Progress update: Rebuilding the Apollo LM in 3D

In my free time, I have been recreating the Apollo Lunar Module (LM) in 3D, combining the exterior, engines, tanks and cockpit into one model. The LM is a fascinating piece of engineering, and this is an update on my progress in digging into its structure. So far, everything has been modelled in Blender.

I used NASA archives, technical drawings, museum photos and prior hobbyist builds to get coverage from as many angles as possible. The references are excellent in some areas and inconsistent or lacking in others. The goal here is to achieve a complete systems model rather than a perfect rivet count.

The model's usefulness lies in its layered view. Toggling shells and structures on and off reveals what photos hide: how spherical propellant tanks nest around the descent engine, how wiring and plumbing route through tight frames, why the triangular windows are small yet positioned for landing sightlines and how the ascent engine is fixed.

The most difficult decision was how much micro-detail to include. References for tiny mechanical parts, especially around the engine, are limited, and there are simply too many to model faithfully. My rule was to fully model parts that affect motion or function and to simplify when detail is mostly cosmetic. The landing gear is modelled with its mechanical linkages and is almost ready for animation; the engine exterior has been simplified to capture the silhouette and functional interfaces.

Dimensions are close to those of the real LM where exact measurements were available. Where measurements were unavailable, I matched proportions by analyzing photos and cross-checking multiple sources. You can expect accuracy within a few percent on measured components and proportional faithfulness elsewhere.

Modelling is almost finished; next is texturing and materials.