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18"Diameter Hero version Jupiter 2...UPDATE

11K views 47 replies 11 participants last post by  Captain Han Solo  
OK about the landing gear. I've thought this through a few years ago. A Jackshaft system will pull the legs down and with power off they will stay down and support the model. You'll want the HERO Gear aftermarket set . You will need to add a brass frame inside of it so you can add the extensions to the back of the legs where the wire will attach. You can add spring loaded relief on the footpad doors so the wires holding up the legs can get to where they need to be while the footpad doors will just hit a stop so the springs will compress instead of yanking the FP doors too far.
 
Having done a bunch of 'supported by wire' shots, I'd like to suggest a 'trick' to make it look more like the original. Have the J2 tilted nose up a little to make it look more like a vertical pan shot, and correct to flat to landing surface. Also slow the decent for the last 4-5 inches until touchdown.

Since you are just lowering the model, make a screw eye platform so all you do is release the model and the screw-eye part will allow for clean, no swinging shot. something about 1 foot diameter. Mount it under a 2x4 locked off over some bookcases, etc.