My local club recently concluded a group build, entitled "Anniversary".
Their definition was anything that had an anniversary related to a year ending in 5.
While researching something to build, I came upon a fact that I did not know.
In and around Central Arkansas, there were eighteen Titan II missile silos. Below
is the narrative I included in our contest.
50 YEARS AGO – AUG 09, 1965
As part of Strategic Air Command, Eight Air Force, 308th Strategic Missile Wing,
373rd and 374th Strategic Missile Squadrons, eighteen Titan II missiles were
deployed in silos in and around Central Arkansas.
Based out of Little Rock AFB, the silos were divided into two missile squadrons,
the “3 side” silos belonging to the 373rd SMW, and the “4 side” silos, belonging to the 374 SMW.
On Aug 09, 1965, Launch Complex 373-4, near Searcy, AR, was undergoing modification
as part of project “Yard Fence”. Yard Fence was an upgrade program to ensure missile
survivability in the event of a nearby nuclear yield.
During maintenance in the silo, an arc welder sparked a fire, ignited from a
ruptured hydraulic fluid line in levels two and three.
53 workers were killed inside the silo from the resulting explosion and flash fire.
On Aug 9th, 1986, a 7 foot tall granite monument, engraved with the names of those
who lost their lives, was dedicated to their memory. The monument was placed near t
he entrance to Little Rock AFB.
__________________________________________________ _______________
I began with the 1/96 scale Titan II kit, designed by Mark Cable Designs.
After researching the Titan, I decided to do portions of the missile in Red River
silver metallic paper. By choosing this option, I was required to do some surgery
on the first stage to accommodate the fact that the middle of the section was painted white.
I started with the MRV (multiple re-entry vehicle) nose cone. As I did not want the
"petals" visible, I made a former to fit inside, then applied super glue to the area the
petals came together, hit it with accelerator, and chucked it into my rotary tool. A
little sanding, some primer and paint, and an almost seamless nose cone.
As I was ready to start the main body, I sprayed a coat of krylon matte over
the silver paper to seal it and prepare it for panel shading.
After masking various areas, I applied SNJ metal polishing powders
(sadly ow out of business) to enhance the tonal variations of the panels.
Then another coat of matte to seal those colors.
As I wanted all the detail visible, I cut out the vent areas at the
bottom of the second stage.
Here is the 1st/2nd stage mating areas, with the top of the 1st
stage tank, and the 2nd stage nozzle.
I did use the optional bulkheads in all sections. I found these to
be necessary if I wanted a round missile.
As the last part of construction, I started on the first stage thrust assembly.
While most of the construction is straight forward, the small lines connecting
the fuel tank to the combustion assembly were extremely fiddly. Much
wailing and gnashing of teeth ensued trying to roll those tiny little things.
The exhaust bells also presented a unique problem As built, they have outside
detail only. When I displayed the model, this would leave a white interior, with a visible seam.
After a little think time, I came upon a workable solution. After deciding which
way the missile would lay in its cradle, I constructed the outer bell from the silver
paper. I then printed a second copy, slightly smaller, on regular bond paper.
This was then rolled "inside out", with the printed detail on the inside of the cone.
Knowing there would still be a visible seam, as displayed, I installed the
interior detail with the seam 180 degrees opposite the outer bell. So, when
viewed, there are no visible seams.
Here are a couple of shots of the completed missile, and how it was displayed at the meeting.
And finally, the club members did vote the Titan II to a first place, over four other entries.
Quite the surprise, as it was the only paper kit on the table.