General Build Notes
This folder contains multiple versions of some items. It is not necessary to print them all. Select the versions appropriate for the model you are building. For example, there will be different versions of files depending on whether you're building a flying model or a display model. There are also variations within the Apollo program.
This folder will update often as new pieces are released or older ones updated. Each model also has a date tag associated with it.  As models are updated, this tag will also be updated. You may wish to check the date tag as you download new versions.
One feature worth highlighting is vents. These have a functional purpose on the real rocket, as well as any flying model. As a rocket increases in altitude the outside air pressure decreases while the inside air pressure remains constant. This can cause the air inside the rocket to try to force apart the stages before they are ready with catastrophic results. The vents allow the air pressure to equalize eliminating the problem. If you're building a display version, you may wish to place some black paper behind the vents for a better visual display.
There is a complete YouTube video series describing the assembly and painting.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIk8AsRj-ngT93m4xjQh8DDna03Bu_HWg

Scale – Important!
The primary reason for choosing 1:53 scale was the availability of a 7.51” body tube for building the flyable model. Well as it turns out, 7.51” is the internal body diameter, not the outside diameter meaning the scale is off enough to be noticable.
If you’re building a display version, continue as before. The pieces will continue to be available in that scale.
If you’re building a flying version and haven’t started printing yet, use the 1:52 scale. If you’ve been printing as the models have been released, you have 2 choices. The first is to reprint the pieces you already have in 1:52 scale. Alternatively, you can print the bottom sections in the correct scale and use a modified version of the interstage that is 1:53 on top and 1:52 on bottom. I will be providing both.
Pieces are labeled according to their scale. Part names beginning with 52 are in 1:52 scale, and part names beginning with 53 are in 1:53 scale.
Launch Escape System (LES)
Refer to the YouTube video for assembly instructions.
You will need the to print the following pieces:
 ·	1x LES
 ·	4x LES Nozzle
 ·	1x LES Tower

Command and Service Module (CSM) - Apollo 7-14
There are multiple versions of the CSM depending on the mission. In addition to having different physical features they are also painted differently. Refer to the YouTube videos for more information. (Painting videos will come later)
You will need to print the following pieces:
 ·	1x CSM
 ·	4x RCS Quad
Service Module and Lunar Module Adapter (SLA)
This model comes in two versions. Only print the one appropriate for your mission.
IMPORTANT
I recommend that you DO NOT glue these pieces at this point, especially if you're building a flyable model. This will help in painting later. For the flyable model, it will also be vital to complete your recovery plan first, as well as determine appropriate nose weight for stable flight.
You will need to print the following pieces:
 ·	1x SLA Deployable - Apollo 8-17 and ASTP, or
 ·	1x SLA Non-deployable - Apollo 4,6,7, Skylab 2-4
S-IVB Stage
While mostly identical, this comes in two versions. The orgininal version was used for the Saturn IB flights (Apollo 7,9, Sylab and ASTP). It was modified slightly for use on the Saturn V.
This stage is printed in two pieces, an upper and a lower section. They are keyed to ensure they maintain the correct vertical alignment.
Included in the model files is an S-IVB Boilerplate. This was used to check scale and fit while the S-IVB stage was still in development and is no longer required.
You will need to print the following pieces:
 ·	1x S-IVB Upper
 ·	1x S-IVB Lower

S-IVB Rear Transition
There are three versions of the interstage. For the display version, you have versions at 1:52 and 1:53 scale, as indicated by the 52_ and 53_ name prefixes respectively. There is also a flight version denoted with the F_ name prefix. This will be the separation point for recovery of the model, and this piece needs to be robust. In addition to the pastic portion spanning the end, this should be reinforced on either side using plywood or it will not survive a recovery attempt. This will also protect it from the ejection gases. If you are not certified to fly models at this level DO NOT ATTEMPT! This is real rocket science and the consequences of failure can be severe!
You will need to print the following pieces:
 ·	1x Transition
SII Stage
This stage is split into 4 sections for printing. They are labeled P1 through P4 going from top to bottom. As with the S-IVB Rear Transition, they are labeled using the prefixes 52_ and 53_ for the display versions, and F_ for the flight version. The top section is the actual separation point and is attached to the S-IVB Rear Transition with a coupler backing. Refer to the online videos for more details.
For the flight version, the P1 section aligns with the S-IVB Rear Transition with a slot as with the display versions. The P2-P4 sections have an internal groove that allows you to align the model with a mark running the length of the inner tubing. Alignment between the recover separation points can be done using the SII systems tunnel.
You will need to print the following pieces:
 ·	1x P1
 ·	1x P2
 ·	1x P3
 ·	1xP4

SIC Stage
This stage is split into 5 sections for printing. They are labeled P1 through P5 going from top to bottom. As with the S-IVB Rear Transition, they are labeled using the prefixes 52_ and 53_ for the display versions, and F_ for the flight version.
For the flight version, the P1 section aligns with the SII_P4 section with a slot as with the display versions. The P2-P5 sections have an internal groove that allows you to align the model with a mark running the length of the inner tubing. Alignment between the recover separation points can be done using the SII systems tunnel.
The flight versions have an opening that will allow you to cut holes for Through The Wall (TTW) fins. There is some extra room to allow for fillets on the body tube rather than on the plastic. It is up to you to ensure that whatever fins you use are sufficient in terms of both strength and stability.
You will need to print the following pieces:
 ·	1x P1
 ·	1x P2
 ·	1x P3
 ·	1xP4
 ·	1xP5
Engine Fairings
There are 4 engine fairings spaced around the outside of the SiC stage, placed equidistant between each of the hold down points. The flight versions are very different from the display versions, so select your version carefully.
The flight versions come in two variants. For my model, I’m using through the wall fin tabs 3” in length. These fit nicely in the slots cut in the SIC-P5 module. One of the engine fairings has corresponding slots cut in it that will allow the fin tabs to fit through. There is also a version with no slots. This doesn’t mean you don’t need through the wall fins – you definitely do. This will allow you to bring the STL into your favourite editor and cut slots that match your fins.
At the time of writing, the display version is still being prototyped. It will have scale fins that are much too small for flight. 3D printed fins wouldn’t be strong enough anyways. Remember the actual rocket had gimbaled motors to ensure stable flight.
You will need the following pieces:
•	4x Engine Fairing appropriate to your rocket

All remaining sections will be released as they are completed and tested.