ISO LTV Scout launch tower plans

**ReynoldsSlumber** · #1 07-21-2023, 08:10 PM

Anyone know of plans for the launch tower for the LTV Scout?
LTV Scout - 1.jpg
I made the lovely 1/96 model from the Downloads section here, and since it's so small, it would be fun to display it as if ready to launch, ideally with the version of the tower in these images:
https://www.globalsecurity.org/space...fsc9109951.jpg
https://www.globalsecurity.org/space...fsc9109955.jpg
https://www.globalsecurity.org/space...e/cape022f.jpg
Not looking to build it with every conduit, just the main structure and large pieces.

**Paper Kosmonaut** · #2 07-23-2023, 05:08 AM

Nice idea! If anyone is up for the task, I do have 4K film footage of the launch tower and the hangar it is in when horizontal. From long shots to close up. Lots of detail. All from 16mm NASA film.

**ReynoldsSlumber** · #3 07-23-2023, 09:15 PM

Very nice, PK! Also, looking at the second photo, is the necked-down body diameter for the fins (and nozzle inside) just for a special version of the Scout, or were they all like that?

**Paper Kosmonaut** · #4 07-23-2023, 11:09 PM

It's a Scout-D-1. As far as I know, this was a further developed version of the Scout (these pictures are material from august 1974), with an upgraded Algol engine for the first stage. This made the Scout a little more powerful and capable of lifting about 130 kilos to a 500 KM polar orbit.

**ReynoldsSlumber** · #5 07-24-2023, 01:56 AM

Aha, so a fat first stage motor on the D (through G, apperently), got it!

Also I think I ran across photo of a Scout on a launcher that was even more minimalist, where some of the supports were just straps, maybe. Can't find it now, though it would be interesting to model.

I imagine you've seen, in the Smithsonian's collection there's an Estes scale Scout model rocket as well as a static Scout model with launch tower, a heavy-duty version of the tower. In addition to their real Scout on display, of course!

By the way, someone was working on a 1/11.4 scale Scout D multi-stage flying model rocket.

**Paper Kosmonaut** · #6 07-24-2023, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReynoldsSlumber

Aha, so a fat first stage motor on the D (through G, apperently), got it!

Also I think I ran across photo of a Scout on a launcher that was even more minimalist, where some of the supports were just straps, maybe. Can't find it now, though it would be interesting to model.

I imagine you've seen, in the Smithsonian's collection there's an Estes scale Scout model rocket as well as a static Scout model with launch tower, a heavy-duty version of the tower. In addition to their real Scout on display, of course!

By the way, someone was working on a 1/11.4 scale Scout D multi-stage flying model rocket.

Well, Since I am a Dutchie on a budget, I haven't really had an opportunity to visit the Smithsonian in DC. Wish I could.
My interest in the Scout originates from the fact the first Dutch satellite ANS was launched on a Scout (the pictures I showed were the actual Scout used in the launch) and I have made a documentary film about the satellite and its creators.
I made a 1/96th scale model of the Scout-D, which now resides in the National Dutch Space Museum, alongside a couple of other paper models I made of rockets and diorama's.

I love the smaller launch tower they used on Vandenberg / WTR because of the ingenious construction. The tower is positioned horizontally inside a hangar, the rocket is rolled to the hangar on a trailer, the satellite and 4th stage arrive together on another small truck, get connected to the rocket and the fairing is placed.
Then the entire hangar rolls back, revealing the rocket, now held by clamps and arms by the tower above it, which is raised like a mast and voilà, there it is the launch platform, which already was there all the time.

As a bonus pic, the biggest part of the Dutch crew involved in building the satellite posing in front of the launch pad.
(And here's a link to the trailer for the documentary..)