Space Shuttle Discovery

SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY

This is a "kit bash" of the Revell and Monogram Space Shuttle Orbiter kits in 1/72. These kits have been out for decades, and they are generally considered to be of poor quality. However, as a model-builder, this presents an opportunity for improvement. For example, the Orbiter is covered with tiles and blankets, and at 1/72 scale these should be evident somehow. I elected to scribe strips and apply to the model to simulate tiles. Surgical tape is be used to simulate the thermal blankets, and .010" plastic sheet used for the FRSI and the wing leading edge RCC (the nose was shaped using Milliputty). In fact, the ENTIRE model has been effectively "resurfaced" with .010" plastic and tape. In addition, Cutting Edge engine nozzles were used as replacements to those provided by the kit. The Orbiter is displayed in a post-landing configuration, allowing for a considerable amount of weathering. The base is a quicky built for purposes of photography; the model normally sits on a 2" x 2" mirror.