revell space shuttle

The snap-tite Space Shuttle is the old Monogram kit from the early 1980s. Revell and Monogram merged in the mid 90s so I am not sure which of their other available shuttles were previously Revell or Monogram.

I do remember building an impressive 1/72 scale Monogram shuttle as well as a 1/144 scale Revell shuttle that had James Bonds' Moonraker decals instead of regular NASA markings. I enjoyed both builds in the 1980s.

I have the Revell 1/144 kit in my things to build pile.  I have heard there are after market parts and decals to really make the kit great.  Any knowledge?

Real Space Models makes a set of decals for either the 1/72 or 1/144 scale shuttle for $8.
http://realspacemodels.com/html/decals.htm

New Ware makes a nice PE set for the 1/144 scale Revell shuttle. A little pricey at $29, but nice.
http://www.culttvmanshop.com/Shuttle-photo-etch-upgrade-1144-from-New-Ware_p_646.html

Real Space Models also has a resin replacement set for the shuttle engines for $10:
http://realspacemodels.com/index.htm

direct link to shuttle engines: http://realspacemodels.com/html/ssme44pg.html

Rob Gronovius

Real Space Models makes a set of decals for either the 1/72 or 1/144 scale shuttle for $8.
http://realspacemodels.com/html/decals.htm

New Ware makes a nice PE set for the 1/144 scale Revell shuttle. A little pricey at $29, but nice.
http://www.culttvmanshop.com/Shuttle-photo-etch-upgrade-1144-from-New-Ware_p_646.html

Real Space Models also has a resin replacement set for the shuttle engines for $10:
http://realspacemodels.com/index.htm

direct link to shuttle engines: http://realspacemodels.com/html/ssme44pg.html

Thanks! Great stuff. I've never used resin. Can I paint it with same acrylic primer and top coat as my styrene models?

Yes, you can paint resin with the same paints. Resin is poured and you must use a razor saw to remove the pour stub and then sand to fit. It requires thorough washing to make sure the part is free of any mold release agents which would cause issues with paint or primer. I use a soft toothbrush with some dishwashing liquid squirted onto the bristles.

It does require super glue to assemble.

Rob Gronovius

Yes, you can paint resin with the same paints. Resin is poured and you must use a razor saw to remove the pour stub and then sand to fit. It requires thorough washing to make sure the part is free of any mold release agents which would cause issues with paint or primer. I use a soft toothbrush with some dishwashing liquid squirted onto the bristles.

It does require super glue to assemble.

Thanks Rob!  Great tips.  I normally build submarines an d saw some PE parts and resin add-ons for a 1/72 U-Boat from Revell that I have to build too.  I tens to want to make those boats look weathered and "used".  The PE parts I see in the photos look almost unnaturally "new" but the detail is sure great.  I'm wondering if adding them but them painting to the weathered-used look would be possible.  U can see a sample pf them at this link.

i've used a few different weathering techniques, the easiest is to use acrylic weathering kit. i'd imagine for submarines you'd use a variety of black and dark greens?

subtle weathering the space shuttle will make it pop, just needs some re-entry streaks since they are typically kept in top condition.