Space Probe Voyager by modeller_masa - FINISHED - Hasegawa - 1/48

[modeller_masa]

 

Hello. 

This is my new side project : Hasegawa Unmanned space probe Voyager 1/48 (second batch, 2019). I also bought Eduard PE kit. It would have been a short term project......

 

https://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/mission/spacecraft/interactive.php

This is the best reference website I've ever seen. The site shows the best accurate 3D shape and coloring.

 

 

 

Therefore, when I saw many differences between Hasegawa kit and the site...... I felt so many bad feeling that this project could be long and huge...... 🤪

 

 

 

From very beginning, I have to cut the useless tri-pod. It is no use literally.

 

 

 

More significant and serious issue is that side panels are located in wrong place. The correct position is blue letters. I have to cut panels and paste or fix them with putty. 😨

How did they confuse to allocate side panels...?

 

This is Hasegawa, and this is Science world series. I can't believe that 'the company' did so many mistakes on real wold object model..... This space probe can't reach the Neptune...

 

This is just first corner of manual. I'm afraid of advancing to next chapter... 😭

[Canute]

They may have used preliminary data and drawings to do the model. The early F-15 and F-16 models had this issue, too. The JPL info is what NASA really launched. Your choice as to which route to follow for your build.

[Egilman]

I've been a member of Space Modelers and the Lut Group as well as Space Paper Models, Project Apollo and Nasaspaceflight.com for decades...

 

Experience from those groups (which have many current and former nasa engineers) says not to completely trust anything Nasa puts online..... it may be the best reference out there, but they are not always completely accurate..... Just a word to the wise.... even with that great source still check references... 

 

The list of errors in the Dragon Saturn 5 run to three pages, the hard part to accept is the official blueprints for the Saturn 5 have been publicly available for 30 years....

 

What your seeing in the kit is not uncommon...

 

EG

Edited October 3, 2021 by Egilman

[Danstream]

 

if I may suggest anything, having worked on several (European) space missions, the best reference for modelers are pictures of the real thing. Artistic renditions for public relations purposes are not always reliable because, as said above by @Canute and @Egilman, they are built on the basis of often outdated drawings/diagrams. Especially the external thermal blankets pattern can change configuration according to the last thermal-vacuum test results and the latest info might not be propagated in full in the pre-existent documentation. F.i., the Apollo LEM vehicles, are known to be all slightly externally different from each other. Looking for period pictures, you have to pick the latest ones, preferably those that depict the pre-launch preparation. Searching for "voyager spacecraft jpl images" will bring you several nice pictures of the integration of the spacecraft.

I will be following your build with interest,

best regards,

Dan.

[Egilman]

18 minutes ago, Danstream said:

the best reference for modelers are pictures of the real thing.

Amen Brother... There is no better reference than build/integration pics or actual pad pics.... When combined with the available technical documentation they make for some stunning models... and yes, each spacecraft is unique in it's own separate way, even the three L-UT's for Apollo, all of them were different in little ways. Not that the average watcher would notice, each shuttle was just a bit different on each launch, basically each one was the same spacecraft, but depending on the mission there were differences even between missions for the same shuttle....

 

Real Space Modeling is in many ways like wooden ship modeling, we are always learning something new every time we build one.... And there are some fantastic modelers solely devoted to modeling real space just like those devoted to wooden ship building....

 

It's a genre all it's own.....

 

With M_M on this one, and his talents, it's going to be spectacular.....

Edited October 5, 2021 by Egilman

[modeller_masa]

After I read Egilman's comment, I was stunned by perfectionism.
There are many reasons to build miniature models by each person. In person, I want to build a special model didn't exist in the world. To make a model special, I used to add special background diorama or find better historical facts than existing models.

 

I'm so arrogant. I'm not a specialist on aerospace field. No matter how hard I study for years, I can't catch NASA's engineers. I can't spend many years for Voyager only, and even years polished realistic Voyager won't be perfect when someone make better Voyager.

 

BUT, should I need to launch 1/48 scale Voyage into the sky and fly it to the Neptune? At least, I have an ability to build non-functional appearance of voyager. Also, I like Voyager spacecraft. I have changed my mind. I won't be afraid of being chased by 'better model'. I'll enjoy a progress of realization of my favorite item, and fix anything that looking legitimate and I can handle. 

 

In this model, my reference is the 3D modeling website. There is a replica of Voyager at JPL in LA. It would be the best reference if I lived nearby. 😆 Due to lack of closeup pictures of real thing (23 billion Km away!), This easy access site may be good guide for the next spacecraft modeller. 

 

 

Am I backing down? Kind of. I'm not omniscient and time is limited. If I face tough obstacles again when I build 'models in the other field', I'll find time-saving way. Thus I may allocate more time for wooden ship model with experiencing new techniques.  

Edited October 5, 2021 by modeller_masa

[Egilman]

38 minutes ago, modeller_masa said:

Am I backing down? Kind of. I'm not omniscient and time is limited. If I face tough obstacles again when I build 'models in the other field', I'll find time-saving way. Thus I may allocate more time for wooden ship model with experiencing new techniques.

