After a period of 40 years, and in time for the anniversary of the landing of Apollo 11 on the moon in 1969, Tamiya has re-released the long out-of-production Apollo Lunar Spacecraft in 1:70 scale. The box has a round sticker reading “Moon Landing 40th Anniversary” in English and Japanese.

The kit uses the original 1:70 scale molds, and Tamiya has included a supplemental instruction sheet that clearly states that “this kit is a re-release of the original 1969 product. While it has the same parts and instructions, the motor and battery terminals for the motorization mechanism are not included. Refer to the supplementary instructions when assembling.” The original release of the kit included a small battery-operated motor that was installed inside the Service Module, and powered a propeller that was present behind the SM’s main engine. The model was suspended from the ceiling, and “orbited” around the room.

According to the box, the kit has the following features:

1. Set includes Command Module, Service Module, Lunar Module, tip of the Saturn V rocket, and two types of display bases.

2. Cone-shaped Command Module can be detached from the Service Module. Clear plastic sheets are included to depict windows.

3. Service Module side panel can be opened to reveal interior details such as propellant tanks.

4. Ascent Stage of the Lunar Module can be detached from the Descent Stage and docked with the Command Module. Landing legs can be displayed in either stowed or landed configuration.

5. Tip of the Saturn V rocket is reproduced with white and clear parts. The model can be displayed with the Lunar Module stowed inside the third stage of the rocket, with the combination Command Module and Service Module in position on top of the third stage.

6. Two astronaut figures and a scale American flag are included for diorama creation.

The box for this kit is rather large for the scale. It measures about 11.5 inches by 16 inches, and it is packed full of parts. Tamiya has also included a sheet of self-adhesive gold foil for the insulating material on the descent stage of the Lunar Module. A small sheet of decals is included, and provides seven American flags and two “United States” markings. Aftermarket decal sets may be available, but I haven’t checked into it yet as I just received my copy of this kit about three weeks prior to the writing of this review.

The styrene parts are molded in white, black, clear, chrome, gray and (for some reason) red. Two bases are included for the kit. One base, molded in black, provides the stable mounting for displaying the model in its “stack” configuration at the time of launch. The second base, which is molded in gray styrene, replicates the lunar surface and allows the modeler to display the Lunar Module, the astronauts, and the flag as if it is posed at Tranquility Base in July 1969. The bases each measure 5.5 inches wide and 8 inches long.

One additional note about the bases is that it is actually possible to use them both at the same time. The Command Module and Service Module can be posed on top of the Saturn V stack by using the white sections rather than the clear parts. The Lunar Module can then be posed on the lunar base, allowing the landing scene to be displayed. Tamiya did a great job providing this option!

Now for the bad news. These issues are based on a quick overview of the kit, and not on a detailed check of references. First off, the Command and Service Modules are in Block I configuration, which was the test version of the pair. A fair amount of work will need to be done to reconfigure the pair to the Block II flight version. There are also issues with incorrect locations for the windows on the Command Module. Also, if the launch configuration is selected, it is important to note that the launch escape tower is not included in the kit. If desired, one could be scratchbuilt.

The Service Module is still designed to allow for battery replacement for the 1969 “orbiting” version of the kit. A slot is present where the on/off switch used to be, and it’s about an inch long, so it’s not easily hidden. Also, the interior of the module is very basic and would benefit from extra detailing.

The Lunar Module appears to be decent, but the builder will need to add details here and there. A quick inspection shows that the gold insulating foil will need to be carefully applied to mask the flat underlying shapes. Also, for a landed version, there should be bent wires representing the contact probes at the bottom of each landing pad. If flight configuration is selected, then there should be unbent wires installed in the same position. Regardless of the way the Lunar Module is built, the wires are missing.

Despite its age, this kit has a lot of potential, and can really shine if the builder is willing to put in the extra time on research and reference material gathering. There are ample opportunities for detailing, and I’m looking forward to starting work on this kit at some (hopefully not-so-distant) point. The completed kit measures roughly 3.5 inches in diameter (at the base of the rocket section) and 10.75 inches tall in the “launch” configuration.

Launch configuration diagram from side of box
Command Module and Service Module parts
Stage 3 petals for LM launch storage area
Lunar Module and Stage 3 parts
Lunar terrain base
Closer view of the lunar landscape

Review by: Rich “Lonewolf” Dula

Entry created: February 7, 2010