1/72nd scale Shuttle Stack STS-106

[bradley25mm]

Good evening my friends,
             I’ve decided to move the 1/18th scale Harrier to the back burner. I’ve been able to get my hands on a complete Shuttle Stack. I’m going to pose it atop a mobile launch platform, mounted on the crawler. After looking for the 1/72nd scale MLP, and crawler, I came across a company that makes these kits, but in a paper form. David R. Maier at Edu-Craft Diversions did an amazing job of capturing the look of these two components. 
            The images are printed on heavy stock paper. The images are phenomenal. The builder has to make a sub-support to glue the cut outs to. The instructions call for the use of cardboard as the material. I choose to use 1/8” blonde plywood, and masonite. These materials are very smooth, and rigid. The instructions call for the use of either Elmers, or Carpenters glue. I choose the latter. 
            The images of the completed models  (MLP, crawler, and pad 39A launch pad facility)are courtesy of David Maier. The gentleman at Lake County Space Port (Steven Jochums, and Mike Mackowski) built an out of this world display featuring the MLP, and crawler. They added lights to both components. The completed display is on their website. They also sell a wide assortment of decals, and other items related to space. Their decals will make an out of the box shuttle, look very realistic. 
            STS-106 was Col. Terry Wilcutt’s last trip to space aboard Atlantis. It will be nice to work on a shuttle inside my house this time instead of in the garage. 

[bradley25mm]

[bradley25mm]

[keavdog]

That's pretty cool!

[themongoose]

One word…
STELLAR!

[handiabled]

Oh yeah I'm all over this one! Amazing work so far and you just started!

[scottrc]

WOW!!!!!
The base came about so fast. Its going to be impressive when complete.

[Medicman71]

Wow! Can't wait to see the build! I love the Space Shuttle.

[dukemaddog]

Oh man, you're living my dream! I already have the 1/72 scale Space Shuttle with Boosters already built; This is something I always wanted to do with mine. At least the crawler if nothing else.

I'm gonna be watching this closely!

[kyledehart5]

Wow!! What a project!! I'll be following along.

[BattleScale Collectica Show]

Well Chris, this build must feel like a walk in the park after the Atlantis project! Looking forward to seeing it completed.

[bradley25mm]

Hello my friends,
Back to work on the launch pad. I decided to make some minor modifications to the sides. I wanted a more dimensional look. First, I added polystyrene strips and rod to the existing images on the sides. This worked out very well. Everything was attached with super glue. Most of the side panels have a purplish hue. I custom mixed a grey color(Tamiya) to knock this down. The detail on the top of the pad was perfect. Nothing was changed. Thanks for having a look.

[406 Silverado]

I just don't know if I can put into adequate words just how cool this really is Christopher. So much detail to look at already and you're just getting started with all of this. First off, the fact that these parts are even available is a true testament to the current technology out there because I've never seen a kit of anything you've got going here until now.

Watching you build this one up is going to be a real treat man. This.....is......BOOKMARKED!!! 

[handiabled]

Your added detail really makes the sides more dimensional and less flat looking. Awesome work!

[bradley25mm]

Thanks guys for the comments. I appreciate them very much. I’ve moved on to the blast shields. It took some time to make these, but the results are amazing. (not by anything I did)
I still can’t believe this is a paper model!

[bronco67]

I have only one word WoooooooooooooooooW!

[kyledehart5]

That is looking incredible!! What fantastic work!

[bradley25mm]

It’s been slow going, but a lot of fun

[kyledehart5]

Very nice!! This is so cool and it’s looking great.

[deafpanzer]

Holy smokes! Sorry I am late to the party and everything really looks great!

[handiabled]

Keeps getting better and better with each post!

[bradley25mm]

Back at it! I’ve added the last of the raised detail on the sides. I also made stencils to repaint the number markings on the corners. I’m using resin rain columns , and service towers from Mos Isley Model works. I had to shorten the service towers. I ended up just using my chop saw. I’ve decided to scratch build the entire water deluge system. The paper ones that come with the kit are good, They are just a bear to try and construct. I spent most of the day building the pedestal supports for the water system. I’m having to custom mix all the paints that I use to somewhat match the colors on the printed paper. After the water deluge system is done, I move onto all the platforms and piping on the front and sides of the launchpad. Thanks for having a look.