Beyond The Sprues

Modelling => Completed GBs => Group and Themed Builds => "Automatons on Parade" Uninhabited/autonomous vehicles GB => Topic started by: Kerick on January 21, 2023, 01:13:25 PM

Title: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Kerick on January 21, 2023, 01:13:25 PM
Well, I broke my rule about finishing things before starting new stuff. So here is my take on a Titan style vehicle ready to launch some satellites. I'm putting it in Sci Fi as its not a replica of an actual launch vehicle but my take on what one could have looked like based on what I have available to work with. Thanks to Jeff Fontaine for the the big ole box of stuff he sent me that these parts have come from. I think the Titan missile is from one of those US missile sets, one of which was recently redone by Atlantis Models. I believe the SRBs were some sort of Soviet missile. It will be put to more peaceful purposes here. The satellite payload shroud is PVC pipe, a PS shot glass and two PS miniature martini glasses. Here's a couple of pics so far.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52639868960_0b03680740_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ocB66A)

This is it so far. I'll be adding details as I go. It will take lots of white paint to cover that green.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52639435151_2f0d0ff5ba_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ocyS98)

This is what I'm aiming for. I have to decide if I want USAF markings or United States/NASA markings. Looks like I'll have to print some more decals. I also have to build the bottom of each booster with better nozzles. I don't know what kind of base to build for this. Definitely not a whole launch tower. We shall see.
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Dr. YoKai on January 21, 2023, 11:27:28 PM
It sure looks good so far.
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Frank3k on January 22, 2023, 02:28:01 AM
Looks good., especially the payload shroud.
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Robomog on January 23, 2023, 05:52:21 PM
Neat use of found objects  :smiley:

Mog
>^-.-^<
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Kerick on January 24, 2023, 02:29:37 AM
I’ve been adding semi correct greeblies to the SRBs and payload shroud. Mostly bands around the SRBs at regular spacing and conduits or whatever it is up the side. I’ve got new nozzles for the SRBs and the Titan but I need the skirt that each piece has at the bottom that appears to hold the nozzle.
Also when I paint this part of the Titan will be white and part NMF. In what order do I apply this? I don’t think NMF first will work as the masking tape will probably pull it off. So it would be white all over first, mask it off, apply black then finally NMF. What sort of NMF would you recommend? I’ve avoided NMF like a plague for ages so I’m a newbie at it.
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Robomog on January 24, 2023, 01:56:51 PM
I'd suggest flat aluminium, or Tamiya metallic grey,  chrome silver would be too shiny

Mog
>^-.-^<
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Kerick on January 25, 2023, 01:39:28 AM
At this scale that’s worth a try. A lot simpler too.
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Kerick on January 28, 2023, 12:41:42 PM
Here's what the SRBs look like so far. Lots of white evergreen strips. I've tried to recreate the nozzles.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52652921747_7e2f551385_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2odKZeD)

This is the new nozzle. The clear part is the bottom 5mm or so of a plastic communion cup from church. It worked perfectly. The problem is I only had one in the greeblie box so now I have to go to church Sunday to get more. I don't know if there is communion on Sunday so I may have to ask for some politely. The nozzle itself is a 1/32nd scale P-40 spinner. At least I had two of those.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52653896468_466f789913_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2odQYZb)
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: finsrin on January 28, 2023, 02:01:29 PM
  :smiley:  Creative   :smiley:
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on January 28, 2023, 04:03:56 PM
@Kerick - the SRB bits are Russian/Soviet SS-18 SATAN or SS-9 SCARP ICBMs from the old Monogram 1/144th scale US - USSR Missile set. (https://www.scalemates.com/kits/monogram-85-7860-usa-ussr-missile-set--187275)  The Titan was from the ancient Monogram 1/128th scale missile set (https://atlantis-models.com/u-s-missile-set-36-missiles-included-stem-1-128-scale-made-in-the-usa/)

Your improvments to create the SRB units are a great improvement over the original models. 
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Kerick on January 28, 2023, 07:01:28 PM
Thanks for the info and the compliment!
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Kerick on February 02, 2023, 01:18:48 PM
I've been working on the Titan in dribs and drabs but I have gotten something done. The SRBs are former Soviet missiles that I thought were too long. It turns out part of the missile I cut off had to be added back on as the bottom skirt I added to the Titan made it long enough to look too tall for the SRBs. At least I hadn't thrown those cut offs away! The cuts will be hidden by more white bands of Evergreen strip.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52664571108_1a2aae8aa9_c.jpg) (http://"https://flic.kr/p/2oeMGbG")

Here's the skirt I mentioned.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52664512020_9a33625e7a_c.jpg) (http://"https://flic.kr/p/2oeMoBW")

The payload shroud has been attached.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52663569217_c727626190_c.jpg) (http://"https://flic.kr/p/2oeGymH")

