Did Revell just re-release the 1/72 Space Shuttle?

[b26354]

Both my local hobby stores have them in stock - which is a pain since I bought an old one from the "bargain bin" in one shop about 3 months ago (which was opened and missing the clear parts). Now they have new, shrink wrapped ones for less than what I paid for the old one. Box is slightly smaller but the parts are all the same (Columbia has been removed from the decal sheet though).

Bought one anyway since I might get lucky and have everything fit better than the last one :unsure.

 

[phase pistol]

Might be a reissue or "old stock" being discontinued... do the materials have a copyright date on them?

Is it just the orbiter or is it the entire stack? I see there's a "4D Vision" cutaway orbiter kit from Aoshima that looks really nice, if you can get it discounted.

http://www.starshipmodeler.com/real/mb_shuttle.htm

 

[b26354]

Just the orbiter. Checked the box and it says 2004 (which makes sense since that was after Columbia's last flight).

Wings definitely fit better that the last one and will require much less filler but the fuselage halves are bad... the tailfin has the same bend to the right and the cockpit area is just as misaligned :/

Might make a new tailfin since the moonraker models have a slightly different shaped rudder.

 

[b26354]

Started assembling the new one. One problem I had with the last one was the sidewalls weren't straight so the cargo bay doors didn't fit properly. This time I put a chunk of 2mm plastic down the length of the cargo bay which means the sides of the fuselage can be clamped to it and it'll keep everything straight. I also drilled out two of the front RCS thrusters and have a piece of threaded rod holding it together while the glue sets.

 

[DB537]

I saw that 4d shuttle at hobby lobby the other day.

 

[b26354]

Re: moonraker

here's where I'm at. Weathering, panel lines and decals are the next step. Did some practice panel shading on an "old" wing.

some more pics here:

http://b26354.co.nz/moonraker_web/

 

[PHArchivist]

Cool. Nice to see more Moonrakers.

 

[JMChladek]

SWEET! Another Moonraker! I really need to do one of these as a full stack (just haven't decided if I go the 1/144 route or bite the bullet and try it in 1/72)!

Nice solution for the nose BTW. I built two of those in my younger days and the nose was a bad fit back then. As such, I may have to try your screw method to keep it together while the glue sets up as well.

 

[b26354]

SWEET! Another Moonraker! I really need to do one of these as a full stack (just haven't decided if I go the 1/144 route or bite the bullet and try it in 1/72)!

I've been thinking about a tank and boosters. I doubt I'll find one of the 1/72 kits here in NZ but scratch building wouldn't be too hard - the tank would only be 120mm diameter and I have a lathe :wacko

I might try a 1/144 with 747 though.