I decided to jump on the bandwagon and get the famous Bandai Space Shuttle model (Otona no Chogokin) by Bandai in 1/144 scale. The reason why I waited this long was because I was hoping Bandai would make the other Shuttles like the Discovery or the Atlantis - I would get those in a heartbeat since the Discovery spent the most time in space (365 days) and the Atlantis was the "Last Flight." However since Bandai made 6000 units of the Endeavour shuttle, they said they have no plans to make the others. But the Endeavour is cool enough since it was the last of the Space Shuttles to be built (plus I found a way to get it for only
$289 NEW out of my pocket instead of the $500-$600 price tag).
Initially I merged my review with Sachiel's review but it just overwhelmed the browser due to the picture count - it crashed when I was looking at it through my phone so I decided to keep it separate. Here is my review of the model (just like the other review, it will be in sections):
• Part 1: Unboxing
• Part 2: Close-ups and Accessories
• Part 3: the start of the Space Shuttle's lifecycle (including preparation of the orbiter to the assembly of the ET and the SRBs)
• Part 4: Loading the Shuttle's payload and Launch
• Part 5: Orbit
• Part 6: Landing
So let's begin with Part 1: Unboxing
The box itself was actually smaller than I imagined (about 18"x16"x8") overall weight it about 10lbs. The top layer of the box consist of some instruction manuals (in Japanese) and different backgrounds for the base. The second level is the Space Shuttle itself (ET, SRBs, and orbiter) along with the payload. The bottom layer consist of the base w/led lights as well as the clear stands that support the model + the small bus.
And here is an overall view of everything that came inside the box (I was a bit disappointed I didn't see the electrical wire adapter that would connect behind the base to an US electrical socket - a few people said they received this).
Part 2: Close-ups and Accessories
The cockpit portion has two layers as seen in the picture below. It's nicely detailed but personally I thought it was a bit unnecessary since no one could see the interior since the windshield is smoked-black like the real thing, plus you will see small seam lines below the Endeavour name to the payload doors.
Another cool feature is the removable OMS pod covers to reveal the fuel tanks - again, a bit unnecessary since this area is rarely seen and since this portion endures some weight of the model when it's place upright against the stand, the cover sometimes pops off if the shuttle isn't placed properly. The gears are very cool - very rare I have a model with functioning gears that folds out as they should.
Next we see the payload (now empty). The doors are double-hinged to allow the doors to be opened flat. I had no trouble opening it, I just use a small toothpick - no paint chips here (some people were concerned about that). The payload is nicely detailed with chrome interior for the doors. In addition to the robotic arm, it has the orbiter boom sensor system, which is a 50-foot extension that has an instrument package (rather than a grapple) on its end to inspect the orbiter's thermal protection system. The boom has also been used to support crew members during spacewalks, but is not an arm. Great props to Bandai for making a robotic arm that twist and turns like the real thing. They even have a small Ku-band antenna that folds out which was pretty cool.
Here we see the underside of the orbiter, the detail of the tiles is really nice, I had no trouble accessing the gear doors, all I used was a toothpick.
Part 3: The start of the Space Shuttle's lifecycle including the assembly of the External Fuel Tank (ET) with the Solid Rocket Booster (SRB).
The preparation for a space shuttle launch begins over 400 days before the actual flight - every inch of the shuttle is inspected. As with this model - every centimeter was inspected for quality (so far I'm impressed, no huge gaps or paint anomalies that I could see).
The Orbiter is truly a remarkable piece of art - basically everything that operates or moves on the real thing moves on the model (from payload doors to flaps/nozzles/airbrakes...etc.) Although I do admit I wished more metal was used in making this model - only the underside is metal, the top is primarily plastic. The orbiter in 1/144 scale is roughly around 10 inches long and weighs 13 oz. Nevertheless, great props to Bandai for making an accurate Space Shuttle. They even got the proper drag chute profile at the bottom of the tail. The Endeavour was the first shuttle to mount the drag chute.
393 days to launch - preparation of the External Fuel Tank (ET) begins. This is the largest element and the backbone to the space shuttle - it is also one of the only portion that isn't reused. In 1/144 scale, it is roughly 12.5 inches long and weighs 1.3 lbs. As mentioned previously, it is nose heavy. The top portion is mainly made of metal while the middle portion feels plastic. The attachment posts that connects the SRB/ET/and the Orbiter together is metal. They have dimples that allows them to "snap" together so you know its connected. It actually holds everything together pretty strong, I can hold the model just by the External Tank and hang it upside-down without the orbiter detaching (although I wouldn't recommend it)
Otona no Chogokin Space Shuttle Endeavour by Bandai 1/144
