When I was a kid in the 1960’s, I built models of some of those first ones.
As did I. I used to have what I called a “plastic junkyard” for mixing parts. The hobby continues to this day and the latest techniques and quality of workmanship are over-the-top incredible.
Check out this book on the subject:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1484128036/rocketfin-20%22