N1 1/96 [Currell]

[Paper Kosmonaut]

How about a new little thread from PK while he's building the N1 again? Now in 1/96th scale, some years ago laser printed at the local copy shop, when I didn't yet have an A3 printer. I was a bit worried on how the glue would work on the smooth surface layers of the laser print but roughening it up a little with sand paper, or small cross hatching knife strokes to open the layer up help a lot.
I'll spare you all the details of how tedious the repetitive actions are on this model, 30 engines, 12 fuel fairings and the callous interstage truss work were not amongst my favourite paper model moments of last month. Still, seeing Blok A finished is a joy. And a relief. (-:

I did some extra detailing like hinges on access panels, small stringers and I replaced the cable runs from the kit (which became a little too wobbly) with solid ones, made from layered grey heavy card stock.
I already have moved on to Blok B, the second stage, and that will be shown in more detail later on. I already took a picture of both of them stacked and man, this one is going to be monstrously huge. The Saturn V might be longer but the N1 surpasses it easily in impressiveness with its appearance, its hugeness accentuated by the gigantic base cross section and the dark colour. More soon, I hope.

[sharunas]

Great looking stuff!
Finished model should be impressive.

[umtutsut]

Cумасшедший!!!

Seriously, extraordinary work, as always. I'll be watching and downloading pix of your build, PK

Whenever I get around to my 1/96 build -- presumably in this lifetime -- I'm going to do some serious graphical surgery on the parts to print on my usual, much preferred, letter-size photo paper.

Les (The Voice of Authority -- VoiceofAuthority.net - The Voice Stylings of Les Dorr, Jr.)

[merzo]

Hi P.K.

Nice work! Really great, when completed family size model! And proportionate, less than the SATURN V from about 10 centimétel!
The third stage is similar to the Proton-Zond. Knowing the plan of extraordinary courage in the Russian who flew to the moon. Alone without a companion, two infinitely space walk of Respect!!!!

[dhanners]

You're off to a great start. What an impressive job on a BIG model....

[SAustin16]

PK,

That is serious and excellent work, Sir. Watching intently.

Cheers from Texas

[Paper Kosmonaut]

Thank you all for the nice words. The 2nd stage is coming on nicely, still lots of ducts and cable runs to make. I'll show it soon. I hope.

[axm61]

Outstanding PK, outstanding!

[Paper Kosmonaut]

Thanks, Alfonso.
I just sprayed the first stage today with a UV-protecting layer. It has a subtle satin gloss so it hasn't become extra glossy. I hope this will prevent or at least postpone discolouring of this model. I don't know anything on how fast toner colours can fade.
I have one Delta II model (photo paper; blue fuselage) of which the top part of the body already starts to fade. Hopefully this clear coat will keep it all to a minimum.
Up 'til now, the paper/toner behaves very well. I heard stories on how easily it can chip off when bending but I have seen nothing happening yet.

[Bengt F]

Great precision, Paper Kosmonaut!

This looks like a fantastic build. Have you enlarged Ralph Currrell's model? The slightly glossy surface really makes it look like heavy metal plating!

Keep up the good work!
Bengt in Stockholm