That's all for now. I may attempt a launch platform of sorts for a display.
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Dr. YoKai on February 02, 2023, 11:57:26 PM
The detailing looks really good.
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: robunos on February 03, 2023, 06:01:53 AM

You wouldn't know this wasn't an OOB Build . . . .   :smiley:

This is the new nozzle. The clear part is the bottom 5mm or so of a plastic communion cup from church. It worked perfectly. The problem is I only had one in the greeblie box so now I have to go to church Sunday to get more. I don't know if there is communion on Sunday so I may have to ask for some politely. The nozzle itself is a 1/32nd scale P-40 spinner. At least I had two of those.
Ain't that always the way? Find the perfect part, but then you need two, and you've only got the one . . .   :icon_twisted:


cheers,
Robin.
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Kerick on February 03, 2023, 01:53:48 PM

You wouldn't know this wasn't an OOB Build . . . .   :smiley:

This is the new nozzle. The clear part is the bottom 5mm or so of a plastic communion cup from church. It worked perfectly. The problem is I only had one in the greeblie box so now I have to go to church Sunday to get more. I don't know if there is communion on Sunday so I may have to ask for some politely. The nozzle itself is a 1/32nd scale P-40 spinner. At least I had two of those.
Ain't that always the way? Find the perfect part, but then you need two, and you've only got the one . . .   :icon_twisted:


cheers,
Robin.

I stopped off at the church today and picked up a couple of communion cups. I got some laughs from the church secretary but she set me up. She asked for a pic when I’m done. It’s already cut and glued to the SRB. It’s nice that they are PS so no gluing problems.
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Kerick on February 12, 2023, 04:27:41 PM
Annnd we have some primer! Much better looking than that green.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52683954669_1df1bf3ca9_c.jpg) (http://"https://flic.kr/p/2ogv3f2")
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on February 13, 2023, 04:11:55 AM
Amazing what a good coat of paint will do for appearances!  Looks so much better now with paint covering all of the parts with different colors. 
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Kerick on February 13, 2023, 03:27:36 PM
I’m going to put two rods through the Titan and attach the two SRBs that way. It should improve alignment and attachment strength. I’m spending more time on the Yellow Submarine as it has a deadline of next Saturday’s club meeting. I’ll need to print some decals for this, probably USAF. I’m going to try to finish the Shuttle C I started a long time ago and I can print those decals too. Maybe some NASA WB-57F decals too. It’s an A4 sheet and I’d like to fill it.
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Kerick on February 22, 2023, 02:49:43 PM
I installed the rods to hold the SRBs and was having an awful time getting the one SRB to line up with the Titan. Finally I figured out the attachment point on the SRB was off and I had to reattach it in its proper place. Much better now. I bought some Valejo metallic paint for the Titan missile body as much of it is bare metal. I think the name of the color was dull aluminum. A friend of mine from the model club speaks highly of it. He said Floquil is better if you can find it. I think I'll paint all the white first, mask off the bare metal, then black undercoat, then the metallic. I'm considering getting one or two more shades for the fun of it.
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Kerick on March 08, 2023, 04:04:34 PM
I haven't given up on this. I've been doing the art work for decals for 3 different projects. The Titan launcher, the Shuttle C previously mentioned and a NASA WB-57 using the Italerari B-57, the DB resin and vacuform parts and a new cockpit donated by an F-14 that will get made into the medium bomber.
I picked up two colors of metallic paint by Vallejo. Never tried it so we will see.

If I get really crazy I could do a small space plane on top of the Titan that would be a cross between a Dynasoar and an X-38.
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Dr. YoKai on March 08, 2023, 10:07:58 PM
Quote
If I get really crazy I could do a small space plane on top of the Titan that would be a cross between a Dynasoar and an X-38.

That sounds like a fine idea.
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Robomog on March 09, 2023, 03:08:45 AM
Sounds good to me to  :smiley: :smiley: :smiley:

Mog
>^-.-^<
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Kerick on March 09, 2023, 04:37:59 PM
Decals are printed and look great. Now I have to spray, spray, spray!
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Kerick on March 10, 2023, 12:52:12 PM
Here's the decal sheet I've been working on. Some of the art work was really tedious pixel by pixel work in Paint to clean up the image. The NASA swoosh for the WB-57 tail was a real pain as I couldn't find a straight on shot of it so I had to adapt it from the NASA logo. Others were simple cut and paste. At least the government logos are public domain so no copyright issues. Not like I'm going to sell it anyway. I was able to download the font for the US AIR FORCE. Its called amarillousaf. The United States font is Helvectia medium. I did grab the tilted lettering for the WB-57 off the net and had to literally cut and paste then scan it in. Easy to bring it into Power Point from there. I put it all together in Power Point and added the stripes and dots.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52737015377_dfd72dffce_c.jpg) (http://"https://flic.kr/p/2ombZkP")

If I do the space plane it will be based on the X-38 and its descendant the Dream Chaser.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52737789729_1af383b8b8_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2omfXwH)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52738020328_3b61f6bb85_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2omh95y)

