Return of the Estes 1:100th scale Saturn V

[Initiator001]

The May/June 2024 issue of Sport Rocketry magazine features a new ad on the inside front cover for the re-release of the 1:100th scale Saturn V model.



It has a new product number (1967) compared to the previous release (1969).
(1967 being the year of the first Saturn V flight and 1969 the year of the Apollo 11 moon landing).

The ad makes quite a big deal about "Upgraded 29mm Motor Mount". The previous Saturn V and Saturn V/Skylab releases featured a 29mm motor mount so I am not sure what is the importance of this mention.

 

[Cape Byron]

The ad makes quite a big deal about "Upgraded 29mm Motor Mount". The previous Saturn V and Saturn V/Skylab releases featured a 29mm motor mount so I am not sure what is the importance of this mention.

CATO proof for E12 motors.

 

[Art Upton]

Will an F15 lift it?

PS it is not yet available at EstesRockets.com

 

[Art Upton]

CATO proof for E12 motors.

So there is a new "Bunker Mount" adapter between 24 and 29mm to absorb the force of the CATO?

 

[prfesser]

Since they're replicating the old Saturn V I assume that it will have some construction items that have been supplanted by simpler items in the newer Saturn V. Making it more challenging to build.

Anyone who has built the old Saturn V and can comment on old construction that was a PITA challenging?

 

[Capt. Eric]

Since they're replicating the old Saturn V I assume that it will have some construction items that have been supplanted by simpler items in the newer Saturn V. Making it more challenging to build.

Anyone who has built the old Saturn V and can comment on old construction that was a PITA challenging?

https://boyceaerospacehobbies.com/products/saturn-v-fin-can

I haven't built it yet, but have the parts. The fin can should reduce the "Challenge", look better, and be more survivable. Worth the money to me (but I got it on sale last Christmas).

 

[BMcD]

Does this mean one of y'all will pay for my kids' college in exchange for the 1969 I've been too lazy to build?

 

[samb]

I believe the #1969 Saturn V had 24 mm under the hood and the #1973 Skylab delivered the uprated 29 mm. So "Upgraded 29mm Motor Mount" would be correct for this next iteration of the Saturn V.

 

[heada]

It still amazes me that they don't spec it out with 5x 18mm cluster or 5x 24mm cluster. Cooler looking with 5 motor cluster and they sell more motors per launch. Also easier to tweak needed thrust:weight ratio since the number of motor combos greatly increases with 18mm or 24mm clusters.

 

[mh9162013]

It still amazes me that they don't spec it out with 5x 18mm cluster or 5x 24mm cluster.

I'm guessing it's at least partially due to the fact that they don't sell a launch controller that can handle a 5 engine cluster.

 

[heada]

I'm guessing it's at least partially due to the fact that they don't sell a launch controller that can handle a 5 engine cluster.

The PS II controller can deliver the needed power to fire a 5 motor cluster, specially if you use the JST connector to use a 3cell LiPo battery. They'd need to modify the instructions on how to wire 5 starters together but the kit is one of their most complex so that is not a stretch to do.

 

[cerving]

Wondering how this is going to do on an F15... not a lot of kick. With a 29mm mount it would fly a lot better with a G40 or something like that.

 

[ShadowSpire48]

I haven't built a Saturn V in a LONG time but I do recall there was the issue of the vaccuform wrap being molded backwards or something like that where things weren't where they should be.

 

[Capt. Eric]

It still amazes me that they don't spec it out with 5x 18mm cluster or 5x 24mm cluster. Cooler looking with 5 motor cluster and they sell more motors per launch. Also easier to tweak needed thrust:weight ratio since the number of motor combos greatly increases with 18mm or 24mm clusters.

The above Boyce fin can I referred to has mmt for 4x18mm plus either a central 24 or 29mm (your choice). Haven't built it, but I hear it's cool to see. Adds a little weight, so it will need more NC weight.

As for igniting all that, I have made wire harnesses or clip whips with 3 and 5 pairs of leads that make the connections. Easy enough to do. You could also load up 5 ignitors and see if they burn at the same time to test your controller.

 

[samb]

I haven't built a Saturn V in a LONG time but I do recall there was the issue of the vaccuform wrap being molded backwards or something like that where things weren't where they should be.

All about the alignment of tunnel rails and umbilical ports. If ya gotta get it "right". Chris Michielssen posted about it on his blog: https://modelrocketbuilding.blogspot.com/2019/02/mistake-in-estes-1969-saturn-v-inter.html

 

[GusGrissom]

Does anyone know when it will be available for purchase? Just checked the Estes website, nothing yet. I emailed Estes but have yet to receive a response. Maybe I should call them? Oh, let's not start this conversation again........

 

[GusGrissom]

Email from Estes finally returned:

"The Saturn V 1967 will be available later this Fall. I show you are subscribed to our email notifications and this will be communicated via our website by an email notifying our subscribed customers of this...stay tuned !"

 

[mh9162013]

Email from Estes finally returned:

"The Saturn V 1967 will be available later this Fall. I show you are subscribed to our email notifications and this will be communicated via our website by an email notifying our subscribed customers of this...stay tuned !"

Thanks for the update. To be safe, I'll assume a Christmas ship date.

 

[RokitFlyr]

People have been modifying the Saturn V to 29mm for years. Why wait? . Then again, I have one I started nearly 20 years ago, so who am I to talk......

 

[Art Upton]

I have one I started when I was about 14 bought in the early 70s, lost the capsule. The paper shrouds over the engines for the fins to go in have been folded or crushed in many moves over the decades.

It has the wraps on, I think the best for that poor thing would be to bash it with 4 Saturn SA5 type fins removing the shrouds, and put a Gaucho nose capsule on it. If I even ever got around to that

Edit: I sold my boxed pair of Sat-Vs before the 1969, but I have the 1969 that includes a Free Bonus Lunar Lander Plastic Model in the box still.

 

[Blast it Tom!]

Hmm, glad it's not available until this fall! Boyce's can looks really inviting; like others, I can't imagine a Saturn V without the 5 motor plumes, as relatively small as they might be. Oh, to have the time and technical chops and craftsmanship to do a 5-5-1 3 stage! I've turned it over in my head many time, it'd be a real BOAL (Build of a Lifetime)! One thing I did come to the conclusion in my mind-simming was that 1:100 would be a bit small for such a project.

 

[samb]

@Blast it Tom! This old web page may provide some inspiration.

3 stage Saturn V

 

[Blast it Tom!]

@Blast it Tom! This old web page may provide some inspiration.

3 stage Saturn V

Thanks, @samb! I've seen it before, that was my "Ok, it CAN be done!" moment!

 

[Travis NTexas]

This is cool news. I mentioned on my introduction thread that I had discovered that I had an Estes Sat V kit but could not find the instructions and could not identify which kit. Finally found them and, as I expected, the kit is a 2157, 30th Anniversary Apollo 11 Saturn V! Need to get started on it pretty soon

 

[AfterBurners]

this should be cool