I hope I wasn't the cause of this.... I'm not a rivet or plank counter by any stretch, modeling is a series of compromises and no one will ever get to perfection, especially me...

 

Nasa 3D itself has four voyager models for download from four different designers... they are all different as well.....

 

I apologize if I caused any misgivings my friend, that was not my intent....

 

I think whatever you build will be downright gorgeous.....

 

I will follow with great interest, and keep my overrunning fingers (and commentary) to myself....

 

EG

[modeller_masa]

Egilman, I'm OK and I'm appreciated to find deeper sky that I didn't know through you. 

 

I was just trying to be a big fish in a little pond, and felt shame at my misjudgement that I could fix every error on this kit. It has happened occationally: out of my ability led longer build time and downwarded motivation. I need to know myself and control it for more constructive hobby life instead of digging into a hole.

 

I thank you for reminding me my break pedal.

 

PS. Thank you for let me know the proper 3D model site! I'll check it.

[modeller_masa]

Bad news is that every chapter on Hasegawa kit and JPL Voyager is different, and good news is that I found source that Hasegawa got the modeling data.

 

There is two Voyager replicas on earth. One is in the JPL building in CA, and an another is in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. 

 

https://www.wired.com/?p=1602985&preview_id=1602985

The JPL Voyager is workable machine and not opened to public.

https://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/mission/spacecraft/interactive.php

And it looks exact model of my reference 3D model site.

 

https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/voyager-spacecraft-mock-full-scale/nasm_A19772728000

The Smithsonian Voyager is exact model of the Hasegawa kit with Eduard PE kit.

 

Therefore, neither cold war conspiracy nor modelling perfectionism exist. 😉 Hasegawa selected the Smithsonian Voyager in 2013, and it was the best available source. In 2021, JPL Voyager is the most accurate and realistic source because NASA published the 3D model site, and I'm trying to modify the Hasegawa's Smothsonian Voyager to JPL Voyager.

 

Difference? Huge. Too many differences between Museum's Voyager and NASA's Voyager. I'll display them when available. I'm working on it, and taking pictures as much as possible.

 

PS : I checked 4 Voyager models NASA is distributing.

https://nasa3d.arc.nasa.gov/models#V

 

2009 ver : elementary level 3D modeling. student level.

2012 ver : Smithsonian Voyager. Fairly accurate. Medium resolution. Source of the Hasegawa kit.

2014 ver : middle school level 3D modeling. student level.

2017 ver : JPL Voyager. Ready for 3D printing. Very low resolution. Highly deteriorated.

 

Aha...

Edited October 9, 2021 by modeller_masa

[Egilman]

I'm glad the info helped get you to the good data my friend.....

 

And it's an object lesson in relying on Nasa websites for data... Check your sources.... {chuckle}

[modeller_masa]

I'm sorry. I interpreted data in wrong way.

 

I can't judge that both Smithsonian Voyager and JPL Voyager are different before I go to there and check with my eyes.

The Hasegawa kit based on 2012 NASA 3D modeling data has many issues; mechanically impossible and lack of details.

The NASA's interactive 3D modeling data since 2018 has relatively fewer issues that Hasegawa kit didn't have. 

Neither Hasegawa kit nor 2018 NASA site are 100% correct.

 

Egilman is correct... NASA's accomplishments are amazing, but their publications are vulnerable. 🤪 

 

I won't improve current work because I can't sure everything before I check with my eyes, so I stick to 2018 NASA site.

[modeller_masa]

 

Here is a bug on Hasegawa manual. The dish legs are very weak. If the joints are tight, enlarge a hole with a drill or cut the tip of the legs.

 

 

 

For people confused by the Eduard manual...

 

 

 

Flat-Earth-Theory 😆

 

 

 

One of the easiest and funniest part. I cut supports among plutonium batteries.

 

I used a default cap (A19) and Eduard 9 part. It is too tiny and difficult to bend circularly.

 

 

The Meter Unit Mast is fairly twisted. I paid many time to correct them.

 

 

A skewed angle is Interesting. I want to add lenses.

 

 

 

Looks like microscope. How do they collect data and send bytes to Earth?

 

 

 

What are those hoses? I can't see them at Voyager replicas. NASA must be hiding alien crews...

 

 

This is complete mess of fact. Just mechanically impossible. Hasegawa invented this unit and this part doesn't match with 2012 NASA 3D model. I cut every parts and reconstructing each units.

 

 

Here is another bug on Eduard manual. Eduard 31 parts should go there.

 

 

Two units fixed. The other two units are under construction.

 

Edited October 10, 2021 by modeller_masa

[Egilman]

Sometimes brother accuracy is left behind to production... and, Aftermarket PE generally follows the model, not the actual item....

 

But you are doing a bang up  job of it, very impressive just making headway out of the mishmash of conflicting info.....

 

Beautiful work, not just the assembly, the research also as well....

[modeller_masa]

When I reboot my computer and reopened the NASA site...

 

 

Thermal blanket was there! Wow! NASA updated new contents! 

 

However...

 

 

When I close up to the units, the thermal blankets go away as I've seen so far......

