Another 1/72 Shuttle Stack

[johnlove_mk_II]

One is never enough.

I started out in February of 2013 building a 1/72 Saturn V and during the course of this long and arduous task I though to myself “In the distant future I’ll build examples of other space vehicles in 1/72 scale as well. It will be awesome.” Now I’ve been taking my grand ol’ time with her … I’m a little too much attention to the details, some might say. Well, lets fast forward to Father’s Day weekend at my LHS where there was a big giant sale on plastic kits! Walked back to the real space/sci-fi corner and setting the was the Monogram Space Shuttle Stack for only $63! Gobbled it up and stashed it in the closet. Now when I finish the Saturn I’ll have the next project ready, right!?

Well, I’ve been cheating a little on my Saturn. Don’t get me wrong I’ve only been buying up a few things for the project, but I’m finding myself wanting to start putting glue to styrene. Should I do … two projects at once!?

I think maybe, yes.

Here’s what I’ve got so far …

The aforementioned Monogram kit. I’ve actually built two of these before, during my childhood. One when I was about 7 … the other for a science fair project when I was 12. Both were destroyed. (Boys will be boys.)

A 1979 issue of the Revell orbiter. This is the first one of these I’ve actually ever laid hands on. (I always liked Monogram kits back in the day.) I really do like this kit … actually, much better than the Mono orbiter. It only took 30 years for me to try it out. This one I got off ebay for $25 … much better than the $75 or so that the current re-issue is going for. Thicker plastic, good. OMS pods are a little square. Might just kit bash the two.

Fisher SSME/OMS Nozzles. These little guys are pretty awesome. There are a few little detail issues, but they’re really pretty spectacular.

War bird tile stencil decals. These are scaled to fit the tile details on the Revell kit. Since I plan to be completely ludicrous and add the tile detail tile-by-tile, these may not work for me. The Revell tiles are too big for scale … the actual tiles are almost a third smaller.

[crowe-t]

I'm really looking forward to this build! The Fisher SSME's and OMS pods are a great addition and I can't wait to see what you come up with for all the tile stencils. I like your idea of using the Revell shuttle. I actually prefer the Revell shuttle myself, it does have a few accuracy issues but I feel it really captures the overall shape of a real shuttle really well.

Mike.

[niart17]

YES! Another big stack build. and I know from your other builds this is going to be great! Can't wait to see what you come up with. Might be just the thing I need to kick my inspiration back up to get to it on mine.

Funny about the Revell-vs-Monogram thing, I actually prefer the look of the Monogram shuttle. The OMS PODS and the detail around the window area to me is much better. Also, those are the hardest areas to fix IMHO. But it's a toMAYto toMAHto kind of thing.

Bill

[johnlove_mk_II]

There’s a lot to like about the Revell. The flight deck, though a little rough, is far more accurate. The forward window shapes are way closer, but need a little attention. The Monogram OMS pods seem closer to me … I also prefer Monogram’s rounded “nose”, as the Revell nose is a bit square.

I think the main thing for me is that the Revell kit’s plastic is thicker and far more robust, the Monogram orbiter seems pretty flimsy in comparison.

[crowe-t]

I don't currently own a Revell 1/72 shuttle but the Revell 1/144 shuttle has the same shape. When looking at profile pictures of a real Space Shuttle the Revell's forward window area seems more accurate and seems to have a more accurate slope onto the payload doors. I also prefer the Monogram's rounded nose but once a Revell shuttle(1/144 or 1/72) is all painted with decals the shape of the nose isn't as obvious, at least to me. The Revell's OMS pods are too square in the front and have too much of an angle at the rears. The rear angle is easy to fix and the fronts can be re-shaped with some work. Both are very nice kit's, but I like the overall feel of the Revell.

I had started building an Airfix 1/144 stack a while ago and I found the same issues with the shuttle. The Airfix shuttle's forward window area is too narrow so I widened it to match the Revell shuttle. The Airfix OMS pods are too low and narrow in the front and don't have enough of an angle at the rear.

All these shuttle kits have good and bad parts but every one will build up quite nicely. I'm really looking forward to seeing this build thread progress.

Mike.

[niart17]

I agree, they both can be built to beautiful models. Both have their downfall. Still, I guess the thing about the window area I like on the Monogram that doesn't look quite right on the Revell is the faceted nature around the window to nose joint. To me, Revell's windows look too rounded, instead of flat panels. So when they hit the nose on the the Revell shuttle, there is a rounded joint. On the real shuttle it should be flat panels. Just my opinion.

Bill

[johnlove_mk_II]

Oh that's right! It is more like a facet. Interesting.

[niart17]

Yes, it's a pretty complex shape that I don't think any manufacturer has gotten just right yet. To further complicate things, the windows actually sit ever so slightly proud of the surrounding area and the white tiles angle up just a bit around the black frame tiles. It's a real nightmare trying to nail all those shapes.

Here is a great pic that I think really shows what the area looks like perfectly. If you look at the starboard back window you can just make out how the tiles slope up to the frame. I don't think that would be noticed even on a 1/72 scale shuttle though.

Bill

[DutyCat]

As most of you know, I have both of these kits in work as part of the Shuttle Wars project.

IMO, the Monogram has the most accurate overall shape and offers the most potential.

However, as we have discovered, the Monogram takes advanced modeling skills to deal with its various engineering shortcomings, especially the oversized windows.

The Revell kit is a more straight forward build, but all that tile detail is worthless for two reasons.....it is way overscale, and eliminating the seam between the wing and the forward fuselage is pretty much impossible. If they had gone with engraved tile instead of raised, there might have been a chance.

