Beta builder for Ares I rocket

[APA-168]

Here's my reference for the Ares. It's an official NASA site, with the latest update to the rocket design. That's what I incorporated into my design. The version your thinking of is closer to the Ares I-X, the test version, which is my next model.

Safe, Simple and Soon

I'm not sure quite what to do about the Orion. There are so many Orion models already out there, but I'd like to have one for the model. Any ideas?

By the way, your doing an absolutely fantastic job, it looks great.

Originally Posted by lee4752

It may me the 67 lb paper I used, but the stripes that go around the lower SRB are about 1/16 inch too short. It's not very noticeable once the instrumentation duct is in place. Well, that's what a beta build is for. Finding opportunities for improvement, that is. Over all, I have to say this is a very well designed model. I think I'll have to invest in one of Shrike's Rolly Sticks after this build. A narrow diameter 8 inch long rod would have been just the thing for helping to join the edges of the cylinders.

Thanks for that, and thank you for the compliment. I just have to mention that it's #5 on the bestsellers list on ecardmodels.com :D I made some changes to the framing so the production version will be easier to assemble.

[lee4752]

Oh! I guess that means it's done. If the photo looks like it's leaning or bent a little, that's because it is. Entirely my fault. the kit is well designed. My execution was a little off. It's not so far off that it won't stand up, so I guess it's a keeper. My son thinks so anyway. He just appropriated it.
Avery,
I hope the production model has part G6, the top cone on the escape tower moved in a little. It was too close to the margin and about 3/8 inch was cut off. I fixed it with a compass and ruler, but moving the part over a little would be better. One thing I'd definitely suggest is to remove the grey background. It just uses a lot of ink for scrap. Also, I suggest making some of the lines narrower if you can. I'm one of those who get confused about where to cut.
The bottom row of photos on the web link you referenced shows Orion configured with Ares I. Ton Noteboom has an Orion kit (actually, 2 versions) on The Lower Hudson Valley Paper Model Giftshop (www.jleslie48.com). It's 1/96 scale I think. It can be reduced 66% to get approximately 1/144 scale. A new fairing from the top of the second stage (where the orange ends) would have to be designed to accommodate the Orion.
I'm not absolutely sure, but I think the production launch vehicle (the real rocket, that is) has the logos, flag, and "United States" on both sides.

[lee4752]

Here's Ton's latest Orion design from the Lower Hudson Valley Paper Model Giftshop reduced to 67%. That brings it as close as I can get it to 1/144 scale. Original design is 1/96 scale. I just have a half dozen itty bitty vernier rocket motors left to go on it for the main structure, then there's another kit for the launch escape system. the Command Module and Service Module come apart, but are very stable when joined together. I chose not to install the solar panels at this scale, since I'm planning to have the spacecraft on top of the Ares I launch vehicle. I'll probably do another Orion, possibly at 1/100 scale to fit in with the ISS. That would just be a reduction to 96% in case anyone's keeping score.

[lee4752]

I finished my 1:144 scale Orion to go on my next attempt at the Ares I rocket. I reduced Ton's LES to 67% and printed it after inverting it. I noticed the crew hatch was on the opposite side of the instrumentation duct from where it is in reference photos and on his Command Module kit. Well. I guess mistakes happen ... except to me , of course.:D I also added a tiny US flag to the LES cone opposite the crew hatch as it appears in reference photos.

[cgutzmer]

nice looking build!

[lee4752]

Here's a new attempt at the ARES I. I traced over some of Avery's kit to get the logos & emblems on both sides and I'm bashing it together with some of Ton's kit parts. I also redrew the fairing above the second stage to accommodate Ton's Orion kit. All that for later. Right now I'm applying colored lines around the bottom of the SRB.

[lee4752]

My first attempt at Stage 1 of came out about 3 inches too short. I found where the shrinkage came from. I'll leave it to the rest of you to come up with the proper rocket Viagra witticisms (ain't I generous?). The next try will be full size for 1/144 scale.

[APA-168]

Very nice. I am sorry tell you FYI that NASA's official drawings only show the logo/emblem/United States lettering on one side of the rocket. What parts are you using from Ton's model that you feel could be improved upon? I have just about finished an updated production version, but if there's more you feel could be improved upon let me know.

[lee4752]

I think the engine nozzle and fairing at the base of the SRB are more structurally sound and a little easier to build on Ton's kit. I'm also combining the odd arrow-shaped structures on the engine fairing from both of your kits. At the top of the SRB, I'm adding some detail of my own. Essentially, this is an overwrap of the "louvered" bit shown in the photo at the top of the SRB. I redrew the second stage to be able to accommodate a new fairing for Ton's latest Orion. While at it, I'm trying to incorporate some of the details in the photo that are different or missing from both kits. I'll send along my parts drawings to you when I feel they're close to right. I'm doing them in powerpoint because that's all I currently have and it would take me some time to learn a new drawing program, let alone afford the software. I know there's some freeware out there, but there's still the learning curve. The structures on Ares I are fairly simple, so powerpoint is good enough for now. These can be saved into other formats like jpeg and photoshopped if the need arises.

[lee4752]

Originally Posted by APA-168

Very nice. I am sorry tell you FYI that NASA's official drawings only show the logo/emblem/United States lettering on one side of the rocket.

I've only seen official drawings and photos of artist impressions of one side of the rocket. There simply doesn't seem to be anything to verify whether the logos and emblems are symmetrically applied. If my memory serves (a debatable assumption at best), previous rockets at least had the "UNITED STATES" lettering on both sides. If the logos, emblems, etc. are in fact only on one side, they can easily be removed from the model parts I drew.