Modeling the 1/32 MONOGRAM Apollo spacecraft

After designing and completing a 1/32 lunar module I decided to build the 1/32 Monogram Apollo spacecraft to go along the LM. The Command & Services Modules have a cutaway allowing to see the main displays of the Command Module and for the service module the fuel cells quadrant and the fuel tanks. Many space modelers have decided not to show this cutaway to be closer to reality. However I think you can still be close to reality while showing the complexity of the vehicle.

Unfortunatly, although the kit is great some parts such as the CM displays are just impossible to show. The current representation is only green stickers that vaguely ressemble the real spacecraft. Realspace and NewWare are proposing some conversion kits to replace these stickers, however the difficulty here is that the kits use the Monogram platic parts as a support, modifying the proper dimension of the displays and not allowing to have a full set of control panels if you don't want to have the cutaway version.

It also happened that the astronaut couches in the kit are wrong (too small). For all these reasons I decided to entirely recreate all Command Module control panels and astronaut couches and offer them on Shapeways.

As you can see below, parts are available for sale on Shapeways but files are also available for a much cheaper price on Cult3D if you hace access to a 3D printer.

NEW

Since I also designed a complete 1/32 CSM I have added a feature allowing you to represent the Command Module with the center couch stored during flight. You can chooze between different configurations as shown below. The additional parts are labeled "CM Astronaut couches 8a", "CM Astronaut couches 13a" and "CM Astronaut couches 13b".

• Command Module
• The cutaway version
• The closed version
• The splashdown version
• Service Module
• Complete model with the LM
  

Command Module

1. the Monogram cutaway version with a closed hatch
2. the Monogram closed version with an open hatch

The cutaway version

Material :

Additional parts available from : Shapeways or click on the links under each image Cult3d NewWare Space Model Systems

Various patterns needed for the Command Module build (click on the images, the links are also mentioned in the explanation of the build herebelow) :

Click on the images below to get an explanation of the build

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The closed version

Material :

Additional parts available from : Shapeways or click on the links under each image Cult3d NewWare Space Model Systems

Click on the images below to get an explanation of the built. Since I built myself the cutaway version, there is no indication showing the real model so please refer to the cutaway version for information such as installing NewWare parts or fixing the mylar strips on the outside of the command module. For this particular aspect the CM pattern is available for both the cutaway and the closed version.

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The splashdown version

An alternative is to build the splashdown version, the built is quite similar to the closed version. There are three major differences that are listed herebelow

1. The upper part of the command module cone needs to be cut at the limit between the pressurized and the parachute compartments
2. YOU WON'T NEED the docking probe and handrail
3. The tunnel and parachute compartment of the closed version built ARE REPLACED by the tunnel and parachute compartment after splashdown

Service Module

As for the Command Module, the Service Module was highly modified from the original model. I used the highly detailled Apollo exterior set from NewWare and other parts I either designed myself or were designed by Michael Key. In the table below is a list of the various parts I used in this built.

Material :

Additional parts available from : Shapeways or click on the links under each image Cult3d NewWare Space Model Systems

Various patterns needed for the Service Module build (click on the images, the links are also mentioned in the explanation of the build herebelow) :

Click on the images below to get an explanation of the built. 

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 Complete model with the LM

The idea behind making the model of the 1/32 CSM was to match it with my 1/32 LM which I built a couple of years ago (see the description here). I then built a pole fixed inside the LM stand and the Apollo service module. The model is now complete depicting the Apollo 11 landing with Neil setting foot on the Moon, Buzz still inside the lunar module and Mike alone inside the command module.