1/15th scale Space Shuttle

[kyledehart5]

This whole project is incredible. I am loving following along with it.

[reserve]

Nice call on the tape, it looks the part

[lyle]

Where in KY are you?

[bradley25mm]

Feb 2, 2024 18:27:32 GMT -5 lyle said:

That’s awesome! Why the tape?

Thanks Lyle. On older shuttles, the white tiles on top were replaced with thermal blankets. These blankets are very effective, and much easier to replace. Athletic tape, what is the best material I thought of using to replicate the texture.

[bradley25mm]

Feb 2, 2024 19:45:57 GMT -5 lyle said:

Where in KY are you?

About 20 minutes south of Louisville 

[bradley25mm]

This is what the tape looks like after a second coat of glue, and white primer. After everything is done, I will paint some panels various shades of white.

[lyle]

Feb 2, 2024 20:26:50 GMT -5 bradley25mm said:

Feb 2, 2024 18:27:32 GMT -5 lyle said:

That’s awesome! Why the tape?

Thanks Lyle. On older shuttles, the white tiles on top were replaced with thermal blankets. These blankets are very effective, and much easier to replace. Athletic tape, what is the best material I thought of using to replicate the texture.

Sounds like the perfect solution!

[Steve Zuleski]

This is turning out to be as impressive as the Hollywood movie models. Are ya sure yall haven't done a few in the past??

Great job, all yall!

[bradley25mm]

Just about done adding detail to the shuttle. Next stop, paint!

[bradley25mm]

When I plotted the black lines out on the right wing, things didn’t add up. I used a caliber to get the exact measurements on both sides I decided to measure the slots on both side. As you can tell by the measurements, one was out of place. Where you see the diagonal hash marks next to the slot, part of that had to be cut out. Got my coping saw and went to town. Thanks for having a look.

[jmarc]

OOOOOOOOOOOUTCH !

[kyledehart5]

I continue to be rendered speechless by this project. That is all.

[bradley25mm]

Good evening my fellow modelers,
As of now, every square inch of the fuselage of the space shuttle is covered with something. Either plastic sheeting, heat shield tiles, or thermal blankets. Today I permanently attached the vertical stabilizer. This task was a bear. With the adhesive that I was using, I only had one chance to get this right. I did a tremendous amount of filling and test fitting before I could get it where it needed to be. Tomorrow I will start building a new stand so that I can finish painting the underside. The shuttle will then be in a vertical position. 17 applied all the heat streaks on the bottom, I will mask it off to protect it, and then put the shuttle back on the stand that is currently on. Then I can concentrate on the sides and top of the shuttle. After that’s done, then I will start working on the payload bay doors. Next Tuesday I pick up the graphics for the shuttle. It should not be too much longer for it to be done. The last task is to build the stand that it will be mounted on in the museum. I really appreciate everyone’s comments. I’m glad that so many people have the chance to follow along with this project. It’s been one heck of a ride..

[deafpanzer]

WOW! It is really starting to look like the real Shuttle now... catching up after being away for fews and I am glad you are still positing updates here. Keep rocking!

[themongoose]

You have really turned this into a stunner! Just beautiful 🤩

[bradley25mm]

So the light at the end of the tunnel is definitely getting brighter. Next step is detain painting, then graphics. Thanks for having a look

Christopher

[bradley25mm]

The graphics turned out amazing.

[jmarc]

WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWay to cool !

[406 Silverado]

Man, this is just exceptional modeling on all levels from you and Chris and I'm very happy that you're building this one up right here at MSC.  I'll be reaching out to you today in a PM Chris. 

[armornutii]

   So you and Chris gonna make a modified 747 to carry it back to the museum? Only fitting, just saying LOL.
   Thanjs for sharing this exceptional build, I for one am gkad that someone took the time and care to model such an important part of our history.
     Please post pics when Atlantis gets placed, sure looks good.

[Steve Zuleski]

I agree with Armornutii, pics when placed in the museum, if you please. Epic work, Chris, and those decals, what a trip.

[kyledehart5]

This really has been an incredible project to follow along with. Thank you guys for sharing. The graphics look awesome. This will sure look fantastic once in place at the museum.

[buddho]

Stunning, stupendous...oh my gosh.

[bradley25mm]

Thanks, a lot guys. We really appreciate all the comments. We’re also very glad that everybody else could come along for the ride and experience this with us. I would say it’s a once in a lifetime thing to do as modelers.

[bradley25mm]

I couldn’t help myself..

[406 Silverado]

I don't think I'd be able to help myself either Christopher. Such a cool project and as you said, a once in a lifetime experience.

[themongoose]

Mar 16, 2024 8:11:30 GMT -5 armornutii said:

   So you and Chris gonna make a modified 747 to carry it back to the museum? Only fitting, just saying LOL.
   Thanjs for sharing this exceptional build, I for one am gkad that someone took the time and care to model such an important part of our history.
     Please post pics when Atlantis gets placed, sure looks good.

Honestly, I’ve been thinking about doing the Hubble telescope! It was always of a huge interest to me and I do some Astro photography so I’ve been looking at models of it to see if I could re-create it for this. Just crazy I know 🤯

[Steve Zuleski]

Mar 16, 2024 17:46:50 GMT -5 themongoose said:

Mar 16, 2024 8:11:30 GMT -5 armornutii said:

   So you and Chris gonna make a modified 747 to carry it back to the museum? Only fitting, just saying LOL.
   Thanjs for sharing this exceptional build, I for one am gkad that someone took the time and care to model such an important part of our history.
     Please post pics when Atlantis gets placed, sure looks good.

Honestly, I’ve been thinking about doing the Hubble telescope! It was always of a huge interest to me and I do some Astro photography so I’ve been looking at models of it to see if I could re-create it for this. Just crazy I know 🤯

Not crazy at all, go for it, I say

[bradley25mm]

I’m finally in the homestretch. All the main painting is done. All that’s left to do now is make it look used. 

[chromdome35]

That looks great, all your hard work is showing.