sign in sign up
<<
Home , Saturn V, Titan (rocket family)

Reviews

reviews II GLV - Gemini Launch

New Ware both the rectangular and circu- 1:144 scale lar interstage blast ports – a very $45 prominent part of the Titan II. mek.kosmo.cz/newware All of these gaps are provided molded into the first stage. ew Ware models There is no need to mess with has released a suite photoetched parts, or fudge the of five 1:144 Titan II effect with decals or paint. Most missiles. Three model of the holes are flashed over to the production ICBM aid in the casting process and andN two reentry body tests, one will require only minor cleanup. with a satellite launch shroud The second stage is one piece, and, for manned spaceflight which includes the rest of the fans, a Gemini . interstage ring. This interstage Given my past experience with section is cast as hollow to New Ware kits, I snatched up make room for the second stage a Gemini version the second I engine. After the kit is assem- heard about it. bled, you might have to use a again, New Ware thoughtfully My kit contains 26 resin parts, flashlight and a hand mirror to provided a second set. The one piece of photoetched metal see the engine bell, but you will engine bells are hollow and and three small decal sheets. know it’s there. have delicate ring detail. Included are an extra first The twin–motored Titan II The Gemini capsule is another stage engine bell, a spare set engine is made up of seven fantastic piece of casting. Every of engines, and a spare engine parts. It will be challenge to tiny undulation is represented 12 frame. Also included is a set of clean the flash out of the finely- along the many facets of the four ullage motors that are not cast engine frame, but New command module. There are needed for the Gemini Ware has provided an extra as details for the windows, maneu- (these are necessary for the a backup. The engines include vering and satellite launch version of this all major details including both thrusters, and even the drogue kit). All of the resin is perfectly discharge lines, starter, exhaust chute on the nose. My only cast with no visible air bubbles and oil cooler. Care will be criticism of the kit is that there or any other blemishes. As these needed to separate the engines is no decal provided for the kits are hand made, I can’t say from the casting block, but black stripes that ran along the for sure that the extra parts will The 1:144 New be in every box. Ware Titan II GLV The main rocket body is in is a complete kit. three sections. The first stage With its excellent is in two pieces with remark- casting, full set ably fine detail for the scalloped of decals, and facets that run the length of the launch stand, body, external conduits, and there will be longerons. The bottom half no need to go accurately portrays the bottom sifting through fuel tank dome with supports the spares box or for the engine assembly, as well scratch-building as oxidizer and fuel suction missing detail. lines that will mate up with the two engines. The top section of the first stage includes the top dome of the oxidizer tank. In a brilliant piece of casting, New Ware accurately models

12 ipms/usa journal • july + august 2013 The second stage combines a recessed interstage which makes room for the engine nozzle (left). The two-part first sage has built-in blast port holes (center), fuel tank and engine mounts (right).

length of the . sheet includes the painting kit. It is easily the best Titan II However, these can be sourced and decal placement guide on GLV on the market. The kit is from Xtradecal’s XPS1 black one-to-one profile and unrolled expertly conceived and exe- stripes or a similar set. views. Two enlarged scrap views cuted. The attention to details The three small decal sheets show painting and decal place- that could have easily been provide stencils for all 10 ment for the Gemini capsule. ignored or minimized makes Gemini launches. The sheet But wait, there’s more! New this kit a winner. The included contains two each of a United Ware has included a four-piece launch platform is a real plus. States flag and “United States” launch platform for the Titian II. Unlike so many “garage” kits, stenciling that will go on the This is a tremendous improve- your heart won’t shrivel and Gemini capsule. ment over drilling a hole sputter upon opening the box. The instructions for the kit through the center nozzle and In fact, it might grow three sizes are professionally drawn, well shoving a brass rod into the mis- that day. New Ware already detailed and include a brief his- sile body to prop up the model. makes nice Mercury- 13 tory on the and its use Of course, with its side-by-side and Mercury- kits – easily with the Gemini program. All twin engines, the Titan II lacks a the best in their class. Should parts placement is clear, with convenient place to drill such a I hold my breath for a three- no arrows vaguely pointing in hole. Problem solved! foot 1:144 New Ware V? the direction of where the part Real space fans will be Perhaps not. should be glued. The engine delighted with New Ware’s new assembly alone is shown is nine wares. Their Titian II Gemini – John Heck enlarged scrap views. A second is a first rate IPMS # 42855

Surface detail of the missile body and the minute corrugations on the Gemini capsule are crisp and subtle.

ipms/usa journal • july + august 2013 13