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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 12-07-2010 09:55 AM
   
quote:
Originally posted by Steve DeGaetano:
I don't recall seeing black tiles or panels that large in that location.
The area you are describing (I believe) is called the chine and is where the wing meet the body. Here's a photo of the real Endeavour's chine:  |
Steve DeGaetano
Member Posts: 19
From: Wake Forest, NC , USA
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 12-07-2010 10:04 AM
Yes--the chine. On the model photos ApolloManiacs posted, the chine appears to be made up of tiles as large as the RCC panels. In the photo you posted above, the chine appears to be covered with the smaller black RSI tiles.See here. |
Sam Que
Member Posts: 181
From: Chicago, IL, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 12-07-2010 07:43 PM
quote:
Originally posted by racso184:
What power adaptor is recomended to power the lights at the base?
It comes with an electrical adapter that appears to be for the U.S. but I haven't tried it. I opted for using four AA batteries. |
Sam Que
Member Posts: 181
From: Chicago, IL, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 12-07-2010 07:48 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Steve DeGaetano:
Any reviews appreciated!
As to the accuracy, I will let others speak to that - I am no expert. As to the quality, it seems very well made and fits together very securely. The individual pieces are constructed and detailed nicely, and have some weight to them and the lighting feature is a nice touch. |
Steve DeGaetano
Member Posts: 19
From: Wake Forest, NC , USA
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 12-08-2010 08:07 AM
Thanks, Sam. That's good to know as well. I did have some concern about how fragile the attachments points were. That bipod looks mighty spindly! |
cspg
Member Posts: 6371
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 12-09-2010 09:01 AM
Mine arrived today, 12/9. Add about $88 in taxes  Just peered through the suitcase(!). Looks great. |
contra
Member Posts: 326
From: Kiel, Germany
Registered: Mar 2005
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posted 12-09-2010 09:21 AM
Mine arrived today too.  Looks really great. For more photos go here. |
Steve DeGaetano
Member Posts: 19
From: Wake Forest, NC , USA
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 12-10-2010 08:06 AM
Thanks for the great pictures, contra. I received my model a couple days ago, but since it's a Chritmas present, I have been unable to look at it! Pictures are all I have to keep me going until Chrismas Day! |
ilbasso
Member Posts: 1527
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Feb 2006
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posted 12-10-2010 12:03 PM
I love the spotlights in the base. It's actually a pretty easy effect to achieve with some high-power LEDs and a little work. I used spotlights extensively on a 1:350 model of the USS Enterprise (Star Trek) I built a couple of years ago. |
Steve DeGaetano
Member Posts: 19
From: Wake Forest, NC , USA
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 12-30-2010 09:37 AM
**Warning: Long post ahead!**Well, I finally got my Shuttle on Christmas Day! I wanted to post a few thoughts. I didn't take any pictures, but there are many on this thread to look at. First off, this is a magnificent model of the Shuttle -- no doubt the best commercially available model available (that I know of). While marketed as "die cast," like the Saturn V, much of it is made of plastic. There is just enough die-cast metal used, however, to give each component some substance and “heft.” The SRBs, for example, use die cast metal for the nose cones and the engine nozzle; the ET uses metal for the Oxygen tank, as well as the very bottom of the tank. The Orbiter uses metal only on the underside. The SRBs are pretty simple, but are nicely detailed and painted. The use of die cast metal for the engine nozzle allows for a very thin bottom edge that might not have been possible with plastic. The attachment posts that fit into the ET are metal, and have dimples that allow them to "snap" into place for a very positive connection. The ET is also very well detailed, with separately applied parts that really give it some dimension. The painting here is top notch, with a very effective subtlety of color. Most interestingly, the paint has a very noticeable rough texture that seems to closely mimic the foam insulation that covers it! A neat and well-thought-out detail. Finally, the Orbiter. Truly a remarkable model. Basically everything that operates or moves on the real thing moves on the model. All four elevons operate independently; the body flap moves, and the three SSMEs and the OMS engines are all gimbaled. The rudder moves, and the speed brake can be deployed. The landing gear works, and of course the payload bay doors open. The payload bay doors are probably the most disappointing things about this wonderful model. The hinges are a little clunky. They’re sort of a double-hinge, which is necessary to allow the doors to lay open as they do on the real thing. The interior of the payload bay doors are chrome plated and faceted, which replicates the radiators. There are no separate radiators that can be operated independently of the doors -- a small concession that I don't really mind. However, to get the chrome plating on the inner door surface, the entire door was chrome plated. The outside portion was then painted white. As the doors open, and the bottom edges scrape along the sill, the paint can be chipped away, revealing shiny chrome. Flat Testors white paint should handle this problem should it occur. The hinges themselves are a bit fragile, so be extra careful when opening the doors. The landing gear is quite robust. The struts themselves appear to be made of metal. The landing gear doors are plastic, but seem pretty rugged. The opening crew cabins are a neat touch. The details are mostly there (if nearly impossible to see), but we do see some discrepancies, like the missing Mission Specialist seats behind the flight crew. I also like the removable OMS pod covers revealing the fuel tanks -- I think that's a neat touch. The painting of the model is really impressive. The paint masks must have been especially complex. The edges between different colors is mostly very sharp -- individual tiles have been painted appropriately for Endeavour on the windshield, FRCS and the OMS pods. I took the painting one step further, and painted the various fuselage vents black, as well as painting the visible white lines that appear in between the simulated black payload bay hinges. This helps with the model’s appearance. I also really like the gray chosen for the RCC panels -- it seems "just right." The Orbiter