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Epilogue

So, this is it. The end. Countless hours spent hunched over my workbench and/or coffee table. Was it just another model? No. This model was built with a purpose.

Toward the end of January 2001, I received an e-mail from Kim Poor at Novaspace Galleries in Tucson, AZ asking me if I'd be interested in attending a VIP celebration for the 31st anniversary of Apollo 13. Jim Lovell and his wife Marilyn would be the guests of honor. A quick look at my schedule allowed me to clear the first weekend of April 2001. Captain Lovell has been one of my heroes since I was a kid. I remember following both of his Gemini missions, the incredible journey of Apollo 8, and the near-fatal journey of Apollo 13. The thought of being given the chance to meet him in person had me quivering. I decided that the model would be built as Apollo 13. My original intentions were to only build from the S-IVB interstage to the top of the stack, figuring it would make a nice display piece. Well, things got out of hand rather quickly.

When I finished the stack as originally planned, it looked rather puny. I felt that if I had only done it in 1/72, it would have looked much better on its own. However, the thought of building the SLA and S-IVB aft interstage in 1/72 wasn't in the cards. So the entire stack was built, with the finishing touches being put on about ten days before the anniversary bash. Next, how does one get a four foot tall Saturn V from Connecticut to Tucson in one piece? This was the main reason that I made the model in separable stages; it would be easier to transfer and/or ship. So I figured that I'd put a few hundred hours worth of work into the hands of FedEx. At least it would be traceable. I constructed a VERY heavy base for the occasion [I'll make a better one later], filled three F-1 engines with resin, then drove 3" deck screws through the base and into the three engines. The S-IC wasn't going to go anywhere and it appeared heavy enough that stack wouldn't tip over too easily. The S-IC was packed in it's own box, covered with bubble wrap and filled with shipping peanuts. The rest of the stack received the same treatment in another box. FedEx picked up the packages, and I sat back and prayed that the stack would arrive in the same amount of pieces that I had originally packed. A week to go before the trip.

Upon arriving in Tucson on April 6th, I made a beeline to Kim's gallery to unpack the model and inspect it for any damage. Needless to say, all four fins had detached from their fairings and one fairing had broken away from the S-IC stage. It's a good thing that I listened to my friend Barry and brought along a small tool kit including a tube of CA. I mumbled that I should have listened to my own advice and run some brass rod between the S-IC and the fins to give added support. However, the damage was minimal and it was easily fixed. The rest of the stack arrived unscathed. However, I can't say the same for the 1/72 Gemini-Titan that I decided to pack at the last minute before sealing the cartons. There would be no way to repair it on the spot. So I put it away for another day.

My Saturn, Captain Lovell and Donnis Willis

The Saturn V became the centerpiece for the evening. Most everyone in attendance bought one or more copies of the reissue of "Lost Moon", now called "Apollo 13" for Captain Lovell to sign. The Saturn was placed on the signing table and appeared in every photograph that was taken that evening. Captain Lovell made several comments about its accuracy and mentioned that he has a similar one in his son's restaurant outside of Chicago.

Captain Lovell with the internet Space Geeks

The next day brought a more casual public affair with Captain Lovell signing books for the general public. The photo at the right includes a few of the internet space geeks. From left to right you have me, Mike Joner from Utah, Captain Lovell, Kim Poor and Donnis Willis from Alabama. We had a great time! After the public book signing was over, Captain Lovell retreated to a private room to sign over 1000 pieces of memorabilia that were sent to the gallery. All items had to be approved in advance and, depending on the object, the charges for signing ranged from $75.00 to $250.00 per item. Money well spent, if you ask me. I had the privilege of assisting with the private signing, as I was in charge of handling the models that people sent in. They included a couple of 1/32 CSM's; an S-IC from the 1/144 Revell kit; a few items from Nick Proach Models; amongst others.

Captain Lovell was kind enough to sign my 1/24 Gemini, also. Below, you'll see that he also signed the S-II section of my Saturn V. The most bizarre piece sent in was an actual Apollo era lithium hydroxide canister. I joked that it should be returned with the necessary modifications so it would fit in a round hole.

So, I have now reached the end of my 1/96 Saturn V saga and it's travels to and from Tucson, AZ. By the way, I carried the signed pieces with me on the plane. The balance of the stack(s) were packed up and shipped back home. I figure they can be properly repaired should they arrive in pieces. I have the important parts! Captain Lovell's signature now adds to my growing number of autographed models as well as my collection of signed photos and artwork from the glory days of the 60"s and 70's.

