This is the 1/96th scale card kit by Precision Space Paper Models. It's available free online at www76.pair.com/tjohnson/ppsm.html.

I used the PSPM "kit" as a basis for adding detail to this Saturn 1B, which was the launch vehicle for the Apollo 7 mission. While I used the basic patterns offered on the site, I made numerous modifications and changes and even designed and fabricated whole new sections of the rocket. The model is entirely paper, except for aluminum foil used on the Service Module and on the H1 nozzles. Here's a stage-by-stage breakdown of the modifications and alterations I made to the online kit:

S-1B (First) STAGE

Using the "Draw" function of Word, I redesigned the RP and LOX fuel tanks, using a more accurate font and spacing for the "UNITED STATES" on the RP tanks, as well as adding surface features, vents, drains and other details. The stock fins were altered to acheive the proper cross-section by adding a small strip of wood to the bottom of each fin, then shaping the fin to the correct "arrow" shape and covering the newly exposed ends and bottom with the proper colored paper. I added panel detail to the lower thrust structure. Corrugated cardboard found in an art supply store was used for the corrugated sections. I covered the H1 engines with aluminum foil "stained" by boiling them with eggs, and built flexible insulation fairings for the four outer motors with paper softened with a 50-50 mixture of white glue and water, then formed over a wooden mold.

INTERSTAGE

Corrugated paper was used to build the Interstage. The retro-rocket fairings were scratchbuilt from paper. Camera targets, vertical motion targets and personnel access hatches were also added.

S-IVB

Again using "Draw," I re-designed the skin of the stage, using a more accurate font for the "USA." The ullage rocket fairings, LH2 feed line, pump and return line fairings were made out of layers of thick paper stock glued together, cut to shape and then sanded to the proper rounded appearance. The auxiliary propulsion system modules were made from a silvery paper I found in an art supply store. Corrugated paper was used for the corrugated sections.

INSTRUMENT UNIT

I designed a new instrument unit with "Draw," adding the +Z, -Y, -Z and +Y markings, as well as the umbilical panels and panels for the various range-safety and other antenna. The antenna themselves were built from heavy paper stock.

LSA

I used the kit LSA as a pattern, but designed a new one to incorporate the various panel, drain, hatch, latch, spring and other details.

SERVICE MODULE

I used the stock design from the kit, but covered it with the "dull" side of aluminum foil, then added the various surface details like radiator panels from paper. The "UNITED STATES" and flag markings were designed on the computer. The RCS quads are layers of thick paper stock glued together to obtain the proper thickness, then cut to shape. The RCS nozzles are the pointy ends of toothpicks.

BPC

I used the kit boost protective cover as a pattern and built a new one, adding surface detail as per drawings and photos.

LES

The launch escape system was built virtually stock, except I added surface detail and rocket motors and scratchbuilt the latticework tower from rolled paper. The latticework is one part of my modifications that I'm not happy with; I've yet to figure a way to roll paper into tubes that are thin enough. (Suggestions welcome....) I may re-do the latticework at some point because the thickness is out of scale.

Image: Closer look at the payload area

Image: Details

Image: Corrugated paper worked well

Image: Business end

Image: More topside details