panes

* Price €23.11 Euro (plus VAT for EU residents)

* Product code: GEMI24

* Release date: April 12, 2012

About the 1:24 scale Revell kit

It’s a real golden-oldie that features the second US manned spacecraft design, following on from the single-seat Mercury, and presaging the three-man Apollo capsule built for the lunar landing missions. As kits go, the 254 mm (10 in) long model is surprisingly good for its years - the original release was back in 1968 - and has capsule detail that includes the characteristic corrugations in the spacecraft hull. 

Old astronauts, new decals

Probably the weakest point concerns the astronaut figures (below), which lack definition, and could do with separate poseable components for head, torso and limbs. A bit of a shame Revell couldn’t have given them an update, especially as at this scale they are a fair size, even in seated position. 

A good plan would be to keep the legacy figures for those who want to build the kit as it was originally released, but then also include a newly-sculpted set for those who wish to feature decent astronauts for display. Better crew members would definitely improve a future Gemini re-release, but we’re pleased to see that Revell has provided a new decal sheet with many small markings now included. 

Visit LVM here.

LVM on Facebook here.

Review of the Revell Gemini kit at Scale Plastic and Rail here.

Want a smaller scale? Dragon offers ready-built 1:72 Mercury and Gemini capsules - have a look at them here.

Revell 1:24 scale Gemini spacecraft kit here.

2012 INCOMING - HIGH-FLIGHT KITS FROM DRAGON

SMN report:

Here’s a bunch of 2012 aerospace kits from Hong Kong’s Dragon, and very good they look too.

First American in space

On May 5, 2012, it will be 50 years since Alan Shepard Jr piloted the Freedom 7 Mercury capsule to become the first US astronaut. And now Dragon celebrates Shepard’s sub-orbital flight with a 1:72 kit of the Mercury capsule, together with its Redstone launch rocket.

Mercury capsule detail

Judging from Dragon’s promo material, the kit looks well worth a look. The emergency escape tower atop the single-seat Mercury capsule is neatly detailed, and includes the trio of rockets needed to blast the capsule free of the Redstone launch rocket if required. The capsule itself has the correct ribbed appearance, and its single tiny window is there too. The original capsule design had no window, but one was fitted at the righteous insistence of the astronauts, and quite right too.

Redstone launcher

The Redstone looks accurate enough, with rectangular aft rudders present and correct, plus the main engine cone at the base. There is no interior detail to the rocket or capsule (NASA drawing shown above) but this is a display model, so perhaps this is a wish-list item - even so, a 1:72 scale Shepard sitting inside the capsule with the hatch open would have been an added-value touch.

Display solution

And talking of display, Dragon has included a circular dais for the rocket to stand on - a simple and effective solution. When assembled the model stands some 353 mm (13.9 in) high. 

Quotable quote?

Incidentally, Shepard (above) entered the aerospace dictionary of useful phrases with his muttered pre-launch words: “Don't fuck up, Shepard” later misquoted as "Dear Lord, please don't let me fuck up.” Whichever version you choose, it’s known as ‘Shepard's Prayer.’

Two-man Gemini spacecraft

The follow-up to Mercury was the bigger Gemini capsule, and once again Dragon has stepped up to the plate with a decent 1:72 scale version of the real thing. Unlike the Mercury capsule, this model has both opening hatches and interior detail, which is terrific news. The two-man crew is also present and correct, with one astronaut in the left-hand seat, the other floating on the end of an umbilical tether. This is made of springy wire, so your spacewalker won’t dangle when the completed kit is mounted atop the supplied display stand.

“Golden and shiny”

Unusually, Dragon promotes a single item for early kit production, and that’s what’s described as the: “Golden, shiny and pre-painted propellant tank.” What we think Dragon means is the aluminized foil covering the rear of the service module, shown upper right in the picture. Well, it’s handy to have that part pre-finished, and here’s hoping Dragon’s production team keeps it that way.

Like the Mercury capsule, the Gemini has neatly-moulded ribbed capsule construction detail, and both these 1:72 scale kits are really an absolutely essential duo for space fans. 

Experimental superbomber

Taking this reviewer’s personal gold medal for the most beautiful bomber ever built, the North American XB-70 Valkyrie was a six-engine Mach 3-plus design, built in the 1960s at the height of the Cold War. Two prototypes were built, and Dragon’s 1:200 scale kit represents the second one, presently on display at the US Air Force Museum, Ohio.

We’re not overly keen on small scales here at SMN, but this Valkyrie kit shows the sheer size of the real thing, as, even at 1:200 scale, the model still has a wingspan of some 160 mm (6.3 in) with a length of 288 mm (11.3 in). More details on this kit soon.

Brightly painted Turkish jetliner

Last but not least is the ready-built Airbus A321 in Turkish Airlines decor. Made to super-small 1:400 scale - for aircraft, anyway - the Dragon A321 has a wingspan of just 85 mm (3.35 in). Even so, the Turkish Airlines markings all seem to be applied very neatly, including the near-microscopic flying bird logos on each winglet. Its diminutive size makes this model not quite our thing, but as an example of a beautifully produced miniliner model, it more than passes muster.

Summation

More good stuff from Dragon, and in the case of the two spacecraft, filling gaps in the aerospace model firmament, even if they've taken half a century to get here. 

Visit Dragon here.

These Dragon models are coming soon, meantime more Dragon stuff available here.

SO, JUST WHAT IS A 'BOILERPLATE'?

The term ‘boilerplate’ came up in the recent post about the reissued Airfix Lunar Module, and the fact that early test spacecraft and mockups are usually called boilerplate versions. It's a bit of an odd word, so we asked ourselves: “Why are they called that?”

The name stems from the earliest US crewed spacecraft, the single-seat Mercury capsule. Although flight versions were built by what was then the McDonnell Aircraft Company (later McDonnell-Douglas, now part of Boeing), early mockups were built at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, (currently NASA’s Langley Research Center). The ‘boilerplate’ moniker appears to stem from the very first of these, when a Mercury capsule’s conical section was made at the Norfolk Navy Shipyard, from the type of steel plate used for ship-building, or for that matter, pressurized engine boilers.

This first boilerplate did fly a short distance on top of a Little Joe rocket, and the name has stuck, whatever materials have been used. Note though, it can be written as ‘boilerplate’, ‘boiler plate’, even ‘boiler-plate’!

Since that first boilerplate Mercury, the word has been used to describe all US test spacecraft, especially the capsule designs used for Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and the latest Orion. In theory, the prototype Space Shuttle Orbiter Enterprise could be called a boilerplate, though it is rarely referred to as such.

The pictures show, top to bottom:

Little Joe rocket and Mercury boilerplate at Wallops Island.
Mercury boilerplate at the Air Power Park, Hampton, Virginia.
The delightfully named Gemini El Kabong boilerplate at the Air Zoo, Michigan.
Apollo boilerplate 29 on display at Meteor Crater, Arizona.

Little Joe picture courtesy NASA, others by Mat Irvine