Continuing on my five year quest to go where no.... Well you get the idea? The Space Shuttle is a popular subject for modellers and indeed, is well provided for from the massive 1/72 Revell issue to the diminutive 1/1200 Skymax version. Reviews would seem to indicate ALL space shuttle kits have their flaws - especially where cockpit window and tile patterning (is there such a word?) are concerned - but in truth these may be a bit harsh and totally dependent on the choice of orbiter to be made! Each of the six Shuttles, Atlantis, Endeavour, Discovery, Challenger, Columbia and even the 'Hanger Queen' Enterprise was of an individual construction with design parameters changing through their years of production. Each too had a different tile pattern in size, number and thickness and these too were subsequently altered post-Challenger and again post-Columbia tragedies. So the modeller has to make some choices? Scale is paramount, Model to engage with of course is a matter of choice. then we have to decide on individual orbiter and individual flight!!! Oh yes, there were small changes to tile patterns for each return to space - especially around the forward thrusters and cockpit tiling!! Colour is another factor. There is a discernible difference in the colour of 'white tiles' ranging from cream to brilliant white and I will attempt to avoid a recommendation to 'go for magnolia by any other name' and detail these later! Lastly of course, for the detailed enthusiast, the mosaic of black/dk-grey/mid-grey/grey and 'orange' tiles we can find on the underside.... well, enough said for the moment. Fear not, there will be more!
