The payload of an MPLM and a pallet in there is also perfect for this rather then taking the cheap way out and sticking a Spacelab module in there. The rest of the replica looks nice and clean. So a proper Endeavour pretty much has to have a drag chute to be accurate. One thing I do notice is that finally, FINALLY somebody has done up the tail with the proper drag chute profile at the bottom! So many other replicas have been done without this feature and Endeavour was the first shuttle to mount the drag chute from day one. Is there anyone here that is in contact with Bandai on the development of this model? I believe ApolloManiacs had worked with Bandai on their Saturn V model, and that they were receptive to changes. Hopefully, these and the model in general will get refined in the future. They still look a bit "clunky" and toy-ish. However, for $500, and since Bandai has shown they're going to pursue it, the attention to detail of of the cut-away areas (crew cabin, OMS pod, landing gear, and payload bay) need to be improved substantially. From the outside and at a distance the model looks fantastic! The attention to detail on the tank and boosters really make this one stand out. With that in mind, and perhaps those who have the Saturn V can comment on this, but what sort of detail can be anticipated for this model? I realize that these are noted to be pre-production photos (second RMS non-withstanding, of course). Now that it's finally on it's way, I only hope that it can be done correctly. I've been hoping for a "high-detail" shuttle model for quite a while. To begin, I'm extremely excited to see that this is coming out, more so than for the Saturn V, which I actually have yet to order. It would be nice if they can have an alternate model - one with the Hubble Space Telescope - just a suggestion. I like the floodlight effect on the base. If it is anything like the Apollo 11/Saturn V model, it will be another fantastic model. I don't know if there was wiring and such installed, since to use the second arm would have meant not being able to use the Ku-band antenna. Ouch! Dragon Wings collection or Bandai?Īlthough the shuttle was planned for the capability of two RMSs. (Japanese news reports suggest the photos are of a "still developing" model, so by the time the model ships in December, it may be that the second arm is removed. That said, the set also appears to include the station's Canadarm 2 in its launch configuration held within the Spacelab pallet.
It does appear from the photographs that they mistook the orbiter boom inspection system (OBSS) for a second arm. Perhaps Bandai is confused and doesn't understand that during a mission to the ISS although two robotic arms are used, one is on the shuttle and the other is on the ISS.
Two Remote Manipulator Systems (RMSs)? The shuttle has only one. That looks great, and very nice details and extra astronauts and NASA van. Now I know what my wife can buy me!Įditor's note: As noted above, 47,250 yen (approx. The model is the second of its 'super alloy' series following the Apollo 11 Saturn V, released in March.ĭecember 3rd. The model will represent the progress of the space shuttle's mission from launch through its return to Earth, and will feature a detachable fuel tank.īandai plans to sell 6,000 units in one year. The 39-centimeter (15.3-inches) long, 1-kilogram (2.2 pound) model will sell for 47,250 yen ($540 US). space shuttle Endeavour, which carried astronaut Mamoru Mohri as the first Japanese payload specialist in 1992. said Monday it will release on December 3, a zinc alloy 1/144 scale model of the U.S.