Which scale Saturn is best for first timer?
 

I'm thinking of doing my first scale build, and am wondering if anyone has recommendations about which of the myriad of Saturn kits is best? I'm looking for a challenge, but being my first one I'd like some rewards too! Price is also a factor- I'd like to keep it < $75.

Thanks!

I would go with this one. http://www.unclemikesrocketshack.com/Saturn_Press.html

Plus it flys on cheaper motors! ;)

Even better, I'd try one of the Dr. Zooch Rockets. Easy to build and the fly and look great!

Look here: http://drzooch.com/

Also, do a search on here or TRF for "Zooch Saturn V"

Better?

Well, cheaper and smaller.

I'd also go with Dr. Zooch. It is only $25, you do not have to worry about all the detailed painting, and you have so many models to choose from, if you'd rather build another Saturn "variant" (I think there is a pun in there ...).

I'm partial to the SA-5, and plan to add this particular Dr. Zooch kit to my inventory this year.

I think the best value for the MONEY at $70, is the 1/70 scale Semroc Saturn 1B.
I don't think the poster said it had to be a Saturn V, just a Saturn.

If the money constraint was not there, I'd vote for the 1/70 Apogee Saturn V ($278) or Saturn 1B ($210) .

The HUGE Polecat hi-power 1/38 scale 10" diameter Saturn V is great, but very pricey at $800.

The 1/64 scale hi-power Sirius Saturn V is very nice at $360.00.

The new Estes 1/100 scale Saturn V kit is basically a re-make of their last Saturn (which is basically the Centuri kit from the 70's) and is a nice kit for the money. It can be found for a little under $70+ shipping. I just got mine and it is being set up with a "upgrade kit" from Commonwealth to fly on 29mm motors. Don't let anyone tell you the Estes Saturn will fly decently on a single Estes D12; it will NOT unless you consider a flight to 100' with barely enough time to deploy chutes as decent. One can fly it on 24mm RMS F24-4W's to a decent 350' or so or single-use F32-4T's.

As far as the Dr.Zooch kits go, they are stand-WAY-off-scale. If you want a rocket that looks like a Saturn from a distance, they are a decent value for the money. Don't buy one of the Dr.Zooch 1B versions unless you like rolling your own tank tubes; they are NOT pre-formed.

I have never actuallly seen the "saturn press" Saturn V kit, but have heard it is very good.

I'm refering to "first timer" vs quality of kit. The Alway kit is very nice. So is the Zooch kit. I think the Saturn Press kit is more complicated but it makes a fine rocket. So does the Zooch kit, which I believe is easier to build. Half the price and from about 10 feet away, they all look the same going up the rod...

Those kits, IMHO, are THE Saturn V scale kits. Regardless of price, the attention to details is stunning.

Bringing either of these to a launch will likely get everyone's attention, especially the Sirius (due to it's stature, almost needs a LUT to go with it).

Apogee Saturn V

Sirius Saturn V

Greg

How about a Sheri's Hot Rockets Saturn V? <ducking> :D :p :chuckle: