Author Topic: [1/87th (HO) scale] Nike Hercules Missile & Launcher  (Read 5016 times)

Offline Story

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[1/87th (HO) scale] Nike Hercules Missile & Launcher
« on: January 27, 2021, 03:20:41 AM »
Anyone grow up near one of the battery sites?  http://ed-thelen.org/index.html#loc

I got curious about one local to me and our infamous Hessian Bill cranked out some parts to mess with, based on this Thingverse offering scaled down to work with ROCO Minitanks. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2996936

Looks to be a reworking of the old Renwal kit. Ever wonder why these two guys are hauling butt?


After reading this, I think the background illustrates a normal day of accidents and not a launch scramble.
http://www.nikemissile.org/dangers_working_on.shtml

Quarter for scale.


One I'll do static on it's launcher, the other possibly 'in flight' (anyone got a Tupolev bomber that needs chasing?)
https://youtu.be/D_tSIlMdZok

If I feel *really* ambitious, repurpose the booster (see http://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php?topic=7630.msg138948#msg138948 )

Nike Hercules and Ajax comparisons


Launcher details
« Last Edit: January 27, 2021, 10:53:37 PM by Story »

Offline Story

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Re: [1/87th (HO) scale] Nike Hercules Missile & Launcher
« Reply #1 on: January 27, 2021, 10:40:51 PM »
Missile #1 primed and framed out for display.


Basically, there's two choices for a finished product - all white or white and OD Green.
http://ed-thelen.org/Nike-hercolor.jpg

Decals are non-existent in smaller scales, but for anyone ambitious enough to make their own here's the Model Rocketry offering
https://stickershock23.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/herc-p.jpg
from https://stickershock23.com/product/nike-hercules/


Want to build one already scaled to 1/72nd?
https://www.shapeways.com/product/CEXEX5RWV/1-72-nike-hercules-missile

The 1/35th model seems to be out of stock now
https://store.spruebrothers.com/product_p/fmk15106.htm
https://www.themodellingnews.com/2018/07/freedoms-new-lil-hercules-135th-scale.html


Offline elmayerle

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Re: [1/87th (HO) scale] Nike Hercules Missile & Launcher
« Reply #2 on: January 27, 2021, 11:51:14 PM »
ISTR that Japan operated Nike-Hercules missiles up until they replaced them with Patriot missiles and launchers  I'm real tempted to go for a 1/72 Nike-Hercules and modify it to represent one of the competitors to Patriot for the Japanese program, a combined McDonnell-Douglas/Hughes offering called Nike-Phoenix where Phoenix systems were integrated into an upgraded Nike-Hercules airframe with upgrades to the rocket motors, too (improved solid-fuel formulations).

Offline Dr. YoKai

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Re: [1/87th (HO) scale] Nike Hercules Missile & Launcher
« Reply #3 on: January 28, 2021, 12:15:39 AM »
 I think I remember seeing an Ajax launch site sometime during my youth in the '60s, but I couldn't tell you where. My fatehr worked for Western Electric (now Lucent Technologies, I think) and was an early cyber security expert, sort of - he was one of the folks installing the secured phone lines for the ABM projects on Kwajalein, and later in the Dakotas. This looks like a nifty build, Story.

Offline Frank3k

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Re: [1/87th (HO) scale] Nike Hercules Missile & Launcher
« Reply #4 on: January 28, 2021, 04:27:01 AM »
This is a cool project! But man, that Nike missile site made me want to take up meth, move into an old trailer park and join Facebook...

I remember seeing LA-43 in Palos Verdes, when it was active since it overlooked the ocean and it was impressive. IIRC, there was a big radar dome not far away.

Offline Story

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Re: [1/87th (HO) scale] Nike Hercules Missile & Launcher
« Reply #5 on: January 29, 2021, 05:17:53 AM »
Youse is too kind.

1) Thought about this some, seems to me all those labels and unit insignia were "keep busy" projects for the ADA troops suffering from terminal boredom.  My guess is that the missiles were shipped from the factory bone white, so I'll address that with Missile #2.