The Titan is 1/128th scale so I'll see how that translates to a space plane. I've got a small Space Shuttle that might be a good start. I have a Micro Scale sheet with American flags on it. I need to dig that out.
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Kerick on March 28, 2023, 01:56:56 AM
Space plane will have to wait for now. Painting of the Titan white parts is done. The bare metal is next. Please pray for me. I may loose my mind. Other detail painting is also nearly complete. I just need to suck it up and spray!
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Dr. YoKai on March 28, 2023, 10:09:15 PM
Space plane will have to wait for now. Painting of the Titan white parts is done. The bare metal is next. Please pray for me. I may loose my mind. Other detail painting is also nearly complete. I just need to suck it up and spray!
Painting is my least favorite part of the process-hang in there!
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Kerick on March 29, 2023, 05:08:46 AM
I would so much rather cut, glue, fill and sand then paint. I know for many others it’s the opposite way but that’s just me.
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Old Wombat on March 29, 2023, 02:36:03 PM
When the airbrush is hovering over the model is always the most tense moment for me, that moment just before the make-or-break application of paint. :icon_crap:
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Robomog on March 29, 2023, 09:53:15 PM
I'm with OW there, perhaps the most tense moment is spraying matt varnish (airbrush  or rattle can). You don't know  if it is going to cloud  :o

Mog
>^-.-^<
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Kerick on March 30, 2023, 10:31:20 AM
I had that happen once. I was stationed in Hawaii so the humidity made the glosscoat turn cloudy. Made me so mad!!! I still have the model. After 5 years or so it sort of cleared up.
(It was a tough job but someone had to do it.)
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Kerick on April 01, 2023, 06:22:45 AM
I’ve been working on this project to try and finish it today in time for my club meeting. Putting stripes on the SRBs is a real pita. Plus I painted the NMF on the Titan body. I masked over the white, sprayed white over that to block any leakage under tape, sprayed black then the Vallejo metal finish. It promptly leaked under the tape anyway. Lots of clean up and touch up. PITA. I think I have it looking halfway decent now. Pics will be posted soon. Still working on a launchpad to display it.
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Kerick on April 01, 2023, 12:32:15 PM
Yee Ha!!! I finished something! The Titan V space launch vehicle. What if NASA and the Air Force hadn't sunk everything into the space shuttle and kept the reliable Titan going to launch the satellites and space probes it was so good at.
Here's the promised finished pics.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52785077155_48161511a3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oqrjra)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52784680251_0640374274_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oqphrZ)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52785134833_0b6b53ffc2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oqrBzB)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52784919399_23fe73a10a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oqqvxe)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52784129262_f625ba7897_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oqmsEb)

The "launch pad" is made from scraps from an old printer painted with good old Testors gloss grey from a can. The rest is covered in previous posts.  Not too bad for PVC and spare parts. The only thing I bought for this was paint and decal paper.
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Old Wombat on April 01, 2023, 02:01:58 PM
That's awesome, mate! Excellent! 8) 8) :smiley:
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Robomog on April 01, 2023, 06:24:51 PM
What OW said,  brilliant use of found objects  :smiley: :smiley: :smiley:

Mog
>^-.-^<
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Dr. YoKai on April 01, 2023, 09:56:15 PM
Man, that belongs on a desk at NASA. Beautiful finish!
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: LemonJello on April 01, 2023, 10:49:52 PM
Beautiful metallics and gloss white finish! 
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Kerick on April 02, 2023, 12:06:25 AM
Thanks everyone! I might retake the launch pad pic as my finger photo bombed it. It was late.
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Frank3k on April 02, 2023, 12:24:59 AM
That came out great! It wouldn't look out of place on an Air Force/Space Force general's desk or a NASA director's desk. The launch pad looks great, too.
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: apophenia on April 02, 2023, 03:07:02 AM
That's awesome, mate! Excellent! 8) 8) :smiley:

'Awesome' indeed ... build and finish  :D
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: robunos on April 02, 2023, 04:48:09 AM
Another excellent Build . . . looks even better with the launch pad base. I like this a lot!


cheers,
Robin.
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Kerick on April 03, 2023, 03:10:35 PM
Thanks everyone! :smiley:
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Kerick on April 12, 2023, 10:41:55 AM
I’m debating whether to take this to the show in Indianapolis this Saturday. I would enter it in sci fi as it’s not a real representation of an actual Titan.
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Robomog on April 12, 2023, 05:45:08 PM
It would get my vote  :smiley:

Mog
>^-.-^<
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Old Wombat on April 12, 2023, 09:01:22 PM
Stop debating & start planning how to pack it! ;) :smiley:
Title: Re: Titan Space Launch Vehicle
Post by: Kerick on April 13, 2023, 12:46:27 AM
Stop debating & start planning how to pack it! ;) :smiley:

Ok! Ok! I’ll do it!   ;)