Comments on: Journey to the Moon

By: CherryPie

CherryPie — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 17:47:15 +0000

Now that would be a trip and a half.

The lunar module didn’t look real, it looked like a toy.

By: J_on_tour

J_on_tour — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 13:40:33 +0000

I thought at first when I saw the title that you were planning a trip to the moon
When you see the equipment used for this trip, it either seems difficult to believe or an awesome achievement.

By: CherryPie

CherryPie — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 22:47:28 +0000

It sounds like you have been having a fabulous time with your grandchildren. These time are precious and to be captured whenever possible

By: Mickie Brown

Mickie Brown — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 04:12:53 +0000

Cherie, What an interesting exhibit–I always find “space” interesting. We have the second largest museum of space objects in Hutchinson, Kansas ( NASA, down in Houston is first). It is a fascinating place to visit and I always come away in awe of what we have done and where we have gone. Hope all is well–I have been so busy with grandchildren and summer activities that I have not been making the rounds to see everyone’s lovely blog. Take care. Mickie

By: CherryPie

CherryPie — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 21:16:48 +0000

I wish I had photographed more of the information boards. They gave further information on the construction. I thought it would be on the Science Museum website but sadly it is not.

Whilst looking for the information I came across a website link that I lost many years ago. It gives a little bit of information about how the model came about, but no technical information.

“Thank you for your email dated 26th October 2011 with regards to the possibility that the Science Museum’s model Apollo 11 Lunar Lander is (or was) a prop from a film – possibly Diamonds Are Forever or Apollo 13. The object is inventoried within the Museum’s collections as follows:

Replica Apollo 11 lunar excursion module (Inventory number 1977-435)

This object is currently on display within the Museum’s Exploring Space Gallery; should you wish to view it please visit the Museum during normal opening hours – 10am to 6pm, last entry 5.15pm, Monday to Sunday except 24th to 26th December. I have reviewed the Museum’s technical file linked to this, T/1977-435, and there is no mention of this object being used (or potentially used) in any filming production prior to entering the Museum’s care.

The object formerly entered the Museum’s care in 1977. In fact original correspondence (held on nominal file 6954) with the original model makers, Westbury Design and Optical Ltd, indicates that this object was built specifically at the request of the Museum and for display purposes only. Further more the original enquiry into obtaining a quote from the above model making company was made by the Museum in 1975. Diamonds Are Forever was released in 1971 and Apollo 13 in 1995. As you can see the Museum’s model post-dates these films by several years.

Museum paperwork also contains original drawings supplied by NASA and Grumman Aerospace (the company who built the original Apollo Lunar Landers). With further correspondence suggesting the Museum liaised with these institutions to supply Westbury Design and Optical Ltd the most detailed and authentic plans as possible.

By: james higham

james higham — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 19:09:47 +0000

Now that is seriously fascinating. Wondered about full size but you say it is.

By: CherryPie

CherryPie — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 18:47:02 +0000

They were a bit of a challenge because the lighting in the museum is very dim.

By: CherryPie

CherryPie — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 18:46:00 +0000

The command module looks rather sturdy and robust close up which is more than can be said for the landing module. The landing craft looks very flimsy and rather like Blue Peter craft project!

By: ....peter:)

....peter:) — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 04:20:39 +0000

Wonderful set of pictures of the module from Apollo 10 and the replica of the lunar module Cherie… i would love to have had the chance to see and photograph these… thanks for sharing it with us….peter:)

By: Amfortas

Amfortas — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 03:58:28 +0000

If either of those vehicles – and especially the ‘lander’ – were seriously considered as a conveyance on our roads (with added wheels of course) they would not pass even the most lax saferty regulations. You could poke a hole in the side of the lander craft with a pencil and a sneeze. And one dreads to think of what would happen if a cyclist leaned on it at the traffic lights.