Thor-Able I
This is the Thor-Able that was used to launch the Pioneer I probe. The rocket was developed from the Thor IRBM, using the Able upper stage to get the Pioneer probe into what would have been a lunar orbit. There was a programming error, and the probe never made it to the moon. Instead, it crashed about 43 hours later after only getting a small amount of data. This launch was NASA's first, and also the most successful launch of the Able space probes.
While the launch wasn't so great, I think the rocket is pretty cool. It's got fins, different diameters, a long thin top, and all sorts of cool stuff. Simple rockets that are basically tubes with a point are almost a little boring, to be honest. I'm also a fan of different colors and strap-on solid rocket boosters. I like my rockets interesting.
This model is from Neils Paper Models, a great paper model site. Neils makes some great models, and I would recommend his site to anyone.
The Model
This model was pretty straight forward in it's design. The construction wasn't to difficult either. The seams are well covered, and the fit was very good.
The Able upper stage wasn't too hard, but I made it flat on top by mistake. It should be nicely rounded all the way up. And I decided to use paper to make the small antennas instead of wire. I should have used silver paper, now that I think of it. (I'm actually going to go back and fix that, now that I've thought of it.)
The bottom section was the most difficult section. The small diameter of the tube and nozzles along with the strange shape of the boxes made this the most work on the model. It turned out pretty well, and yet again, I should have used silver paper to make the support rods. (Yes, I'm going to fix that too.)
The small boxes in the picture below aren't actually that bad looking. Getting a nice close up in the picture here really brings out the minor mistakes. When this thing is sitting on the shelf, you can't actually tell they are slightly warped and whatnot.
This model is a great subject since it's NASA's first launch, and the design of the rocket really makes it an eye-pleaser. Once you have a little time under your belt with paper models, give this model a shot. It will really add to your collection.