Space Shuttles

[theyrenotdolls]

Does anyone have any info on Space Shuttle modeling? which are the best kits? any special mods? any specialized forums/websites about the topic?

 

[CessnaDriver]

http://www.starshipmodeler.net/talk/viewforum.php?f=8

 

[GKvfx]

Generally speaking, most of the Space Shuttle models that are out there are fairly old. Most of them date from around 1980/81. None of them feature engraved tiles. One of them is smooth, and the other has raised tile lines. Both are going to take a bit of work to make a really stunning model. And that's with the payload bay doors closed. No kit really captures the padding, grab handles, and fittings of the payload bay. So, you're in for a virtual scratchbuild there.

Gene

 

[mb1k]

www.spaceinminiature.com

 

[phase pistol]

I have a very nice 1/100 scale Orbiter from Nick Proach. Smooth, solid, more like a contractor's model than an accurate scale replica. Still I really like it!

He has a whole range of space models but they can be pricey.

http://www.spacemodel.com/

- k

 

[phase pistol]

Those Space In Miniature books are a great resource, even tho the photos are in black and white.

There are some great books that have come out over the years with useful photos, such as the Squadron "Walkaround" book on the Shuttle

Also there are literally millions of fantastic space shuttle photos on the web, but you have to dig them out. Search the online NASA archives

http://images.jsc.nasa.gov/

http://images.ksc.nasa.gov/

and others.

Also for more space goodness, head over to my pal Rob Pearlman's COLLECTSPACE site, great forums and articles, on topics including space models.

http://www.collectspace.com/

- k

 

[PHArchivist]

I've been known to do a Moonraker here and there...

 

[Clerval]

If you want anything accurate you're going to have a LOT of work to do... what's out there isn't just old, it's bad. Head over to realspace and read and look for the Cutting Edge bits as well. You'll be looking at new bells, tiles, oms, reshaping thrusters, wing edges, gear, payload bay re-dos from the onset... FUN!

I don't know how far you want to go, but there are some major headaches if you're a stickler. BUT... many have gone before and done some amazing work, so you won't be alone.

 

[CessnaDriver]

Finding the old full 1/72 shuttle stack kit with ET and SRBs is not so easy either.

 

[JLinNY]

Those Space In Miniature books are a great resource, even tho the photos are in black and white.

There are some great books that have come out over the years with useful photos, such as the Squadron "Walkaround" book on the Shuttle

Also there are literally millions of fantastic space shuttle photos on the web, but you have to dig them out. Search the online NASA archives

http://images.jsc.nasa.gov/

http://images.ksc.nasa.gov/

and others.

Also for more space goodness, head over to my pal Rob Pearlman's COLLECTSPACE site, great forums and articles, on topics including space models.

http://www.collectspace.com/

- k

Hey thanks for those links phase. The ksc one has some great pics. :thumbsup

I have the walkaround shuttle book, I really like it.

 

[GoldCylon1]

How about this as a fun reference.

 

[CessnaDriver]

I used to see this years ago showing up at airshows...

http://www.douglasdc3.com/shuttle/shuttle.htm

 

[Smiling Demon]

I have a very nice 1/100 scale Orbiter from Nick Proach. Smooth, solid, more like a contractor's model than an accurate scale replica. Still I really like it!

He has a whole range of space models but they can be pricey.

http://www.spacemodel.com/

- k

Wow, that is a very good looking shuttle. I like the clean version of model kits instead of all the weathering. The weathering looks good don't get me wrong. I just like them to look as they would in a museum!

 

[phase pistol]

Thanks. But that's what I mean, the model is a bit stylized, a bit simplifed... not really detailed (no tiles for example). But it has presence and it looks good.

It looks like it would be on Gregory Peck's desk when David Janssen storms in to bellow about how they have a window to launch the XR-V and ********* SAVE the crew of Ironman-One. :lol

- k

 

[Smiling Demon]

Would it be possible to get a couple more shots of your shuttle? Especially the underbelly? Please?

 

[phase pistol]

What? You're asking me to post photos of my own stuff? Gee I dunno... :confused

I would be happy to oblige. :cool


Unfortunately I only shot one pic of the underside, and it's blurry... but you can tell it's smooth and undetailed under there.

Incidentally this was not a kit, and I did not build it. It came fully completed from Nick Proach.

The model is strong and simple, glossy and sharp looking. What details there are, seem precise and specific. Note the subtle gray panels around the oval rocket thrusters on the nose, for example. And hte round blue window in the side hatch.

In a similar vein, I have this model of Space Ship One with its White Knight booster, done in the same style as the Shuttle. White Knight has a wingspan of about 20 inches.

That's not my photo of my model though, it's a stock pic I found online. My model is cleaner and doesn't have stuch stuff as the X-Prize logo on it.

- k

 

[Smiling Demon]

Cool beans!

Thanks for the pics!thumbsup

 

[YenChih Lin]

Did someone ever tried a shuttle model with super thin styrene tiles, super-tiny details and dry-brushed effects in a custom scale? That'll be awesome to push yourself and your modeling knowledge to a whole new level. And just to freak yourself out, you'll doing it as a openable version with a Hubble Space Telescope. How's that?

 

[phase pistol]

Of course if you are made of money, there are all sorts of models you might buy. :lol

http://www.spacetoys.com/products.php?cat=12

 

[JW Foust]

How about this guy's project?

http://www.starshipmodeler.net/talk/viewtopic.php?t=52099&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

You gotta read thru the whole thing...


Now THAT's dedication...

JW Foust