Two of my Spacex II series toys which have languished in the doldrums for some time made spectacular reappearances today. The Astronomical Telescope Satellite and the Lunar Orbiter had both suffered from the ravages of time and space, the ATS having been almost rebuilt and the Lunar Orbiter having lost an antenna and been subjected to rough weather in transit. The ATS, which in my opinion is the weakest of the second series toys, largely because when I bought it back in 1973, it didn't come as a surprise, as it was a well established NASA design. The other problem was the extreme fragility of the toy, its feathery solar panels lasted maybe a week. The
Orbiter, which I bought carded, on ebay years ago, was posted in a used jiffy bag, which when it arrived torn and crushed, had lost irs secondary antenna and looked as if it had been sat on. Consequently, these two have been overshadowed by more complete toys until last week when the talented Mr Paul Vreede sent me a wonderful parcel containing a new antenna and a brand new pair of solar panels. Needless to say, I was over the moon and set to with photographing my newly restored toys.
Orbiter, which I bought carded, on ebay years ago, was posted in a used jiffy bag, which when it arrived torn and crushed, had lost irs secondary antenna and looked as if it had been sat on. Consequently, these two have been overshadowed by more complete toys until last week when the talented Mr Paul Vreede sent me a wonderful parcel containing a new antenna and a brand new pair of solar panels. Needless to say, I was over the moon and set to with photographing my newly restored toys.
They look great, Bill.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photo's Bill. The toys look superb, complete at long last. SpaceX has come alive this month! Three cheers to Mr. Vreede and his inginuity too!
ReplyDeleteThanks again for the kind words, gents. You have me blushing ferociously now...
ReplyDeleteBut there's little ingenuity and no talent at work here. Just lots of patience, and plain obstinate perseverance.
But at least enough of it paid off!
@Bill: You shouldn't be too hard on the ATS. Sure, it's a flimsy thing and merely looking at it can make the bits fall off. But it's a lovely toy nonetheless, and quite a good representation of the Boeing design that inspired it.
Best -- Paul