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Author
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Topic: Bandai's space shuttle Endeavour 1:144 model
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Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 52541
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-05-2010 07:00 AM
   
Kyodo News Bandai to release space shuttle Endeavour modelToymaker Bandai Co. said Monday it will release on December 3, a zinc alloy 1/144 scale model of the U.S. space shuttle Endeavour, which carried astronaut Mamoru Mohri as the first Japanese payload specialist in 1992.  The 39-centimeter (15.3-inches) long, 1-kilogram (2.2 pound) model will sell for 47,250 yen ($540 US). 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. Bandai plans to sell 6,000 units in one year. The model is the second of its 'super alloy' series following the Apollo 11 Saturn V, released in March.  |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 52541
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-05-2010 08:03 AM
Additional images via Bandai:  
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Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4575
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 07-05-2010 08:03 AM
December 3rd... my birthday. Now I know what my wife can buy me! |
bthumble
Member Posts: 296
From: Houston, Texas
Registered: Nov 2007
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posted 07-05-2010 08:13 AM
Any word on price?Editor's note: As noted above, 47,250 yen (approx. $540 US). |
apolloprojeckt
Member Posts: 1559
From: Arnhem, Netherlands
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 07-05-2010 09:05 AM
That looks great, and very nice details and extra astronauts and NASA van. |
randyc
Member Posts: 904
From: Denver, CO USA
Registered: May 2003
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posted 07-05-2010 09:18 AM
Two Remote Manipulator Systems (RMSs)? The shuttle has only one.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. Or am I missing something? |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 52541
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-05-2010 09:41 AM
It does appear from the photographs that they mistook the orbiter boom inspection system (OBSS) for a second arm.That said, the set also appears to include the station's Canadarm 2 in its launch configuration held within the Spacelab pallet. (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 [or better yet, replaced by the OBSS].) |
cspg
Member Posts: 6371
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 07-05-2010 09:42 AM
47,250 yen (approx. $540 US). Ouch! Dragon Wings collection or Bandai? |
Hart Sastrowardoyo
Member Posts: 3469
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 07-05-2010 10:42 AM
quote:
Originally posted by randyc:
Two Remote Manipulator Systems (RMSs)? The shuttle has only one.
Although the shuttle was planned for the capability of two RMSs... 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. |
andrewcli
Member Posts: 328
From: La Jolla, CA, USA
Registered: Jul 2007
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posted 07-05-2010 03:02 PM
If it is anything like the Apollo 11/Saturn V model, it will be another fantastic model. I like the floodlight effect on the base. It would be nice if they can have an alternate model - one with the Hubble Space Telescope - just a suggestion.  |
press4meco
Member Posts: 58
From: Merritt Island, FL
Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 07-06-2010 10:47 PM
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. I've been hoping for a "high-detail" shuttle model for quite a while. Now that it's finally on it's way, I only hope that it can be done correctly.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). 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. 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. They still look a bit "clunky" and toy-ish. Hopefully, these and the model in general will get refined in the future. 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. |
Jay Chladek
Member Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007
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posted 07-06-2010 11:26 PM
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. So a proper Endeavour pretty much has to have a drag chute to be accurate.The rest of the replica looks nice and clean. 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. In my case, I likely won't be able to purchase though due to my lack of budget. Plus, I like my shuttle models to look a little used and weathered. One thing Bandai could do would be to do the orbiter's TPS up with slightly different colors of white for the LRSI, FRSI and AFRSI blanket areas. They did it for the SRBs in the shot as they duplicated the slightly off white colorings of the nose regions rather nicely. Doing the bottom up with a representation of Endeavour's black TPS from the later flights would be nice as well, giving it that patchwork look of gray shades with some black tiles. By the way, looking at the MPLM here, does anyone else think Bandai might next do a 1/144 ISS? Judging by how the payload is ISS based and the shuttle has the ODS installed, I could see them trying it. |
Retro Rocket
Member Posts: 475
From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA
Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 07-07-2010 05:43 AM
A finished Intermountain ISS runs about $1,500. I'd bet that due to the amount of parts, Bandai's would be around $999 if you compare the work needed to assemble and put one together.Bandai's models are another product built by Merit Intl. using good ol' fashioned low tech cheap labor. Here's a site showing the JSI 1/18 F-14 being assembled and pad printed. If you look at their vendor list you'll see Bandai and a bunch of other companies listed. There's even links to the toy trade shows that show the Saturn V. $500 is a lot to be sending overseas right now and the average amount of trash created is substantial. And seeing how they are built is a little depressing, there's no art or craftsmanship in the production, just human machines. The trend I've always seen with models like this is they eventually come way down in price once the market is saturated. There are exceptions like BBI's F-16 and F-18 which are collectible now but only because they stopped making them. Maybe Bandai will do the same. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 52541
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-07-2010 05:43 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Jay Chladek:
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 model's payload bay layout appears to be based on Endeavour's STS-100 mission flown in April 2001. |
Jay Chladek
Member Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007
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posted 07-07-2010 10:29 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Retro Rocket:
$500 is a lot to be sending overseas right now and the average amount of trash created is substantial. And seeing how they are built is a little depressing, there's no art or craftsmanship in the production, just human machines.
