NASA Pilgrim Observer reissue from AMT/Round 2 Model Kit
[181AM20]

This model hasn't been reissued yet; I'll review the original, of which I have two! I built one in the mid 70s; the other is in my "queue."

The Pilgrim Observer is a hypothetical (as opposed to actually proposed) interplanetary spaceship. The ship, its operation and mission are described in a little booklet. Launched by a modified Saturn V (replacing the third stage), the Observer would use a NERVA style nuclear fission rocket motor to make fast trips to Mars and Venus. They did a credible design job. Back in the 70s and 80s you'd occasionally see Pilgrim Observers mated to Estes Industries' 1/100 scale Saturn V flying model rocket!

The model is elaborate, with many moving parts, including a rotating section (for artificial gravity) with three swiveling modules (habitat, hydroponic garden, and nuclear power plant), telescopes and antenna, and an extending boom with the nuclear rocket at the end.

There are two auxiliary vehicles: A little conical space taxi ("open the pod bay doors HAL") and a stumpy version of the Apollo service module / command module. There's also a removable streamlined launch shroud.

This one deserves a patient build and nice paint job. A nice mod would be internal lighting for the inhabited spaces.