Greetings and Salutations!
I build mostly aircraft, specifically WWII stuff, and haven't really seriously looked at the many real space kits out there. My Dad worked on every manned space program from Apollo to the ISS and though I naturally took an interest as a result, it wasn't until after he passed away last April that I suddenly had an urge to do a model of any sort of space vehicle.
I'd like to ask you fellas for your opinions on the pros and cons of the various kits of the STS Vehicles that are currently or have been previously available. I've got a handle on Apollo kits and resin, but I really don't know much about the Shuttle kits. I know what's out there and I have several small scale kits that my Dad collected (Oddball stuff!), but I haven't seen much of what's out there (in larger scales) for myself.
I remember gawking over the Revell 72nd kit that my Dad built when I was 11 or so, but I don't remember (obviously) exactly what it was like other than it seemed to have a decent (albeit probably basic) interior and the Spacelab, Arm etc.
That model is long gone thanks to our Furry Feline Friends, and I haven't looked at this kit since. I've seen it around, just never looked at it. I've heard that Revell's is a nicer kit than Monogram's. I'm aware of the lack of tile detail on the Monogram kit whereas it's represented on the Revell offering. But that's not an issue since I plan on re-doing the tiles anyway.
I'd like to model a Shuttle as it typically would look after recovery, missing tiles here and there and such, which means I'll be adding them piece by piece. What I'd like to know is which 72nd kit do you think is more accurate in outline and also, more importantly, which is a better build? I'm a detailing and finishing freak sometimes, but I hate having to correct bad fit problems. I guess I've been spoiled by all the way-cool and groovy aircraft kits that are out there these days. Most of 'em fall together no problem.
These 72nd Shuttle kits, being older molds, may or may not go together easily and that's why I'd like some opinions on which is a better and builder-friendly kit. I wanna concentrate on the detailing and finishing which I enjoy a whole lot more than assembly itself. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! TIA all.
Fade to Black...