Space Shuttle Launch Pad 39A with Challenger STS-6 (1:144) - Page 106

**spacerunner** · #**1051** 05-24-2016, 11:25 AM

Thanks Bill and David for your great compliments.

But my attention to detail is unfortunately very time consuming ...

Thanks for watching and stay tuned my friends.

**eagleclaw4935** · #**1052** 05-24-2016, 04:08 PM

Instant classic! Legendary might be a better word.

**spacerunner** · #**1053** 05-25-2016, 03:37 PM

Thanks also to you eagleclaw.

Guys, your compliments make me really sheepishly.

**spacerunner** · #**1054** 05-26-2016, 04:08 PM

Hello everybody,

let's get started with the first act of the new bending orgy.

ere once again the sketch of the 18'' outlet as a basis for the template, in which I have drawn already the pipe support on the SRB-Blast Shield, to this but later.

This time, the bending process is not as easy as with the ring line, in which it only once went all-around. Therefore, this template (left in the image) can be used only for the upper rounding and the subsequent outlet, whereby a consistent holding is very important.

And during the stepwise bending then the hot air gun takes action.

This is the intermediate result, which seems to be quite useful, only the short piece after the upper arch should actually be still a bit flatter, but it could not be aligned close enough. But it became probably something too hot for my fingers.

Now the supernatant part can be separated and then the junction be rounded.

In order to bend the following short slant it must be re-clamped.

For this the rod must be aligned with the balsa triangle narrow to the slant. After fixation of the triangle with the pins it must be blow-dried again, and only after cooling, the clamps can be removed.

Thereafter, the rod should should fit snugly and not splay back again. And then follows the second bending downwards,

whereto I yet again have re-clamped and used a more stable board with slanted corner.

And this is the preliminary result, which can be quite impressive.

Now only the final bending til below the SRB support is missing, for which I still have to determine the distances and dimensions.

Source: NASA

And now a short outlook at the initially mentioned pipe supports under the outlets.

Source: NASA

In this picture all looks again relatively easy, the triangular base as well as the sickle shaped brackets, similar to those at the supports for the 24'' ring line. But if one now outlines the real proportions in model scale, then this part shrinks considerably.

And so I will let it go at that for today.

**spacerunner** · #**1055** 05-28-2016, 10:36 AM

Hello again,

I will tell you briefly what else happens, not much, but still gave it to me some new impressions and insights.

The last bending of the 18'' outlet obliquely inwards til under the SRB Support was missing still, for which the outlet again was firmly clamped in with balsa boards,

and was then bent in the hot air stream.

Then I have the bent outlet temporarily hanged in the chamber and viewed from all sides, as well as compared with the reference pictures, whereby I have noticed a few things.

Thereby the 18'' outlet (Ø 3 mm) optically seems to be a bit too small compared to the 24'' ring line (Ø 4 mm), which is why I still will do a second attempt with an Evergreen rod Ø 3,2 mm. Sometimes making a few tenths already something.

Furthermore the top arc is to me altogether a little bit too round, because the slant to the vertical part is too little marked.

And then the last bending til below the slant of the SRB support lies a little too far below, namely further than it looks in the picture, what I'll check in more detail.

Finally, I have tried to scratch the outlet opening at the end of the line,

Source: NASA

whereto I have simply flattened the 3 mm rod with pliers, which would almost suffice already.

Okay, that's all not earth-shattering, but maybe I could make it still a bit better.

**tatasam** · #**1056** 05-28-2016, 11:02 AM

Hi Manfred

in silence admire your patience during the construction of the model.
On how many years you anticipate construction period?
I know only "stupid" answer ..... until the end of

Regards, Henryk

**Bengt F** · #**1057** 05-28-2016, 04:28 PM

dhanners wrote:
"This model was an ambitious undertaking to begin with and it just keeps getting better. It will be an instant classic once completed."

I was just thinking the exact same thing, before I saw your post, David!

The attention to expert detail in this large model is just phenomenal, mindblowing! So much work and care into every little bit and bend.
It really is a MAJOR undertaking, and the tenacity and dedication of your work is so utterly impressive, Manfred!

This must surely be one for a science history museum, or some NASA exhibit?

Best of luck with the continued work, Manfred!
Bengt in Stockholm

**spacerunner** · #**1058** 05-29-2016, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatasam

Hi Manfred

in silence admire your patience during the construction of the model.
On how many years you anticipate construction period?
I know only "stupid" answer ..... until the end of

Regards, Henryk

Hi Henryk,
as I've repeatedly said already, I have set no deadline for this long-term project.

There is still a long way till the end, because this Space Shuttle Launch Complex is far too complex and can not be compared with normal kits.

That's why I can not give an exact answer, but a few years certainly ...

In this sense my Baby and I be getting older and older and more mature ...
Therefore be curious and further stay tuned.

**tatasam** · #**1059** 05-29-2016, 05:13 AM

Hi Manfred

ask about dates because I do not know how many tons of popcorn I ordered

Good luck, a lot of time to build and prosperous his pocket .

Henryk

**spacerunner** · #**1060** 05-29-2016, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bengt F

dhanners wrote:
"This model was an ambitious undertaking to begin with and it just keeps getting better. It will be an instant classic once completed."

I was just thinking the exact same thing, before I saw your post, David!

The attention to expert detail in this large model is just phenomenal, mindblowing! So much work and care into every little bit and bend.
It really is a MAJOR undertaking, and the tenacity and dedication of your work is so utterly impressive, Manfred!

This must surely be one for a science history museum, or some NASA exhibit?

Best of luck with the continued work, Manfred!
Bengt in Stockholm

Thanks Bengt for your complimentary words.

The extent of the project has continuously grown with the years and with my growing understanding of this unique Space technology, as well as with my curiosity and attention to detail, always to discover new details and try to scratch it.

And if you like my work, then this is a great pleasure for me and also an incentive to carry on and hold out.