Customer Reviews

Airfix A11170 1:144 Scale Nasa Apollo Saturn V Rocket Model Kit

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought the Revell Saturn V for my son; the kit had BLACK lettering on the decals (vice the correct red), the J1 engines on the second stage were wrong, the shape of the 3rd stage was too narrow, resulting in a too-tall service module (which also suffered from being the Block 1 version, not the manned Block 2). I planned to shell out the $20 for aftermarket decals, but in building I was plagued by seams which resisted all attempts to fill...

I got the Airfix kit in the hopes it would be better- it was! Specifically:

1) The service module is now the correct Block 2 AND the thrusters are supplied as separate parts (much more detailed than the molded-on detail on the Revell kit).

2) The LM is more detailed, with separate antennae.

3) The 3rd stage is the correct shape.

4) The J1 engines are better detailed and have the correct number.

5) The command module is hollow with tiny window openings through which you can see a small piece with the "astronauts" in their couches.

6) The decals are correctly printed, and include many of the camera targets and other markings.

7) It comes with a full-color profile with the correct markings for Apollo 11; previous kits had the markings for the unmanned Saturn V test flights.

My only gripe is that Airfix chose to include raised panel lines on the lower stage...in this scale, even engraved lines would be virtually too thin to see, and the raised ones are much to large. Still, they give some definition to the body and for intermediate/advanced modelers aren't too much trouble to sand off.

Packaging is typical Airfix, clamshell box with a single bag of parts- so half the pieces are floating in the bottom when you open it. Nothing broken though.

I'm very happy with this product- I should've bought this instead of the Revell (hate to sound like a broken record, but it was a BIG disappointment), but the hobby store had a sale of the Saturn V and the 1/32nd CSM stack (which, incidentally, turned into a neat kit). Good price, prompt delivery, and the kit itself promises to build into a great model.