Read more of my review of the Lovell appearance at Collectspace.Com's "Sightings" right here.
The Novaspace Galleries article is right here.

The Story Doesn't End!
The Saturn V Autographs

04/14/01 Addendum

It's funny how similar events happen in bunches. FedEx delivered my Saturn back home on 4/11. A couple of pieces needed regluing, but nothing major. Took out the CA and fixed it. It was as good as new, once again. While trying to figure out where to store the stack, an e-mail came in to let me know that Captain Alan Bean from Apollo 12 was making an appearance about a half hour from my house. Saturn in tow, I went to the appearance at the Greenwich Workshop Gallery and offered the use of my Saturn as a backdrop. Once again, it was in every photo taken during the short signing. Once again, an Apollo astronaut added his name to the second stage.

05/07/01 Addendum

Got the chance to meet Buzz Aldrin today. He was doing a book signing in NYC. I usually like to hang around and listen to the stories. Funny thing, the conversation turned to models and shuttle prototypes for the next version of launch vehicles. It was a good thing I just so happened to have my S-IVB with me! I was lucky enough to get him to sign it for me. A great day!

05/16/01 Addendum

I was able to add Dave Scott of Apollo 9 & 15 to the second stage. Colonel Scott is an all but impossible signature. Many thanks to Kim Poor at Novaspace Galleries for arranging this.

06/30/01 Addendum

I had the good fortune to attend an event where seven Apollo era astronauts were in attendance. After signing the Saturn, all seven graciously agreed to pose for a group shot. From left to right in the top row are Edgar Mitchell (Apollo 14), me, Richard Gordon (Apollo 12, GT-11), Bill Pouge (Skylab 3), Gerry Carr (Skylab 3). Kneeling: Walt Cunningham (Apollo 7), Ed Gibson (Skylab 3). Alan Bean (Apollo 12, Skylab 2) is the one showing a little leg down front.

08/28/01 Addendum

This model is starting to see as many miles as the real thing! I was told that Apollo 10 & 17's Gene Cernan [the last man on the moon] was going to pay a visit to Kim Poor at Novaspace Galleries this month, so I sent the first stage back to Tucson for signing,

Even the COA's that were issued had a photo of my Saturn!

03/23/02 Addendum

After a dry spell, the Saturn gets signed once again. Al Hallonquist was able to hook up with Al Worden, Apollo 15's CMP. Col. Worden stopped signing a long time ago, but somehow Al Hallonquist was able to pull this one off. I have a great deal of respect for Col. Worden and the reasons that he stopped signing so long ago, and I am honored to add his signature to the model.

[notice the photo in front of his left hand]

Thanks to both Al's for this one!

11/01/02 Addendum

After returning home from a long overdue [and well needed] vacation, the following surprise was waiting for me! Apollo 16's LMP, General Charles Duke has signed the Saturn.

Many thanks to Rob Pearlman of Collectspace.Com for tracking down a very busy Charlie Duke to get this signature. I'd also like to thank General Duke himself for taking the time to sign my Saturn.

With the addition of this signature, I now have at least one representative from each manned Saturn V mission.

05/27/03 Addendum

The big event occurred over the weekend. There was a "space event" held in Washington DC over Memorial Day weekend with 15 NASA related guests. Luckily, I was able to catch up with Wally Schirra, Tom Stafford and Paul Weitz and have them sign my Saturn [as well as a couple of other models, too]. Outstanding! I now have at least one representative from each manned Saturn 1b and V mission.

10/24/03 Addendum

The Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, NY had its grand opening this year. This museum has some wonderful artifacts such as the LM that was supposed to travel on Apollo 18 and other restored beauties. It's worth the trip if you're in the NYC area. You just need to fight the Long Island traffic.

Their inaugural speaker for their centennial of flight lecture series was none other than Apollo 13's LMP, Fred Haise. Fred was most gracious with his story telling and lecture on teamwork stating, of course, that Failure Is Not An Option. Fred is also a brand new Grandpa! He was kind enough to sign my Saturn, as well as an Earthrise Photo. Fred will be 70 years old in 11/03. To me, these guys will always be in their 30's. Thanks, Fred! [and thank you Claudia from the museum!]