I understand about reluctance to purchase something made by "cheap" Chinese labor. But by Chinese standards, many of the factory workers that assemble stuff like this get good wages. During the Chinese new year break, which runs about a month, usually most of the factories have to hire about 1/3rd of their work force new since many go home and don't return. Reason being is somebody working in a factory can likely make enough money to support their families for a long time after only five years in the factory workforce. During their time at the factories, typically they are given room and board and their expenses are paid for. So they don't have to use their wages to pay for living expenses.Indeed though, as good as this is, the price does seem a bit steep. At least in my case, I can (and have) built the shuttle model replicas that I've wanted and the results have typically been more accurate then what a common mass produced item can achieve. But not everyone has my skill set either. One thing I just noticed with the picture of the pre-production piece is I can see simulated AFRSI TPS and the pattern looks accurate. That is a nice touch! |
GoesTo11
Member Posts: 1374
From: Denver, CO
Registered: Jun 2004
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posted 07-07-2010 12:57 PM
I'm really looking forward to this... I've wanted a detailed shuttle stack for a long time. I had pretty much resigned myself to buying a kit and commissioning a build, which I have to think would have set me back at least $500 anyway.I have the Bandai Saturn V-Apollo and I'm very pleased with it; this should look great next to it. That said, I agree with the poster above who commented on the cockpit/cabin detailing looking less-than-impressive in these pics. Hope they improve on that in the production model. |
Sam Que
Member Posts: 181
From: Chicago, IL, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 07-07-2010 07:13 PM
The Bandai Shuttle is available for pre-order at AmiAmi for 32,650 Yen or about $375 USC, a discount of 26%. I purchased the Bandai Apollo from them and found the service to be very good. |
ApolloManiacs
Member Posts: 29
From: Tokyo, Japan
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 07-12-2010 06:40 AM
About this model, I did not support BANDAI (because I don't know about the shuttle so much) but keeping contact with them.Few days ago, I talked them abut two RMSs problem. They say they think two RMSs can be carried depend missions. Is this true that no mission held with two RMSs before? |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 52541
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-12-2010 07:55 AM
quote:
Originally posted by ApolloManiacs:
Is this true that no mission held with two RMSs before?
No mission has flown with two robotic arms. Since STS-114, the starboard sill in the payload bay has been occupied by the orbiter boom sensor system, 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.The payload bay they have recreated is STS-100, which flew in April 2001. That configuration did not fly with the OBSS. Bandai should at least remove the second arm on the starboard sill. It would probably be attractive to collectors though to have the OBSS as a removable component (it shouldn't be that difficult to reconfigure their arm to resemble the OBSS). |
mslekar
Member Posts: 103
From: Eagle,Idaho
Registered: Jun 2002
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posted 07-12-2010 11:33 AM
quote:
Originally posted by ApolloManiacs:
About this model, I did not support BANDAI (because I don't know about the shuttle so much) but keeping contact with them.
Is Bandai going to release a full launcher series in 1/144th scale? I would love to have a Saturn 1B now as well as the Redstone, Atlas, and Titan! |
ApolloManiacs
Member Posts: 29
From: Tokyo, Japan
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 07-14-2010 07:10 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Robert Pearlman:
Bandai should at least remove the second arm on the starboard sill. It would probably be attractive to collectors though to have the OBSS as a removable component (it shouldn't be that difficult to reconfigure their arm to resemble the OBSS).
Thanks Robert. I told this information to BANDAI's staff yesterday. Then they said they'll correct this mistake before it's release date. Maybe one RMS and one OBSS will be included. quote:
Originally posted by mslekar:
Is Bandai going to release a full launcher series in 1/144th scale?
Sorry I don't know what they planning next. And if I knew that, I cannot open it under NDA with BANDAI. |
Jay Chladek
Member Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007
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posted 07-14-2010 12:13 PM
If the payload being represented is STS-100, then an OBSS would not be carried. However, having it as an option would be nice.A shuttle would require a major refit to carry two arms. While it was in the original design specs, in addition to mounting the arm and the power feeds (the OBSS used similar cradle supports to the arm), the aft station controls would also need a serious revamp as well. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 52541
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-24-2010 11:03 AM
quote:
Originally posted by ApolloManiacs:
Then they said they'll correct this mistake before it's release date.
