Apollo A7L Moon Suit

[kenlandrum]

Did you get that sewing machine for Christmas you wanted? Im making a wish list of tools and materials to push my wife over the edge. The Brother, Lock 1034D might pull her back!

No. I think I actually learned a bit about machines though... I found that the one I currently have can do all I needed. I had no idea I could double stitch with my machine, and sure enough, I CAN! I thought I needed a special machine for double stitching, and seeing Mr. Nagata using a Brother Lock 1034D I figured that was what it was used for. WRONG, while it may do a double stitch, its primary use is for "surging". Please correct me if anyone else knows better. So while I may need a surger like the Lock in the future, I've found I'm good for the moment.

 

[JamesDalton]

View attachment 1278315

Rub and buff on the frame and chrome rattle can on the innards, much better.

View attachment 1278240

More COVID@home time, here is where my connector cluster is sitting currently. H2O connector is just waiting on the bits to come off my resin printer and then will be done. Just waiting on hardware from the slow boat from china right now and once those arrive I'll be able to mount these on my torso fabric section. Where is everyone else at in their build? I was working on my EVA boots @work on lunches, but had to leave my materials behind in my cube when we were sent home.

The finish on the red connector in the image above looks great. Was there a lot of sanding after your print and did you use a filler spray before the final red coat?

View attachment 1278315

Rub and buff on the frame and chrome rattle can on the innards, much better.

View attachment 1278240

More COVID@home time, here is where my connector cluster is sitting currently. H2O connector is just waiting on the bits to come off my resin printer and then will be done. Just waiting on hardware from the slow boat from china right now and once those arrive I'll be able to mount these on my torso fabric section. Where is everyone else at in their build? I was working on my EVA boots @work on lunches, but had to leave my materials behind in my cube when we were sent home.

View attachment 1278315

Rub and buff on the frame and chrome rattle can on the innards, much better.

View attachment 1278240

More COVID@home time, here is where my connector cluster is sitting currently. H2O connector is just waiting on the bits to come off my resin printer and then will be done. Just waiting on hardware from the slow boat from china right now and once those arrive I'll be able to mount these on my torso fabric section. Where is everyone else at in their build? I was working on my EVA boots @work on lunches, but had to leave my materials behind in my cube when we were sent home.

 

[Kokanee]

The finish on the red connector in the image above looks great. Was there a lot of sanding after your print and did you use a filler spray before the final red coat?

Just some sanding with about 180 grit and worked up to 300 grit.

 

[Kokanee]

Finally onto my pattern for the suit proper!

 

[JamesDalton]

View attachment 1286515

Finally onto my pattern for the suit proper!

Awesome! Is your suit based on Mr. Armstrong's measurements or yours?

 

[Kokanee]

I bought a beer keeper suit for cheap that fit me, and I'm using that to put out the patterns as reference Mr Armstrong was a small dude!

 

[JamesDalton]

I bought a beer keeper suit for cheap that fit me, and I'm using that to put out the patterns as reference Mr Armstrong was a small dude!

From now I will refer to your suit as the A7LBEE

 

[Kokanee]

Yeah, i'm just eyeballing the pattern off of this photo:

 

[postmanpat]

Hey Kokanee. Fantastic work on the patterns mate. Not sure if you have come across this link;

Neil Armstrong Spacesuit | 3D Digitization

3d.si.edu

It's the 3D scan of Armstrong's suit from the Smithsonian. It has a cool measuring tool incorporated in it so you can really get some good accurate measurements of the suit.

 

[jontom]

Ken & Everyone, thanks for compiling all this in one place and sharing! This project is so big its hard to know where to start, and this is a great leg up.

-John

 

[Kokanee]

Hey Kokanee. Fantastic work on the patterns mate. Not sure if you have come across this link;

Neil Armstrong Spacesuit | 3D Digitization

3d.si.edu

It's the 3D scan of Armstrong's suit from the Smithsonian. It has a cool measuring tool incorporated in it so you can really get some good accurate measurements of the suit.

Yeah I got it, great reference.

 

[Kokanee]

Got the webbing for the upper bracket today. Color is a bit off and its slightly too small in width, but I think it will work. Have some coming in a lighter shade too.

 

[Kokanee]

Cutting out my patches after they arrived. Anyone have proper measurements for the US flag patch? Mine is too small.

I ordered a custom cotton tshirt with the graphics, then coated with some spray varnish to stiff the fabric and make it a touch shiny. Cut out,and doublesided tape to hold the flaps closed for sewing.

 

[JamesDalton]

No. I think I actually learned a bit about machines though... I found that the one I currently have can do all I needed. I had no idea I could double stitch with my machine, and sure enough, I CAN! I thought I needed a special machine for double stitching, and seeing Mr. Nagata using a Brother Lock 1034D I figured that was what it was used for. WRONG, while it may do a double stitch, its primary use is for "surging". Please correct me if anyone else knows better. So while I may need a surger like the Lock in the future, I've found I'm good for the moment.

Can't say thanks enough Ken. I have my wife working on getting a suitable sewing machine. I'm still on the fence whether to buy a 3D printer or just source that out. My first piece comes Monday so I can at least see what I can expect quality wise form a local guy. Fingers crossed. But I'm on my way! Ive made a list of tools and materials and can't wait to see progress. While looking at your suit templates and research photos I came across this shot of Neil. Its not the landing suit as his neck ring is blue and nothing looks right. Pockets and fastners etc... But what I do see that didnt add up till now is the cover that goes over the front. Am I right? Is that what the velcro on the chest is all about? Is there a piece we don't see in the Smithsonian pics of a piece of fabric that would fasten atop all this gear??

 

[Kokanee]

But what I do see that didnt add up till now is the cover that goes over the front. Am I right? Is that what the velcro on the chest is all about? Is there a piece we don't see in the Smithsonian pics of a piece of fabric that would fasten atop all this gear??

Hi James,

Yes, there is reference in manuals etc of a cover of sorts. To my knowledge it was never flown and the velcro and snaps are vestigial like an appendix.

 

[JamesDalton]

Hi James,

Yes, there is reference in manuals etc of a cover of sorts. To my knowledge it was never flown and the velcro and snaps are vestigial like an appendix.

Copy that. Name tag and patches are looking good Mr. Reashore!

 

[Kokanee]

I was asked for a stl of my H2O valve plug/cap, so here it is:

H2O plug.STL

drive.google.com

 

[Kokanee]

Connector cover from Neil's suit.

 

[Kokanee]

Neck ring arrived and I painted up the main ring this morning. Can't wait to complete it then fit it to fabric!

 

[JamesDalton]

I think all of those 3D models are to scale and on the Gdrive. Link on first page of thread.

Hey Ken, Any chance I can get the stl for the cap you built for the lower, two connectors? Just the cap. I'll leave the two lower right ones open as in the Smithsonian pic. If not no worries