01/30/04 Addendum

Well, sometimes miracles DO happen. After returning from an extended trip away from home, I was greeted with an e-mail that Mike Collins is doing a very limited signing at NovaSpace Galleries in March. Decisions, decisions! The first stage is currently undergoing some restoration work after its last journey through the mails, so I sent off the second stage. I asked that it be signed between Fred Haise and Dave Scott in the picture above. I'll post a photo whenever it makes its return.

Well, March was an extremely lucky month for me. My Saturn V S-II was signed by Mike Collins!

I was also lucky enough to win some impressive auction lots from Swann Galleries including a tri-plane model that belonged to and signed by Apollo 7's Walt Cunningham and a Space Snoopy Doll from the 1960's signed by Tom Stafford of Apollo 10 [LM Call Sign "Snoopy"].

September 2004 Addendum

	I was able to add Rusty Schweickart from Apollo 9 and Jack Lousma from Skylab 2 at the Sims/Hankow show in Burbank, CA. It was quite an honor to meet both of these fine astronauts!
	These two signatures actually finish off all available white space on the S-IVb. I guess I'll have to tote the first stage around from now on because the S-II is also all but filled with signatures. We're now up to 21 Apollo era astronauts on the model.

I was also able to get my hands on an Apollo era lithium hydroxide canister [remember the square peg in the round hole on Apollo 13?] and had it signed by Cunningham, Schirra, Scott, Schweikart, Cernan, Aldrin, Bean, Gordon, Duke, Lousma, Weitz and Gibson. I've left room for Lovell and Haise "just in case".

Buzz Aldrin Dick Gordon

February 2005 Addendum

Dr. Harrison "Jack" Schmitt Apollo 17 LMP popped by NovaSpace Galleries to sign some items. The second stage of my Saturn V was one of them. Looking at the photos on the right, you can see the scale of my second stage against the full size Saturn models that were sent in. Thanks, once again, to Kim Poor and Dr. Schmitt for adding signature #22

May 2005 Addendum

John Young, Apollo 10 CMP and Apollo 16 CDR agreed to his first signing since retiring from NASA. Naturally, the first stage was sent to NovaSpace Galleries for signing.

Thank you, Captain Young, for agreeing to sign my Saturn!

He also signed my Alan Bean "In The Beginning" print and my "Moonwalkers" print!

September 2005 Addendum

Frank Borman, Apollo 8 CDR, had a signing in August with Novaspace Galleries, The ol' first stage has taken quite a beating with its continued cross country trips, so it's now time to do some restoration! I'll be outfitting it with new fin fairings and new fins. Soon, it will look as good as new!

The entire Saturn V now has 24 Apollo era astronaut signatures on it! Beyond my wildest dreams!

May 2006 Addendum

May 2006 brings another crew completion with the addition of Apollo 9 CDR, Jim McDivitt courtesy of a charity signing at NovaSpace Galleries. Thank you General McDivitt!

It's amazing to think that this "project" is now starting it's fifth year.

So, the "score" now reads as follows:

Apollo 7 Schirra Eisle Cunningham	Apollo 8 Borman Lovell	Apollo 9 McDivitt Scott Schweickart	Apollo 10 Stafford Young Cernan	Apollo 11 Collins Aldrin
Apollo 12 Conrad Gordon Bean	Apollo 13 Lovell Swigert Haise	Apollo 14 Shepard Roosa Mitchell	Apollo 15 Scott Worden Irwin	Apollo 16 Young Duke
Apollo 17 Cernan Evans Schmitt	Skylab 1 Conrad Weitz	Skylab 2 Bean Lousma	Skylab 3 Carr Gibson Pogue	ASTP Stafford Slayton

Completed crews/missions are headlined in red

Current "wish list": Kerwin, Garriott, Brand
The Impossible, but I can always dream list: Anders, Armstrong, Mattingly
Name of deceased astronaut-signature not possible on this model

The photos of Captain Lovell signing his book, me with the "topless" Saturn V, me with Tom Stafford and with Walt Cunningham and Wally Schirra were all taken by Mike Joner.
The 06/30/01 "group photo" and the photos of Charlie Duke and Paul Weitz were taken by Rob Pearlman of CollectSpace.Com

Epilogue

The Story Doesn't End! The Saturn V Autographs

The Story Doesn't End!
The Saturn V Autographs