Space

Artist uses 282,000 matchsticks to build scale model of the ISS

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The 1/26 scale model ISS built by Pat Acton using 282,000 matchsticks and 8 gallons (30 L) of glue
The two cutaway models show interior details, such as science racks, work areas, toilets, sleeping areas, storage spaces, and computer stations
In addition to the primary module and its related bits, Acton also built two 1/13 scale models of the astronaut living/working spaces
The two cutaway models, show in interior details like science racks and related work areas, the toilet, sleeping areas, storage spaces, computer stations, and other amenities
The 1/26 scale model station is comprised of 282,000 matchsticks and required 8 gal (30 L) of glue and roughly 1,950 hours to complete
The 1/26 scale model station is comprised of 282,000 matchsticks and required eight gallons (30 L) of glue and roughly 1,950 hours to complete
Solar arrays, trusses, module the Space shuttle, and communication components are all built from matchsticks, each individually placed one at a time
Acton also built a scaled down version of the Space Shuttle Atlantis to go with the station
Solar arrays, trusses, module the Space shuttle, and communication components are all built from matchsticks, each individually placed one at a time
Solar arrays, trusses, module the Space shuttle, and communication components are all built from matchsticks, each individually placed one at a time
Acton also built a scaled down version of the Space Shuttle Atlantis to go with the ISS
The Russian Zvesda module, along with the European Space Agency’s ATV cargo transport module, will be displayed on the floor while the scale model ISS hangs from the ceiling
Acton also constructed a matchstick Space Shuttle Atlantis
The 1/26 scale model ISS built by Pat Acton using 282,000 matchsticks and 8 gallons (30 L) of glue
Acton also built the Russian Zvesda module, along with the European Space Agency’s ATV cargo transport module
Acton’s ISS matchstick model can be seen at the Matchstick Marvel Museum in Iowa
View gallery - 18 images

During the construction of the International Space Station (ISS), material selection was critical given the extreme environment of space. Chances are that one of those materials up for consideration was not matchsticks. But for Pat Acton of Iowa, the idea of designing and building a complete scale model of the ISS out of matchsticks seemed like a perfectly reasonable idea.

Recently completed by Acton, the wooden ISS is as impressive in size as it is in detail. Comprised of 282,000 matchsticks, the 1/26 scale model required 8 gal (30 L) of glue and took roughly 1,950 hours to complete. Whereas the actual ISS measures out at 108.5 m (356 ft) wide and 72.8 m (239 ft) long, Acton’s scaled down version measures out at an impressive 4.1 m (13.5 ft) and 2.8 m (9.2 ft) wide. Solar arrays, trusses, communication components, and even the Space Shuttle Atlantis, are all there in intricate detail.

Acton also built the Russian Zvesda module, along with the European Space Agency’s ATV cargo transport module

But in addition to the primary module and its related bits, Acton also went ahead and built two 1/13 scale models of astronaut living/working spaces. The two cutaway models show in great detail interior elements, including science racks and related work areas, the toilet, sleeping areas, storage spaces, computer stations, and other amenities found in the ISS modules. The Russian Zvesda module, along with the European Space Agency’s ATV cargo transport module, will be displayed on the floor, while the scale model ISS hangs from the ceiling.

Acton, who now sources his flameless matchsticks from the Ohio Blue Tip Company, learned that he could not only bend the sticks using needle nose pliers, but that it was possible to build sheets of the singular wooden pieces using a Plexiglas sheet and glue. Once the glue has dried, Acton peels the matchstick sheet from the Plexiglas and shapes it for larger surfaces or forms it into structural pieces.

Acton’s ISS matchstick model can be seen at the Matchstick Marvel Museum in Iowa

Acton’s ISS matchstick model can be seen at the Matchstick Marvel Museum in Gladbrook, Iowa. In addition to the International Space Station, Acton has also built scale models of the Hogwarts Castle from Harry Potter, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the One World Trade Center and the city of Minas Tirith from the Lord of the Rings.

Source: Matchstick Marvels

View gallery - 18 images
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4 comments
sgdeluxedoc
I'm speechless! That is, including all the other models like the two shuttles etc, without a doubt, the most awesome thing I have ever seen on Gizmag! These should be in the Smithsonian. I am serious...
BigGoofyGuy
I agree with SGDELUXEDOC. It is really awesome. It is way cool. One can see the workmanship in the closeup photos.
Bruce H. Anderson
Some may decry this as a waste of time serving no useful (read: conforms to my agenda) purpose. I say, Dude! I mean, like, DUDE!! Party On Pat!
habakak
Incredible! The sheer effort and dedication alone is stupendous. Bravo, keep it up. You are a boon to mankind. Just absolutely fantastic.