One of the many models used in the filming of the seminal movie "Apollo 13" was a 1/4-scale Lunar Module (LM). This same model was later used during the filming of the HBO miniseries, "From the Earth to the Moon." The Orange County Space Society was offered this model after it was found by a friend in storage in a garage in the San Fernando Valley. We trucked the LM to Long Beach to a new storage location, this time in the garage at the home of Ray Montgomery. Due to his location on Magnolia Street, Ray has now re-dubbed the LM as the MMMM (The Montgomery Moon Module on Magnolia)!

The original plan was to accomplish the restoration directly through donation of funds and time to OCSS, then to place the LM on display at the Discovery Science Center. Once it was understood that the Discovery Science Center had no further desire to promote actual science over pure entertainment, this plan was dropped.

The current plan is to restore the LM for eventual display in the new Columbia Memorial Space Science Learning Center, located at the former Apollo spacecraft factory of Rockwell in Downey, California.

This is one of the original "Apollo 13" filming models on display at Universal Studios Hollywood following the premiere of the film. This is not the same version as was later acquired by OCSS, but is similar in nature. It appears this model is approximately 1/6th- or 1/8th-scale, while the one in our possesion is 1/4-scale. I use these photos to illustrate the condition of an orginal model versus the condition of the model once we took possession, after many years of abuse and storage. It is also to illustrate the level of detail we hope to achieve on the restored 1/4-scale.

The 1/4-scale model the day following acquisition, now in OCSS storage.

The box that came with the model that was used to store all the items that had been damaged or fallen off. Most all of the pieces are here, but a decison must be made as to how much is actually salvageable versus the need for new fabrication.

Starting the process of creating a parts inventory.

A look inside the LM ascent stage crew cabin.

The model came complete with a high-power interior light. Here, Bob Kline uses it to illuminate the darkness.

Arranging all the pieces. Ray Montgomery is on the left and Bob Kline on the right. Below shows everything together.

All the bits and pieces from the parts box.

With the camera set on self-timer, I placed it inside the LM hatch looking outward to capture a group portrait of those who helped with the move and the inventory. (left) Ray & Thom Montgomery and myself. (right) Jeff & Andrea Howe and Bob Kline.

(below) A little CGI magic and now our crew is on the Moon. We were obviously all holding our breath!

As you can see the work will be extensive, but hopefully doable. I will post additional photos once the restoration process begins.