These images are for reference only. I'll be posting photos of the models we're building as they become available. Please post question and comments on the Orion in this topic. Thanks!
The Space Clipper Orion
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 CaptCBoard |
The Space Clipper Orion |
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Posts: 1258 (11/23/00 02:50:46) |
These images are for reference only. I'll be posting photos of the models we're building as they become available. Please post question and comments on the Orion in this topic. Thanks! |
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Unregistered(d) |
Orion Space Plan | ||
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Posts: 0 (05/28/01 16:18:33) |
Hi CaptCBoard. When will the Orion Spaceplane be available? Am I reading the price correct as $3,800?
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CaptCBoard |
Re: Orion Space Plan | ||
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Posts: 1258 (05/28/01 22:36:35) |
LazyModeler-
Actually, I made a small mistake there, the price is $3750. However, we do have a couple of slots left on that model in the Underwriter's Project, which brings the price down to $2500. I know the price seems steep, but when you consider what kind of model it is, its actually pretty inexpensive. This is designed more as fine art than a model. I'm not saying this is fine art, I'm just saying this really isn't 'just' a model, in the same sense that a Rolex isn't 'just' a watch. We have just started the patterns on this model and if we can keep a good head of steam up, it should be ready by the end of July. I'll have some photos up next weekend, once we have something worth photographing! Scott |
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CaptCBoard |
Photos: The Space Clipper Orion | ||
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Posts: 1258 (06/03/01 14:16:01) |
We have finally started this model!
   We are using a wood-replacement product called Model Plank. This is a synthetic product that has no grain or sensitivity to moisture. It also just loves superglues, so sticking chunks of it together does not require clamps or drying time.  We are doing a mock-up of this model at 1/2 size. This will help in getting the contours correct and much of the detailing can be planned out. This model will not be finished, but used as a reference whenever we get into trouble!   
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Unregistered(d) |
large Orion mock up | ||
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Posts: 0 (06/05/01 11:27:34) |
Nice blending of fuselage to leading edge of wing. This is something other modelers have left out. Detail where they meet is athentic as well.
I noticed a UK firm had put an orion kit out recenty. It looked good, but felt it's body might have been some 20% oversized.. FAT! What are your feelings on this Scott? Was Fuselage dia a little closer to Aurora? What will the bottom details look like? You once said you knew a person who had a photo of the bottom side.. did you get your hands on it? I have an enhanced copy of the common nose shot from a still.. Major details can be seen but nothing small. Looking good! Phil |
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CaptCBoard |
Re: large Orion mock up | ||
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Posts: 1258 (06/05/01 23:11:13) |
It turns out that photo is the same one you just mentioned. That's what it sounds like, at least. I'm about to contact that person again to see what's what.
The model you mentioned was based on the Airfix kit, just scaled up. That's why its so fat. I have a feeling Airfix got their reference photos by making prints from squeezed film frames, which would explain some of the problem. Gee, you'd think that the English company would have a better chance of getting it right since the model was actually IN England when they did the patterns!! Scott |
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CaptCBoard |
Progress! | ||
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Posts: 1258 (07/27/01 23:10:21) |
Here are the latest photos. Not much progress has been made, given the time that has passed, but I now have someone working exclusively on this. We should see some real progress in the next few weeks.
 It seems to get bigger every time I photograph it! Actually, the nose on this is about 1 inch too long. We're doing that so it won't chip. The hole in the nose will be the last thing finished on this model.  I've laid the model on the drawing. You can now get an idea of what it will look like with the wings added.  The engine pod still needs a bit of work, but you can see how close it is now. This is a VERY difficult part to get right! More later, as it becomes available! Scott |
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Unregistered(d) |
Orion progress | ||
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Posts: 0 (08/30/01 19:34:56) |
Hi scott, just noticed your 4 wk old picks of Orion.. Exciting stuff! Is it moving along, or on hold in the Q?
Phil |
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CaptCBoard |
Re: Orion progress | ||
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Posts: 1258 (08/30/01 20:20:53) |
We've been taking our time on this one, getting everything absolutely right. If you look at the last photo, you'll see the exhaust nozzle on the engine pod has a curve to it, where it comes closest to the fuselage. This curve should be nearly flat, making an almost straight line that dies into the curve that goes round to the top. I'll have new photos of this very soon. We've also been working on the window section and wings. Nothing great to show yet, though. This one is actually going to come together rather quickly, once the wings are done!
Scott |
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Unregistered(d) |
Orion progress | ||
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Posts: 0 (08/30/01 21:56:48) |
Orion has some tough Geometry... probably what makes it an intersting subject. Whew, that engine is tough to duplicate. Was just curious about it's status Scott... I enjoy following your progress on these masters, but had missed this one somehow. Do you feel you have the bottom fairly represented since there are few good pics in existance?
Thanks- Phil |
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CaptCBoard |
New Photos | ||
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Posts: 1258 (09/20/01 21:34:28) |
Progress continues on the Orion! As you have seen, the pattern is set up as two halves, joined together at this time with screws. Two details cross this division, the engine pod and the cockpit. Since the engine pod is a separate piece, it doesn't represent a problem. The cockpit is a different matter, though. To create the windscreen and other details, it must be in one piece. Since I don't want to hold things up while working on that, I'm going to make a mold of the windscreen area so that I can have a casting of it to work with. This will actually be easier than working with the main pattern, due to its bulk.
This gives you an idea how big this model is!  Making the mold is simple. Stick a clay dam around the area to be molded, fill it with rubber and wait! It doesn't get any simpler than that!    (Not quite done here-- a couple more photos to come in this sequence!) |
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temponaut |
Whose Orion will be done first? | ||
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Posts: 14 (09/01/06 03:43:50) |
THE NEW YORK TIMES
Lockheed Wins Job of Building Next Spaceship By WARREN E. LEARY and LESLIE WAYNE Published: September 1, 2006 WASHINGTON, Aug. 31 Lockheed Martin won a multibillion-dollar contract from NASA on Thursday to build the nations next spaceship for human flight, a craft called Orion that is to replace the space shuttle and eventually carry astronauts to the moon and beyond. ----- Better get a move on, Scott. You've got competition from Lockheed! :lol |
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JWLaRue |
Re: Whose Orion will be done first? | ||
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Posts: 40 (11/19/07 17:55:24) |
Any updates on this project?
Any thought about releasing a kit based on your "1/2 scale" prototype and without interior detail?  -Jeff |
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