[ridgeguy]

Decades ago, I had an SBIR contract with NASA, the contract monitor being in Huntsville. After I briefed him, I went to see the Saturn V. At that time, it was resting horizontal on a long concrete pad. The briefing went really well, and I was in good spirits.

So there was no barrier between the vehicle and visitors. You could walk up and touch it, which I did. Then I walked to the engine end of the first stage and climbed up between two of the F1 engines. I was able to climb into the center F1 and stand up at the end of the expansion bell.

I didn't even come up to the center of the bell. It drove home the titanic size of the machine in a way that nothing else had.

I had to climb down when a moderately pissed-off guard saw me after a few minutes. It was a wonderful experience.