International Space Station 1:50

[Inky]

I just thought of another way to join the parts, you can use two 45 degree angled PVC joints. I drew up a diagram of how it would look. The parts marked, "A" on the joints you might have to trim down to get the fit right inside. Not sure what size the PMA is going to be in 1:50 compared to the PVC so you might have to trim and you might not. Hope this helps some.

[Paper Kosmonaut]

A straight rod or tube is more sturdy and it is possible to use just that. The only thing is that the rod will be in the more or less "lower" part of the US module and in the upper part of the Russian module. But it will keep it all straight without having to add weakening interconnecting parts. Just provide the PVC tubes inside both sections with bulkheads where the rod can pass through. This way you even could keep the sections detachable for transport.

on the other hand, Inky's idea might be more elegant or suitable..

[Retired_for_now]

Practical points for suspension:
PVC is not completely rigid so the model will need to be suspended from several points to prevent sagging (I ended up with four suspension points on the armature using 1-1/4" tubing and later added several "threads" as needed after some parts began to sag over time). PVC connections are stiffer than the pipe, but getting the tubing to seat when you assemble it will require some effort - be prepared and make sure it won't damage the model.
Yogi

[maverik83]

Hello!

Recognized a mistake of mine:
Actually I'm on the HTV - which is NOT docked to Zvezda
I really wanted to do the ATV but (guess what) - printed the HTV instead of.

Nice model anyway... would have needed it somewhen *g*

So, Zvezda an Soyuz are done, I'm in for HTV an the thinking about the construction of the complex is going on.

Sagging is the last thing I want to have, as well as building every module and stacking them when every part is done.
I want to put them together whenever a new one is completed.
The PVC tube is still the material of choice, so I will slide every module on the tube - but not connect the modules wogether!

I find the idea of having every module seperatly on the tube nice.
Some day I will have to move it eventually...

The Solar Array part will be done seperatly, having its own PVC tubing and connected via the S3/P3 segments without tubing.
At the S3/S4 resp. P3/P4 connection I will do the seperation of the station to be able to move it someday.
I think it will be also easier to fit it together.

As I mentioned before, I will do display via nylon wiring at several points of the station:
-) 2 points at the russian segment (ATV, Zvezda)
-) 2 ponits at the US segment (Destiny, Node-2)
-) 2 points at starboard (S1 and S3)
-) 2 points portside (P1 and P3)
-) 4 points on the solar array's - 2 at starboard, 2 at portside

I think that won't sag

Greetings,
Robert

[obwand10]

The solar panels will HAVE to be supported by string or something. They are HUGE, and would be even bigger an this scale. PICS. =]

[Amccombs3]

1:50 is going to be HUGE. i had to move a hanging 1:25 professionally built ISS model at work. It took something like 4 or 5 people several days. I still have nightmares ...

[maverik83]

Hello guys!

Got some eye candy as requested.

May I introduce my 1:50 Soyuz?

When I compared my Soyuz ship to some others I found in the net,
I realized that mine does look a little bit fuzzy.
And then I found another mistake (did I mention, that I'm a beginner? ):
The textures of the Soyuz look very grainy.
I looke the textures on the .pdf's up, I downloaded from axm - perfect.
So what did I do?
Well, I scaled them up - double size!
Did it with photoshop on a rude way, by just enlarging the picture.
So PS stretches every pixel... bad thing.

So, I've done Soyuz and Zarya and HTV this way!!!

What do you think about the textures?
I tried to enlarge the .pdf on screen and copy them per screenshot to PS.
The good thing is - it gives a better texture.
The bad thing: scaling is lost. I can only count the pixel the 1cm bar has before an count them again after resizing (an pray they doubled exactly!)

Still have to find a better background than my couch.

[Inky]

Your Soyuz looks good. To be honest, I didn't see a problem with the fuzziness. Up close you will be able to notice it but I think once it is hung up and a distance away no one will be able to notice it. Shoot, they are going to be in awe any ways from the size of the thing and not even notice fuzzy textures.

Your doing a great job. The couch looks good, I use my grand piano as my back drop.

[Gideon]

Soyuz looks fantastic in my opinion! We tend to be our own worst critics in this (and probably every) hobby. Keep going and keep posting those pics!

[Paper Kosmonaut]

In my opinion that's a Soyuz you can be proud of. Nicely built, clean finish and promising. Good work!