1/32 Revell Command Space Module

Apollo 15 Endeavour 

Deep Space EVA

Gallery Article by Michael Jack on Aug 21 2012

 

 

My parents bought me this Revell, Command service Module (CSM) kit way back in 1996, I only completed half of the model back then, & it then sat on a shelf for years, moving house to house. Once I completed my MLP (Mobile Launch Platform) I thought I'd finish her off. January this year I carefully dis-assembled the model back to it's basics, & sanded & reworked some rough edges then primed all parts. All in all went together very well. 

I had already cut out the panel years ago in the SM (service module) for the SIM bay (Scientific Instrument Module), & went about masking & spray painting the SM silver & matt white, I used burst of silver at a distance to give the engine bell a worn look, (forming small droplets). I slightly weathered the rest of the SM with a mixture of browns to give a burnt appearance to the metal surfaces, as it was out in cold space for two weeks with blistering sun beating on her by the time the EVA (Extra-Vehicular Activity) was conducted on the voyage home. 

There is after market parts for this model, like a resin CM interior, hatch, & SM SIM bay from Real Space models, Ultra bright chrome from Bare Metal Foil, also a brass photo etch kit & 3 astronauts from New Wares & lastly a fantastic decals set by Space Model Systems. The model gives you the option of clear parts to show the inside workings. I thought about it, but with my display the way I wanted, decided against it. Although it does look good seeing the internals. I chose to purchase the SIM Bay, decals & Ultra bright Chrome to complete my Apollo 15 diorama. 

I scratch built the hatch & TV camera from evergreen & putty. The astronauts are from the original kit, just modified allot. Scott is at the controls of the CM with a head from a spares box & small light bulb glass over it to represent the bubble. Irwin is standing at the hatch to tend the umbilical cord, both were grimy in there A7LB space suit from there time on the moon, while Worden is sparkly clean in his modified 5-connecter A7LB based H-series A7L space suit for his EVA, but wearing Scott's PLSS (personnel Life Support System) back pack top & helmet from his moon walks. (As to the CDR stripes). I scribed the lines on the CM foil large pieces before applying it to the model, & with the smaller pieces I scribed after (very frustrating), You need allot of sharp razors.

 

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Apollo 15 was the 9th Apollo manned flight, Launched on 26th July 1971, The mighty Saturn V rocketed astronauts CDR David Scott, LMP James Irwin & CMP AL Worden to the moon for what was to be the 4th landing. It was designated a "J series'' mission, which meant longer stays on the moons surface & more focus on the science. The two moon walkers also had along with them the new Lunar Rover, to carry out long distances in EVA's for there 3 days spent on the surface.

Astronaut Al Worden became the first of only three men to carry out, a deep space EVA, from the CSM on the return journey from the Earth to the Moon. It was to collect film cassettes from the SIM Bay.

The SIM Bay consisted of a panoramic camera, gamma ray spectrometer, mapping camera, laser altimeter, mass spectrometer, and lunar sub-satellite deployed at the end of Apollo 15's stay in lunar orbit. I am aware that during the EVA the 2 antenna were not deployed, but liked them out for the model display.

On August 7th 1971 Apollo 15 made a heavy splash down in the North Pacific Ocean after 1 of it's 3 parachutes collapsed. At the time it was called the most successful manned flight ever achieved in NASA history. But was short lived as to the postal stamp scandal.

I had mounted Apollo 15 on my Bandai 1/144 Saturn V base. (as it was not in use for that.) I have seen allot of static CSM models out there & they look fantastic, I just wanted to show mine in a different way, carrying out an EVA. I hope you enjoy.

Michael Jack

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Photos and text © by Michael Jack