OK...its time to detail our SLA.....the Apollo 5 SLA was identical to a normal SLA with the exception it had a nose cone placed where the CSM would have been located. Detailing this kit is the same as the regular Zooch 1b.

I use Line-O-Tape 1/64 back pinstripe tape. I will put a couple of coats of Krylon Crystal clear on this and it will set the tape in place. I have launched many of these and after the Krylon is on I have never had the tape budge.

I make a template that I use to measure the length of the tape needed. I fix the first strip down on the bottom to set a base line for the strips. Its a simple process of rolling the tape around the circumference of the SLA and gently pressing it in place. The tape will not pull up your paint provided you let the paint set. You can make small adjustments by using your fingernail to gently move the tape into its place.

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I then place the top section of tape in place and run the first vertical strip trying to make sure it is aligned as close to vertical as I can get it. Looking from the top of the SLA, place the second strip as close to the opposite side as you can get. Its is then a process of placing the remaining vertical tape spaced as evenly as you can get it.

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and here is the completed SLA...I think the tape adds a touch of detail to this and its fairly easy to do..and cheap. I think you can get the tape for less than $4.

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I am attaching a picture of my Zooch Saturn 1b Skylab 4.....I use the same tape technique to detail the SLA on the regular Zooch 1b. I think its a nice little detail to add. I hope you guys like it. Thanks to all for following the build so far!

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next, we come back to the booster. Dr. Zooch asks you to trim 3/4 inch pieces from some dowel to represent the first stage retro rockets. I think the shape is more rectangular than tubular. I am attaching a picture of SA-206 (Pete Conrad's 1b on Skylab 2) The picture is from Retro Space images and I can't recommend them enough...their discs have some spectacular pictures! I hope this link works for the retro space web site. http://www.retrospaceimages.com/ The retro rockets are attached to the interstage to the right of the black roll band

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I made a template to cut these retro rockets....and using our handy balsa stripping tool, I cut a length of balsa from the left over balsa that came with the kit. Trimmed to 3/4 inch length, and then gently sanding and rounding the front end. These have been sent to the paint shop.

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OK....sorry progress has been at a snails pace...finally have a few days off up here and I am hopeful to get more done...last night I attached the S-IVb cable tunnels to the second "stage" and I also attached the retro rockets on the S-1b inter stage wrap.

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I( hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving! Had a little time to sit down and work on the 1b. It's always nice to put the S-IVb stage decals on.....she is looking like a 1b now!

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OK...next I made a sheet of Saturn booster ID decals using my printer and some white backed decal sheet. I usually use clear backed decal sheets but I was all out and white was all I have left. The Saturn boosters were designated SA-204 etc.....although the Apollo missions put the A first. such as AS-204. I guess Werner didn't like to play second fiddle? The Apollo 5 mission flew Gus Grissom's Saturn 1b booster from his Apollo 1 mission. After the fire, it was destacked and later used to boost the LM on its first unmanned test mission. SA-204 flew perfectly.

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next it is time to trim and glue on the Saturn 1b first stage antenna. These are provided on the wrap sheet . They are trimmed out and glued into place.

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