International Scale Modeller

“NASA 905 was modified by Boeing to its present Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA ) configuration and the aircraft was returned to Dryden Flight Research Center for its role in the 1977 Space Shuttle Approach and Landing Tests (ALT). This series of eight captive and five free flights with the orbiter prototype Enterprise, in addition to ground taxi tests, validated the aircraft's performance as an SCA, in addition to verifying the glide and landing characteristics of the orbiter configuration — paving the way for orbital flights.” Ref NASA.org
I found it interesting that the Emterprise was NOT space worthy as had no heat resistance tiles on it. The plan was to modify her to fly into space, but by the time Columbia took the first flight, April 1981, there had been so many modifications to the Orbiter that Enterprise was relegated to a educational and demonstration shuttle. She never saw space.
Some patches and logos for the ALT program




This is a decent Academy kit 1/288 scale with reasonable detail on both subjects though some slight shape inaccuracies in the Shuttle’s schnoz and non accurate markings on box art vs historical photos.
My modifications include: BMF on the 747, mylar 747 and Shuttle windows and all Ultimate paints on the Shuttle
Build thread: viewtopic.php?f=637&t=23423

Photo with the box art:


Photo with the inspiration:



Bunch of angles in Sunday morning light:















So there we go.
I finished it in less than a month as I have another space build planned.

Very nice result Scott!

Excellent work, love that foil!

I'm sure I had this kit once, and only built the shuttle...

You Sir, are a Steely Eyed Missile Man.

I've never seen one built up - nice work!

Absolutely stunning work mate - very, very impressive

There it is. Nicely done.

Thanks guys, you are all very kind. I am going to be a bit critical of the build, not the kit’s fault but my skill and product choice.
Frankly, the BMF let me down.
It is great on large flat surfaces, but once you start turning over wing edges and such the stuff just won’t stick. Not that I cannot cover a compound curve, just that the stuff either tears or won’t adhere properly.
The wing and tail fillets of BMF are the worst as they just would not adhere and conform no matter what

I knew that going in adhesion was questionable as when using black BMF on my Sea King I had to add Ca glue to the underside BMF edges to make it stick. I did that a bit here but small movements have opened up those joints again.

As mentioned with Doc sprue, the decals are somewhat iffy as well.
BUT I actually really enjoyed building this kit for the subjects, the price point and the uniqueness and I certainly did really have fun researching and building it.

Wow! Brilliant work, buddy!

That is a great looking 747 transporter in natural metal finish

The Shuttle looks fantastic aswell - the repaint job was well worth it!


Tommy

Awesome work there mate looks great

Thanks to both of you kind gentlemen

Well I like it and sounds like it was a fun build.

pourquoi61 wrote: ↑Mon Oct 30, 2017 1:14 am Well I like it and sounds like it was a fun build.

Thank you and yes it was a fun build

Oh, didnt see a link to here Scott! found it by accident really (I should know about this tho). Well for a final these two ships are quite awesome and excellent build all the way around man! Superb work!!

DrSprue wrote: ↑Fri Nov 03, 2017 12:14 am Oh, didnt see a link to here Scott! found it by accident really (I should know about this tho). Well for a final these two ships are quite awesome and excellent build all the way around man! Superb work!!

Thanks Doc
Just wait for my Next trick

Twokidsnosleep wrote: ↑Fri Nov 03, 2017 12:46 am

DrSprue wrote: ↑Fri Nov 03, 2017 12:14 am Oh, didnt see a link to here Scott! found it by accident really (I should know about this tho). Well for a final these two ships are quite awesome and excellent build all the way around man! Superb work!!

Thanks Doc
Just wait for my Next trick

cool!