2) Calling Missile # 1 complete.  Display base is a 70's vintage (I think) cork and dark stained wood coaster carefully given a OD green overspray.
Missile contrail is a stiff insulated wire, J-hooked through a tiny hole in the coaster and locked into a second hole on the underside (no glue needed, can do a pic if anyone is really bored and curious). Contrail courtesy the wife's medicine cabinet. Marble top of drum table represents the curvature of the earth.

Fun fact - the missile bobs easily, like one of those Tiki-bar flamingos. Appropriate for the MAD MEN era, no? Ice cube is flouride-free.

I call it the Tupolev Chaser


Bottle for scale.

I know chasers are supposed to follow a real drink, but with Jim Beam you're so damn 'merican you don't need anything else. AmIright?
« Last Edit: January 29, 2021, 05:26:32 AM by Story »

Offline Story

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Re: [1/87th (HO) scale] Nike Hercules Missile & Launcher
« Reply #6 on: January 29, 2021, 05:31:45 AM »
...that Nike missile site made me want to take up meth, move into an old trailer park and join Facebook...

You have enough hobbies already, Frank - stay focused.

Offline Frank3k

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Re: [1/87th (HO) scale] Nike Hercules Missile & Launcher
« Reply #7 on: January 29, 2021, 07:19:58 AM »
Jim Beam Nike rocket fuel - ask for it by name!

Offline kim margosein

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Re: [1/87th (HO) scale] Nike Hercules Missile & Launcher
« Reply #8 on: January 29, 2021, 11:40:28 AM »
I lived off and on in the Chicago area from about 1962 to 2010.  I vaguely remember the missile belts.  The various buildings on the sites were made of concrete blocks, and although they were nondescript, were I to see one I would recognize it in an instant.

Offline elmayerle

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Re: [1/87th (HO) scale] Nike Hercules Missile & Launcher
« Reply #9 on: January 29, 2021, 11:46:01 AM »
I lived off and on in the Chicago area from about 1962 to 2010.  I vaguely remember the missile belts.  The various buildings on the sites were made of concrete blocks, and although they were nondescript, were I to see one I would recognize it in an instant.
I know what you mean, I remember seeing some as a Cub Scout when we lived around Chicago (moved from there to Texas in the summer of 1962).

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Re: [1/87th (HO) scale] Nike Hercules Missile & Launcher
« Reply #10 on: January 30, 2021, 02:37:35 AM »
 :smiley:
All hail the God of Frustration!!!

You can't outrun Death forever.
But you can make the Bastard work for it.

Offline GTX_Admin

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Re: [1/87th (HO) scale] Nike Hercules Missile & Launcher
« Reply #11 on: January 30, 2021, 02:37:52 AM »
...that Nike missile site made me want to take up meth, move into an old trailer park and join Facebook...

You have enough hobbies already, Frank - stay focused.

 ;D
All hail the God of Frustration!!!

You can't outrun Death forever.
But you can make the Bastard work for it.

Offline Story

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Re: [1/87th (HO) scale] Nike Hercules Missile & Launcher
« Reply #12 on: May 21, 2021, 04:11:20 AM »
So in one of those manuals, the Army mentions that the missiles should be launched as close to 90 degrees vertical as possible since the batteries were close to residential areas.  We also know there was a fair amount of chaos in those batteries.


WAITING FOR THE NICE MAN FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY



Offline Story

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Re: [1/87th (HO) scale] Nike Hercules Missile & Launcher
« Reply #13 on: May 21, 2021, 04:15:22 AM »

Found a nicely built HO scale 1960's vintage ranch house for cheap, and my red light bulb illuminated.

Spare NIKE booster + ranch house = macabre art.
http://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php?topic=9636.msg180723#msg180723


Figured the pretty white paint would have burnt off during flight, leaving only the aluminum and steel behind.

Less-is-more dissipating exhaust and structural fire from a cotton ball.
Booster didn't print with the fin skirting, so some aluminum foil from the kitchen was drafted as a stand-in.
Roof modified from the inside with a heated screwdriver tip.
Melted plastic became loose shingles.



