Woodsy
All the way from 1958, here is my stab at the Strombecker RM-1 Rocket Ship model, based on the Walt Disney motion picture, “Man in Space.”
Reissued in 1993 by Glencoe Models as “Retriever Rocket,” I got this copy directly from Nick Argento, who was getting rid of excess inventory about ten years ago, and sold me this kit - minus box and decals - for $10!
A beautiful design, with a streamlined fuselage, seven (count ‘em, seven!) fuel tanks, two glorious radar arrays, and a little one-man exploratory capsule, the RM-1 is sort of a “dream machine” of early rocketry concept vehicles.
I used random decals, including “SS” markings from the Strombecker/Glencoe Nuclear Space Station I built many moons ago. A couple of tricky spots - that front ring attaching the fuel tanks to the fuselage is too skinny and fragile - but overall a simple and fun build.
You can even see the ghost of the old “Strombecker” logo on the display stand, but I was not intrepid enough to paint it - leave that to the show-offs on Facebook!
That weird little silver pod on the bottom of the craft holds a tiny astronaut, shown in detail photos. Looks like a tomb to me - you wouldn’t get me in one!
Rob C
USA
That is a great looking model, and very well painted. The fuel tanks must have been a nightmare. That might be a great design for space flight, but not for an Earth-bound model that has to contend with gravity.
ReplyDeleteThanks man! One of those impossible SF designs I just love. SFZ
DeleteThis is a famous design from Werner Von Braun to facilitate travel from his space station to nearby space bound destinations. The little pod functions like the 2001 pods and would have extendable arms. I'm surprised the kit features the astronaut too! Its a kit ive often been tempted to buy, but it is invariably expensive, even for the re-issue, so $10 is an absolute bargain! A gorgeous rendition of the kit too, glad to see youre still collecting and making models Rob! Bill
ReplyDeletehttps://www.originallifemagazines.com/product/life-magazine-november-18-1957/
It’s such an iconic design, plausible or not, and I really tried to gussy it up color-wise for maximum coolness. SFZ
DeleteI agree Paul, this is a stupendous model and paint job! It looks superb Rob, well done! It really is a dream machine. I love all the boosters packed in a ring at the base and the spear like rocket erupting from them. What a design! Is it now on display in your home Rob?
ReplyDeleteYes, this baby is on my desk at my home office - sometimes I pretend I work for NASA in the 50s! SFZ
DeleteA fabulous kit, well put together Rob.
ReplyDeleteAnd what a great retro 50s/60s design.
I want one !
Thanks, I really enjoyed this one (overall). A worthy challenge. SFZ
DeleteNice job on a classic design! The hull/cockpit design reminds me of the TWA rocketship at Disneyland. I remember seeing that still in place in 1978. You tell that to the kids of today...
ReplyDeleteYes, I am sure there's a connection between the Von Braun designs and the guy who designed the Disneyland rocket (I forget his name). But those were the glory days, weren't they?
DeleteExcellent Rob! Disney's 'Man in Space' was a terrific 'what if' look at manned space flight and was just as much fun to watch as a kid as it is now. Your build brings back some wonderful memories.
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