Still properly done up, I am sure it will look fine. I will see what I can do with it down the home stretch once I finish the Monogram.

I would caution against putting the Revell orbiter on the Monogram tank as the Revell is much heavier and may overstress the attachment points.

[johnlove_mk_II]

I spent a few hours last nigh comparing the two and looking at photos and drawings ... Gil is right, the Monogram kit shape seems closest. With that and the faceted windows that Bill pointed out, I think I might just start out building the monogram kit and maybe just use the Revell for parts

Using the clear window parts as a starting point, I drew these patterns to cut out on my little CNC machine. I’ll try to get them cut out tonight and see what they look like.

[niart17]

Awesome. Can't wait to start seeing some plastic cutting. I wish I had a CNC, that would really come in handy. I just did mine by hand...which is one reason I'm putting the window covers on.

One part that I feel Revel got right (or at least more right) are the rear RCS housings, but since you're using Fishers, it doesn't matter.

Bill

[johnlove_mk_II]

Here's the first try. The shapes are slightly off and don't fit the holes quite right, so I'll have to adjust them ... and the windows themselves are going to be a little tough to remove.

Not quite right, but It did give me an idea of how to proceed with the next attempt.

Edited July 9, 2014 by johnlove_mk_II

[niart17]

Here's the first try. The shapes are slightly off and don't fit the holes quite right, so I'll have to adjust them ... and the windows themselves are going to be a little tough to remove.

Not quite right, but It did give me an idea of how to proceed with the next attempt.

They look great. I'm sure with some tweaking you'll get it just right. BTW, a little tip about getting window cuts like that out of small parts, remove the windows before you cut out the outside shape. It'll give you more material to hold on to while you go around the window and the outside cuts are relatively easy straight cuts...I learned that after breaking through about 3 attempts at this exact part. just a suggestion.

Bill

[johnlove_mk_II]

That's a great idea. I’ll give that a go next time around.

Right now I’m considering a multi-layer approach, much like the AMP windows, but only with one clear layer … and fitted to the opening. Time to get to the measuring, drawing and cutting.

[johnlove_mk_II]

Here's the preliminary drawing.

[niart17]

Looking good! I think they are going to come out great. Don't forget to take into account the angle and thickness of the plastic for when you start to stack them. Either that or bevel the edges at the cutting stage. Keep up the great work!

Bill

BTW, you still have time if you want to put this up in the NASA group build. Although the finish line might be a bit soon and ambitious to make it. But even if you don't, still...

Bill

[Hotdog]

Those windows are gonna be great! One thing about the Silhouette cutter, you almost have to run the cuts 3 or 4 times so that the blade goes all the way through the styrene sheet. I've purchased some 3rd party blades on eBay that seem to cut a little better than the factory ratchet blades.

[Hotdog]

The approach you are using is very similar to a "Mark III" version of the AMP windows I am trying out. Now that my Dream Chaser build is done, I plan to get back to that project.

[johnlove_mk_II]

So here's one side cut out and it only took a couple of hours to do. (There is a ton of cutting and fretting involved, trust me.) I also need to do some fine sanding and clean-up, but I think they turned out pretty well.

Now I just need to fit them to the kit parts.

Hotdog, I used some quarter millimeter thickness styrene which never seems to never cut through no matter how many times I run it through. I do think it’s an indication that it's time to get some new blades.

Edited July 10, 2014 by johnlove_mk_II

[niart17]

VERY nicely done. I think the stacked approach is definitely the way to make the windows look right. Keep up the great work!

Bill

[egt95]

This is an interesting way of dealing with the windows. I tried the same approach, but gave up after I bumped into Dutycat's beany cap. Nevertheless, this is inspiring me to get back to my 1/72 build. Keep up the good work Johnlove. The windows are looking good.

Mike

[Youngtiger1]

Another great project. I have the same kit that I purchased while back thinking I'll get to it soon. Well, couple of years later and here I am working on other things. You are doing some great work. It's motivating me to stop building the Thuderchief and start on the shuttle ;)/>

I like how you are tackling the windows on the kit. It sure is a weak spot on the kit and the first thing that everyone can see. So, good luck...I'll be following along to see your nice skills in action. :thumbsup:/>

Mike

[johnlove_mk_II]

Haven’t had a chance to really sit and do some modeling but I did get the other side of window frames cut last night. I’ll start fitting them into the fuselage halves this evening, and then cut the ET umbilical door openings. I’m also trying to devise a stronger mounting scheme that would allow for the orbiter to be removable from the stack. I’m thinking of brass tubes and pins and maybe integrating some small rare-earth magnets. This would allow for the model to be easily moved and stored, if need be.

I also think I’ve figured out what to do with my Revell kit now that I’m going with the Mono kit for the stack. Post-landing ALT program Enterprise? Could be good.

[niart17]

sounds like another great project idea. But I'm glad you did decide to go with the Monogram Orbiter. Wise choice in my opinion.

BTW, I'd considered the magnet mounting techniques as well. I think a couple of those at the umbilical connection and one at the bi-pod mount at the nose along with pins to help keep them aligned it should hold up pretty well and maintain a nice tight connection. I've even gone so far as buying the smallest rare earth magnets I could find at Radio Shack, I just haven't worked out the assembly to build them into. Hopefully you'll have all that worked out before I get to that point and you can do all the thinking for me...

Bill

[crackerjazz]

Beautiful cuts! Were all of those done on the Sillhouette?