Frame of mind
« Last Edit: May 21, 2021, 04:26:32 AM by Story »

Offline GTX_Admin

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Re: [1/87th (HO) scale] Nike Hercules Missile & Launcher
« Reply #14 on: May 22, 2021, 03:46:46 AM »
 :smiley: ;D
All hail the God of Frustration!!!

You can't outrun Death forever.
But you can make the Bastard work for it.

Offline Buzzbomb

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Re: [1/87th (HO) scale] Nike Hercules Missile & Launcher
« Reply #15 on: May 22, 2021, 07:16:52 AM »
Nice concept.  :smiley:

Offline Frank3k

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Re: [1/87th (HO) scale] Nike Hercules Missile & Launcher
« Reply #16 on: May 22, 2021, 11:27:00 AM »
Looks good. It could also be the failed Nike Laundry Delivery Service.

Offline Story

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Re: [1/87th (HO) scale] Nike Hercules Missile & Launcher
« Reply #17 on: May 22, 2021, 11:07:27 PM »
It's basic - the Booster addition was no more/less detailed than the originally finished model house.  Generally, observers are a few feet away from any model railroad display.



Probably needs a few more painted figures; uniformed police, a couple of guys in suits or USAF blues and maybe one of those AIRFIX Astronauts to represent the HAZMAT team.
 
« Last Edit: May 23, 2021, 12:05:29 AM by Story »

Offline Robomog

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Re: [1/87th (HO) scale] Nike Hercules Missile & Launcher
« Reply #18 on: May 23, 2021, 04:40:17 AM »
 ;D ;D ;D


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Offline finsrin

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Re: [1/87th (HO) scale] Nike Hercules Missile & Launcher
« Reply #19 on: May 23, 2021, 02:54:02 PM »
Sure,,,  them boosters come down somewhere  :smiley:  ;D

Offline Old Wombat

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Re: [1/87th (HO) scale] Nike Hercules Missile & Launcher
« Reply #20 on: May 23, 2021, 05:37:29 PM »
 ;D
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Offline apophenia

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Re: [1/87th (HO) scale] Nike Hercules Missile & Launcher
« Reply #22 on: May 30, 2021, 10:12:16 AM »
Timely history lesson...

Youch! Looks like the folks in your HO rancher got off lightly  :o
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Offline Story

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Re: [1/87th (HO) scale] Nike Hercules Missile & Launcher
« Reply #23 on: October 18, 2021, 08:32:53 AM »
No wonder RENWAL did the box cover the way they did.

Quote
April 14, 1955, was a good day to not be driving on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. It was also a good day to not be manning the U.S. Army’s Nike missile site at Fort Meade in Anne Arundel County, Md.

At around 12:35 p.m. on that Thursday, one of the 22-foot-tall antiaircraft missiles was accidentally launched from Fort Meade. It traveled three miles before exploding above the parkway, showering the pavement with debris.

“Luckily, no cars were moving along the section of the parkway a half-mile south of the Laurel-Fort Meade overpass when the fragments of the guided missile splattered down,” wrote The Post.

The only injury was to Sgt. Stanley C. Kozak, who was standing near the missile when it took off. He suffered minor burns.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/during-the-cold-war-dc-was-ringed-by-nike-missile-sites-one-had-an-accident/ar-AAPBSFo?ocid=BingNewsSearch

Nike Missile LA-40 Launch Battery Site Los Angeles Defense Area California
« Reply #24 on: October 19, 2021, 07:03:49 AM »
Anyone grow up near one of the battery sites?

Nike LA-40 Launcher

Date Activated: 1956
Date Deactivated: 1963

State: California
Nearest Town: Long Beach Airport (East Spring Street & Clark Avenue now a parking lot)
Defense Area: Los Angeles

Coordinates:
Latitude: 33°48'35.08"N
Longitude: 118° 8'42.81"W
Decimal:
Latitude: 33.809744
Longitude: -118.145225
GPS:
Latitude: 33 48.5846666666667
Longitude: -118 8.7135

Visited it on a Saturday in 1962 part of Cub Scout group, late baby brother (1955-2016) broke loose, ran towards rocket fueling restricted area, wrestled him to ground, battery closed around when we'd moved from Lakewood, CA 1963.