Hasegawa "Operation Omega" 1/48 Patrol Hopper.

[speedgraflex]

• OPERATION OMEGA
  
  Designed with a very unique concept, OPERATION OMEGA is a totally new type of model kit. A 1/144 scale authentic replica of the NASA Space Shuttle transforms into a 1/48 scale space vehicle, "Patrol Hopper," through a thrilling process of disassembling and reassembling.
  
  
  
  DATA
  
  1/144 and 1/48 scale kit by Hasegawa
  released by Monogram as part of the "Young Astronauts Series"
  sprues: 7 / parts 127 / 6mm, 10mm, 16mm screw-bolts, tapping screw and spring
  decals and stickers for space shuttle and patrol hopper kits

[KSaarni]

Oh my!

This looks interesting indeed, to use the Shuttle as main piece of construction.. Quite well integrated also..

- Kari

[mostrich]

Now that is...




...strange?!

[BlackSheep214]

Ooooo… cool kit!

[speedgraflex]

Thank you, Kari, Torben and Tom, for your replies. I found this kit for a short science fiction project with the following parameters: Eighties aesthetics, based on the space shuttles and to function as a recovery vehicle. Originally I thought I might have to adapt a space shuttle from “Armageddon,” but this kit will work much better. I am considering giving the ship a colorful, accented paint job—



The provenance of the kit I am building is interesting, too. This model was originally owned by Frank Winspur of Moebius Models, a premiere maker/distributor of “Battlestar Galactica,” and “2001: ASO” Models. The sprues are still bagged and the overall condition (box, plastic, decals) is excellent. Mention is made of “stickers” to use as instrument panels. Once I find those, let’s see if those are the best solution for the cockpit interior.

[Stikpusher]

I love the kit, and I’m really loving the painting concepts for this project. Definitely not more of the same ole, same ole...

[Duke Maddog]

This is going to be exciting to watch! I love it! Bruce, you constantly surprise and amaze me. I can't wait to see more.

[Stuart]

That's a very cool looking project Bruce - I'm looking forward to seeing where you go with it!

[speedgraflex]

Thank you so much, Carlos, Mark and Stuart; sincerely, thank you for being supportive. It was a long and stressful day, so to come home and read your messages was a real cool, relaxing moment, and I find I have to respect the quiet moments, like we all do when we spend time building. I was fortunate to find this kit through the knowledge of how you support the integrity of vintage kits by Revell/Monogram and vintage games. This thanks applies most evenly and equally to the three of you, as you have each championed what is learned by building a foundation first, having fun with the hobby second and always, and third by being most generous with your own approaches. I do want to take photographs of these sprues but the molding plastic is for the most part white, which will negate my white seamless and send me hunting for alternate ideas. We shall see. Also I had to temporarily wrap up the Bulldog right when things were starting to roll, but I will keep both kits out even though one box will be closed. Sigh. I am excited to be building a spaceship!

[Stikpusher]

SPACESHIP!!!!