 

I considered that partially applied thermal blanket is one of defect of 2018 NASA model. Nope. It was just function that the shy thermal blankets run away when I get closer. They return when I pull camera far away.

 

 

Thus, I'm making half clothed-half naked voyager. 😂

 

Edited October 11, 2021 by modeller_masa

[modeller_masa]

 

Before I began, I couldn't be sure that how strong the 26cm long magnetometer stick is.

 

 

 

Therefore, I soldered them, especially joint point in the middle. When a truss structure was completed, it was surpringly strong! I even couldn't bend or twist.

 

 

Yes... I couldn't twist it. I tried to twist it 120 degrees, but the truss structure was so good at spreading power, that it began to collapse rather than be twisted.

 

My fault was work sequence.

(1) Cut and fold PE parts

(2) Soldering (Completing truss structure)

(3) Connecting 2 PE parts

(4) Twist 120 degrees - NOT WORKING

 

Here is better process in my guess.

(1) Cut and fold PE parts.

(2) Twist each PE parts 60 degrees

(3) Slightly hold it with CA glue

(4) Connecting 2 PE parts

(5) Soldering tightly

 

In addition, I would recommend to reinforce joint in the middle. (e.g. overlapping one block) It is really weak point. I would say that Eduard had to make one solid PE stick part.

 

 

 

This is a difference between stock golden disk and Eduard golden disk.  

 

 

 

This is a meter unit arm holder. As you see, this part is a bit hard to hold metal Eduard PE part. I strengthened it with brass rod.

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the contrary, this part is really strong and funny. It looks tricky, but very durable and stable once completed.

 

I already finished most of assembly and left only one part. I can finish everything tonight, but won't finish it today. I have an idea to decorate poor stock stand, so I'm waiting for a package.  See you next week.

Edited October 16, 2021 by modeller_masa

[Egilman]

Nice work....

[modeller_masa]

 

I detailed up Eduard PE parts with stainless rod. I finished an assembly, and am polishing minor details.

 

 

I gave up my first case plan. It was transparent acrylic hemisphere with circular infographic. I double-checked possibility with 3D model, and found my fault that the case is interrupted by three long range antennas. It also limits good pose.

 

 

Moreover, it takes relatively large place. My house is not a museum. 🤔 Therefore, I gave up the plan, and am making simple flat acrylic back info panel.

[modeller_masa]

 

I added 4 magnets to attach acrylic name panel freely. 

By the way, I asked JPL about an official Voyager mission insignia in 1976 a month ago. Unfortunately my workshop is full, so I wrap up this project and go to the next.  

[modeller_masa]

 

 

I added 4 holes to show entire northern hemisphere equally. Sorry about southern hemisphere people.  

 

 

 

There are Portsmouth and Brest.

 

 

 

You may be able to see MSW office.  

 

 

 

And South Korea 😎

 

 

 

 

Quote

Look again at that dot. That's here. That's home. That's us. On it everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives. The aggregate of our joy and suffering, thousands of confident religions, ideologies, and economic doctrines, every hunter and forager, every hero and coward, every creator and destroyer of civilization, every king and peasant, every young couple in love, every mother and father, hopeful child, inventor and explorer, every teacher of morals, every corrupt politician, every "superstar," every "supreme leader," every saint and sinner in the history of our species lived there-on a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam.

 

The Earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena. Think of the endless cruelties visited by the inhabitants of one corner of this pixel on the scarcely distinguishable inhabitants of some other corner, how frequent their misunderstandings, how eager they are to kill one another, how fervent their hatreds. Think of the rivers of blood spilled by all those generals and emperors so that, in glory and triumph, they could become the momentary masters of a fraction of a dot.

 

Our posturings, our imagined self-importance, the delusion that we have some privileged position in the Universe, are challenged by this point of pale light. Our planet is a lonely speck in the great enveloping cosmic dark. In our obscurity, in all this vastness, there is no hint that help will come from elsewhere to save us from ourselves.

 

The Earth is the only world known so far to harbor life. There is nowhere else, at least in the near future, to which our species could migrate. Visit, yes. Settle, not yet. Like it or not, for the moment the Earth is where we make our stand.

 

It has been said that astronomy is a humbling and character-building experience. There is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another, and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we've ever known.

 

- Carl Edward Sagan, Pale Blue Dot

 

 

 

Edited November 14, 2021 by modeller_masa

[Danstream]

Nice model of this iconic spacecraft and mission. Very rarely seen.

Dan.

[mtaylor]

Beautifully done and displayed.  

[Egilman]

A masterpiece my friend, if you don't mind, can I link this to a few friends on the Space Modelers IO board?

 

I'm sure they would appreciate and love it as well... A stunning piece of modeling....

[modeller_masa]

No problem, Egilman. It is my pleasure to show the most favorite spacecraft model to everyone.

 

Thanks again for everyone watching my project.  

[lmagna]

A very striking and impressive display and model. I hope you have found a very prominent location suitable to showing it off.

[GrandpaPhil]

Nicely done!

[popeye the sailor]

well done.........  

[Luekutus]

Very nice!