SPA Modeler

Greetings, sir!

I am wondering the most about the space shuttle. So I have questions, and well here goes...

• which kit is this - Revell Kitty Hawk 1/44
  where is the build log, is there a separate build log
  how is the fit... the "keel" looks like trouble to fit
  how are you handing the surfaces
  is there a build log?
  is there a build log?
  is there a build log?

I am asking since I was asked a few days ago to convert a space shuttle to a "What If" Russian one, no further details yet, but I do recall seeing great big wooden mock ups of Russian space shuttles quietly rotting apart somewhere and wow, I was excited to see you building this!

speedgraflex wrote:Greetings, sir!

I am wondering the most about the space shuttle. So I have questions, and well here goes...

• which kit is this - Revell Kitty Hawk 1/44
  where is the build log, is there a separate build log
  how is the fit... the "keel" looks like trouble to fit
  how are you handing the surfaces
  is there a build log?
  is there a build log?
  is there a build log?

I am asking since I was asked a few days ago to convert a space shuttle to a "What If" Russian one, no further details yet, but I do recall seeing great big wooden mock ups of Russian space shuttles quietly rotting apart somewhere and wow, I was excited to see you building this!

That... would be an awesome "What If" diorama. Imagine building it as a Top Secret Russian Space Shuttle.

speedgraflex wrote:Greetings, sir!

I am wondering the most about the space shuttle. So I have questions, and well here goes...

• which kit is this - Revell Kitty Hawk 1/44
  where is the build log, is there a separate build log
  how is the fit... the "keel" looks like trouble to fit
  how are you handing the surfaces
  is there a build log?
  is there a build log?
  is there a build log?

Bruce, thank you and I shall answer to the best of my ability.

1) The Kit is the Monogram 1/72 scale Space Shuttle with Boosters.

2) The Build Log is scattered among my Maddog Manufacturing Threads from 2015 and 2016, although a more 'compressed' one with the most recent updates can be found in my GAABSA Thread. I find that with all my projects under construction, it is too difficult for me to maintain a build log for every single one and still keep track of them. That is why I have my Maddog Manufacturing Production Line to showcase everything in one Thread. The only exceptions are the review models which I need to keep separate for these boards.

3) The Keel is more of an issue with the molding; as I recall this thing had a solid underwing part with the upper wings being attached to the lower single-wing piece. I'd have to refer back to the instructions to be sure. Otherwise the fit is great, despite having not much in the way of internal bracing. The biggest issue was the installation of the landing gear bays and then sealing them with the closed doors. The interior cargo bay serves to support the interior but additional bracing and support would be helpful. The cargo bay door do open so you could detail the interior on one you do; this kit also comes with a 'full load' of potential cargo. I plan on building those so I can add them to a base showing what this shuttle and sisters carried in their service life.

4) The surfaces were cleaned, sprayed with a flat white; probably about five or six times due to imperfect color application, and then clearcoated about five or six times. to seal the white. I then masked with a combination of Tamiya Tape and Frisket film. I'll be shooting a clearcoat in this to seal the black and then I'll shoot the grey leading edges after masking again. I also want to find a rectangular pattern that I can use to lay over the underside to simulate tiles with an airbrush. I'm keeping my eyes peeled.

6) See Number Two

7) See Number Two

8) See Number Two


I do hope this helps. As mentioned, I might not get back to anything soon due to work in Pasadena that I will be starting on Monday, but if I have some time to work on anything, I'll post it here. Bruce, good luck with your Buran build. I'll be following that one when you get started on it.

Mark, I do not know how you honestly keep all these concurrent projects going at the same time. You amaze me on that capability! I can't juggle more than three or four at most before becoming sidetracked and finishing nothing. Just never ending progress on builds 1, 2, 3, 4, 5...
Keep up the fire my friend!

Thanks Carlos. Sometimes it is difficult, especially when I lose parts like one of the burner cans for my F/A-18 which is otherwise almost done. I have two other models that are so close to the finish line that a light puff of air should push them over, yet I seem to be locked down and unable to move these two. I shall continue to progress as best I can though.


And for the record I have at least 17 projects currently going right now.

Duke Maddog wrote:
And for the record I have at least 17 projects currently going right now.

You're a madman!

Stikpusher wrote:

Duke Maddog wrote:
And for the record I have at least 17 projects currently going right now.

You're a madman!

That would kill me...

portman wrote:


That would kill me...

Likewise... I have twice that many sidelined and have a hard time keeping them straight...

LOL! The only thing that kills me about having that many on the go is that I can't seem to finish any of them!

Duke Maddog wrote:LOL! The only thing that kills me about having that many on the go is that I can't seem to finish any of them!

(know that feeling)