Modeling Apollo Links

Saturn V S-IC Engine Fairing Updated 6/24/09

Of all the components modeled on the Saturn V it is the seemingly "simple" quartet of engine fairings at the base of the first stage that are most frequently modeled 'not quite right.' It's not all due to deficient modeling efforts...the most readily available data on the fairings is usually incorrect, too!

On this page you will find the patterns for the Saturn V S-IC stage engine fairings in seven popular scales...1/48, 1/50, 1/70, 1/72, 1/87, 1/96, and 1/100. The patterns are in PDF and GIF formats that you can download and print. The patterns are provided in two scale groups. One is a group of the three popular "display" model scales of 1/48, 1/72 and 1/96. The other is a group of scales commonly found in flying models...1/50, 1/70, and 1/100...with 1/87 scale (HO) thrown in for good measure.

Using the Patterns

The patterns are designed so that when printed at 100% they will be properly sized. However, you should check to be sure that your printouts have, in fact, printed at the proper size. A horizontal scaling bar has been provided in the upper right corner and a vertical bar along the right edge of that page to assist you in assuring proper printout size. When printed, the bars should measure exactly 5" long.

The patterns have been provided with a black fin root surface "footprint" to aid in positioning the fin. Also, the shape and location of the air scoop which is located on either side of each fairing is provided.

Though it may appear that the long edges of the fairings are straight, they are not. They have the slight curve necessary for proper fit against the cylindrical surface described by the tops of the thrust structure stringers of the the S-IC. Two different edge representations on the patterns have been provided. The outermost line (red, if you printed the patterns in color) represents the shape of this edge if the fairing extended all the way to and rested on the top surfaces of the stringer of S-IC thrust structure. The cylinder that defines the top surfaces of the thrust structure stringers has a radius of 201.385". For modeling purposes, this is what you would use if you did not model the gap that actually exists between the fairing and the tops of the stringers. Click on the photo at the beginning of this page for an enlarged view 

For modeling the "offset" or gap between the fairing and the stringer tops that exist on the real vehicle, use the black line just inside the red line. The fairings on the actual vehicle do not touch the stringers but clear them by approximately 3" along most of the edge and approximately .8" at the fore and aft ends of the edge. Furthermore, on the real fairing, rather than being a smooth curve, the edge is defined by four straight edges.

Also note that the "nose" (for want of a better word) that is the apex of the fairing exists on the patterns as if it were going on the real vehicle and extends back from the forward end of the thrust structure back to a point between the stringers. Refer to the photos above. If you are building a model that does not have actual stringers or they are not a full scale shape/depth/width, you will want to modify the pattern accordingly.

A rather elaborate closure is bolted into place along the edges of the fairing to aerodynamically seal the gap above and between the stringers. The design and patterns for these closures will be presented here soon.

New Link, added 6/24/09: Read More on the S-IC Fairing history, data, and more...>>

Fully dimensioned drawings of the fairing, including its stringers, air scoops, rivets and visible structure will appear on this site shortly.

For a more detailed overview of how the stringers were located on the fairing, go here or download "Stringer Layout Details PDF format" from list below.

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