![]() ![]() A well-researched, real-space modeler will likely find a list of corrections. I don’t consider myself an accuracy-oriented modeler however, even I found the basic errors problematic. However, the kit has a number of inaccuracies, when taken together with the few build issues and some odd oversights, lead to a rather frustrating experience. In general, an easy and fun build for the experienced modeler. Completed, it’s a very impressive display, having an 18-inch wingspan, 20-inch length, and sitting almost a foot tall when mounted on the stand. ![]() As mentioned, it features recessed panel lines and it goes together well, with a few areas needing some filling and sanding. To begin at the end, building the 747 and Space Shuttle kit is perhaps best summed up with Dickens’s classic quote, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” The kit itself is what you’d expect from an average modern model. The same sheet provides exterior markings (featuring the later “meatball”-logo wing emblems) for Discovery and has a limited selection of heat-tile decals. The 747 decals include cockpit instrument panels, exterior markings, and a seven-part blue cheatline. A single decal sheet provides one marking option: N911NA in the white/gray scheme with the Space Shuttle Discovery. ![]() Six pages of the typical Dragon instructions are included however, the painting guide is printed in black and white on the final page as opposed to the full-color guide usually featured on the box bottom. The clear sprues, which comprise major portions of the Space Shuttle, have excellent clarity and reasonable attachment points, for the most part. Five sprues are dedicated to the Space Shuttle, one to the NASA 747 SCA-specific modifications (including the Shuttle’s ferrying tail cone), and the balance to the 747. There are over 180 pieces-molded in white, gray, and clear-on 17 sprues. Beyond the basics, the kit offers some great features, such as an included display stand and parts to build the 747 with the landing gear up or down. Both of these details set the kit apart from the venerable raised panel line Revell 1/144 SCA/Space Shuttle kit. The main highlights of the kit are the recessed panel lines and cutaway sections on both the orbiter and SCA. The Kitĭragon Models has produced a new 1/144 scale model of the 747 SCA and Space Shuttle. After 1982, the American Airlines scheme ultimately gave way to NASA’s white and gray scheme, featuring a blue cheatline. Both 747s were similarly modified with the addition of Shuttle attachment pylons, internal structural reinforcements, an almost fully stripped interior, and vertical stabilizers at the end of each horizontal stabilizer to enhance stability when mated with the Shuttle. It’s currently on display at the Joe Davies Heritage Airpark in Palmdale, CA, near Plant 42, the Shuttle’s birthplace. The second SCA, N911NA, a former Japan Airlines 747-100SR, served with NASA from the early 90s to 2012. N905NA had a long second career with NASA, finishing its service in fall of 2012 after ferrying Discovery, Enterprise, and Endeavor to their final display locations, and ultimately arriving in Houston, TX, to start a third career as a museum display, eternally ferrying the Space Shuttle replica Independence. The iconic N905NA, a retired American Airlines 747-100, conducted the Approach and Landing Tests with the Space Shuttle Enterprise in the late 70s, still sporting its natural metal finish with an American Airlines red, white, and blue cheatline. NASA’s Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) fleet consisted of two modified Boeing 747s. ![]()
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