This
kit, the Revell 1/24 Gemini, was done as part of a Real Space Group Build here
on ARC in March 2008. I've had the kit for about 15 years and this was the
perfect opportunity to 'git 'er dunn'!
The
kit is really poor fitting and I think the original molds, from the 1960's were
used, so I've done a lot of scratchbuilding. This particular model depicts the
flight of Gemini 9A, in 1966, with Gene Cernan performing his spacewalk.
I
scratchbuilt the ejection seats, the hatch interiors, the capsule interior, the
aft adapters and the AMU ( Astronaut Maneuvering Unit) which astronaut Cernan
was supposed to use to fly around the spacecraft. I even rebuilt the Cernan
figure out of Tamiya Epoxy Putty using only the kit's head and torso.
Click on
images below to see larger images
The
aft adapter sections were accurized with the addition of access panels and
more surface detail. In addition, the Update kit, including new resin
thrusters for the adapter section, were from Glenn Johnson at Real Space
models and the decals were from Rick Sternbach at Space Model Systems. The
black spots on the adapter section depict velcro patches which were used
to assist Cernan in moving around back there. He also had a velco patch on
his palms.
The
gold 'curtain' protecting the equipment in the aft section, was made from a
grocery bag, cut into sections and adhered with Rubber Cement. It's still
holding well, 10 months later!?
This
was a lot of fun to build. It took about 120 hours to complete. In researching
this mission I learned a heckuva lot about the Gemini program as well as this
specific mission. The Gemini CD from Spacecraft Films was a huge help in
accurizing the hardware.
Thanx
Steve for all the time-consuming work you do to get these pix up on the web. We
all appreciate your efforts!!
Pete
Click on
images below to see larger images
|