Bandai's website appears to show that the second Canadarm2 has been corrected to be the orbiter boom sensor system. |
Steve DeGaetano
Member Posts: 19
From: Wake Forest, NC , USA
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 09-27-2010 09:13 AM
They also changed the "Endeavour" name forward of the payload bay doors to be horizontal, and not follow the mold separation line (where the pieces separate to reveal the internal decks). |
Philip
Member Posts: 6259
From: Brussels, Belgium
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 10-09-2010 07:11 AM
For Europeans in BeNeLux: Eurekashop.be will have 6 of these available for about Euro 380.00 Delivery February 2011 |
Peter Kemp
Member Posts: 96
From: Chelmsford, Essex, United Kingdom
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 12-02-2010 02:17 AM
Just received an email from Ami Ami here in the UK that the Bandai Otona No Chogokin (Chogokin for Grown-ups): Space Shuttle Endeavor model is ready for shipping.Cost me 44040JPY including the EMS Shipping Fee of 11390JPY I ordered as soon as the model was announced in July this year and got a good discount. |
contra
Member Posts: 326
From: Kiel, Germany
Registered: Mar 2005
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posted 12-02-2010 07:14 AM
Same here (Germany). Hopefully it will arrive for X-mas. |
cspg
Member Posts: 6371
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 12-02-2010 09:01 AM
Mine should cost me 42,750 yen (45k -5% + free shipping EMS). Of course you'll have to add insanely high Swiss taxes... |
GoesTo11
Member Posts: 1374
From: Denver, CO
Registered: Jun 2004
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posted 12-02-2010 10:13 AM
Got the same email from AmiAmi this AM...42,580JY (@US$508.00) including shipping to the States. |
Steve DeGaetano
Member Posts: 19
From: Wake Forest, NC , USA
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 12-02-2010 11:06 AM
Woo Hoo! It's going to be a nice Christmas if it arrives in time! |
Sam Que
Member Posts: 181
From: Chicago, IL, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 12-02-2010 07:56 PM
There are several available from amiami. With shipping, a little over $500. |
ApolloManiacs
Member Posts: 29
From: Tokyo, Japan
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 12-04-2010 08:47 AM
Mine was arrived on Dec. 3rd. Here are photos of mine. Enjoy. |
GoesTo11
Member Posts: 1374
From: Denver, CO
Registered: Jun 2004
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posted 12-04-2010 10:58 AM
LOVE the spotlights... I can't wait to get mine!I'll be interested to see where Bandai takes this series from here. |
Steve DeGaetano
Member Posts: 19
From: Wake Forest, NC , USA
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 12-06-2010 10:37 AM
Awesome photos, ApolloManiacs!Does anyone have any idea about how long shipping to the States should take? |
Peter Kemp
Member Posts: 96
From: Chelmsford, Essex, United Kingdom
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 12-06-2010 01:24 PM
Not sure about shipping to the USA but my order left Japan on the 3rd December, arrived UK on the 5th and is now stuck in HM Revenue and Customs, Coventry depot awaiting clearance. With luck I may be able to collect it by the end of the week! |
Sam Que
Member Posts: 181
From: Chicago, IL, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 12-06-2010 07:45 PM
Paid for mine via PayPal Thursday night and arrived in Chicago today. Amazing how fast the shipping. |
cspg
Member Posts: 6371
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 12-07-2010 12:00 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Peter Kemp:
...now stuck in HM Revenue and Customs, Coventry depot awaiting clearance.
Switzerland and the UK should merge... at least when it comes to customs.Mine was shipped 12/7 from HobbyLink Japan. 48 hours to land in Switzerland but won't arrive at my place for at least 4-5 additional days. |
cspg
Member Posts: 6371
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 12-07-2010 12:08 AM
quote:
Originally posted by GoesTo11:
I'll be interested to see where Bandai takes this series from here.
Me too. |
racso184
Member Posts: 39
From: Katy, Texas
Registered: Aug 2009
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posted 12-07-2010 02:31 AM
What power adaptor is recomended to power the lights at the base? |
Steve DeGaetano
Member Posts: 19
From: Wake Forest, NC , USA
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 12-07-2010 07:20 AM
I'll be interested in hearing peoples' thoughts on this model. How accurate is it? Are there any major goofs? What is the orbiter made of, primarily? How fragile is it?Any reviews appreciated! One thing that sort of stood out to me (and I'm certainly no expert) is the large black tiles or panels on the wing towards the front, right next to the RCC panels. I don't recall seeing black tiles or panels that large in that location. Is this correct? |
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