attaches to the ET with metal pins on the Bipod and the rear Hydrogen/Oxygen fittings that are dimpled, so that the pieces mate together with an audible and noticeable "click" for a very solid connection. You can actually hold the ET with the Orbiter upside down, and it does not break free (although I don't recommend doing this for any great length of time!). Some notable details that stood out to me: The differing tile pattern on the nose landing gear doors is accurate; there is also an RCC chin panel between the nose gear doors and the nose cone; the SSMEs appear a little clunky in photos, but they are actually very sharply detailed -- and made of metal; the Orbiter surface blanketing pattern really adds to the look of the model. The Speed Brake/Rudder hinges appear to be very close to scale! The windshield, payload bay windows and upper flight deck windows are clear smoked plastic. I appreciate this detail, because often on commercial models the windows are just painted over. The reflective quality of the clear plastic adds very much to the realism. Overall, you could spend a lot of time poring over the details on this model. A couple problems: The aforementioned penchant for chipping paint from the Payload Bay Doors and hinges, and the clunky hinges themselves. The wing chines feature large panels like the gray RCC panels on the wing edges. I cannot find any source that shows chines like this. They're usually covered in small HRSI tiles; but maybe I'm missing something. The display stand is a great touch, and is very sturdy. A two-piece clear plastic clamp secures the ET firmly, while the SRBs and Orbiter rest on clear pylons. The mirrored base allows one to see the inside of the engines, and the other details at the stern end of the Orbiter, ET and SRBs. Unfortunately, mine has a crack near where one of the plastic support features is installed, but I can cover that up with the van and astronaut figures on their display stand. But really, these problems are minor and can be generally overlooked. The Orbiter is so well done that it just looks "right" from every angle. I am very happy with my model, and I look forward to many hours studying it and examining its features. With the Shuttle program ending, with this model I will be able to remember the Shuttle fondly, and will be able to show my kids the details of this spectacular machine. |
1202 Alarm
Member Posts: 469
From: Switzerland & France
Registered: Nov 2003
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posted 12-30-2010 12:17 PM
Great review, it would be great to see your paint enhancements.I own this model too and frankly, especially for the price, I'm surprised that nobody complained about this. |
Space In Scale
Member Posts: 33
From: Essex, England
Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 12-30-2010 12:42 PM
My first post, so hi to everyone and i'd just like to say what a great forum and site to come visit.I agree with both of the last two posts. Also i was wondering about the gaps in the wings, but after seeing the model in person now its just a niggle. For the money you don't expect that kind of thing, but in the grand scale of things and overall i can't really fault this model or the Saturn V. Some slight niggles, but overall a great job. |
Steve DeGaetano
Member Posts: 19
From: Wake Forest, NC , USA
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 12-30-2010 06:27 PM
quote:
Originally posted by 1202 Alarm:
I'm surprised that nobody complained about this...
1202 Alarm, you're right, there is a noticeable gap. On the right side of my model, it seems to have been smoothed out, or is a much better fit. On the left, it's visible, but not too distracting. But yes, for the money...I know that when mating die cast and plastic, often the seams are visible. The close-up photos make them seem larger than they are. It might have been smarter--and better engineering--if the die-cast portion included the complete RCC panels, and the joint was placed in the black HRSI tiles line adjacent to the RCC panels. |
alexbaja
Member Posts: 448
From: Naxxar, Malta
Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 01-03-2011 02:20 PM
This is my first post, I too own Bandai's shuttle and Saturn V. I am very pleased with these models, I am looking forward for future Bandai Models. Bandai keep up the good work but please take note of finishing touches. |
Spoon
Member Posts: 155
From: Cumbria, UK
Registered: May 2006
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posted 01-04-2011 06:05 AM
I think it would be unfortunate to give the general impression that the finishing on the Bandai models leaves a lot to be desired.I too own examples of the Saturn V and Endeavour, having paid a lot of money for both. The finishing is of the very highest quality, considering they are mass produced, and in my opinion look tremendous. I am a little ham-fisted when it comes to my own modelling efforts, so these represent an opportunity for me to obtain accurate scale representations of both vehicles. If the opportunity presents itself to purchase an example of either, I can heartily recommend the pair. |
Steve DeGaetano
Member Posts: 19
From: Wake Forest, NC , USA
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 01-04-2011 09:04 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Spoon:
I think it would be unfortunate to give the general impression that the finishing on the Bandai models leaves a lot to be desired.
I'm not sure where you got the general impression that the finish leaves "a lot to be desired." |
alexbaja
Member Posts: 448
From: Naxxar, Malta
Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 01-04-2011 10:54 AM
I might have quoted the wrong words (finising touches) but my Endeavour too has the gap open on the same side just like 1202 Alarm quoted.I hope I did not offend anybody as these are work of art. I hope that Bandai keeps up the good work with these superb models. |
perssj
Member Posts: 73
From: Sweden
Registered: Jul 2006
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posted 02-07-2011 02:53 AM
I just got the model to my place. Excellent!One question though: My package did not include a power adapter so I have to use the batteries for the floodlights. Since my chinese is rusty: I understand that in US you received a power adapter; What is the secondary power on this - i.e. what power goes into the base (AC/DC, voltage, plus or minus on center pin).
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alexbaja
Member Posts: 448
From: Naxxar, Malta
Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 02-07-2011 04:39 AM
My model came with a 100v adapter which I am using a voltage converter as in Malta we use 240v.The D/C output is 5.0v and 1.0A and the centre pin is +. I hope that your model gives you hours of pleasure viewing as most of us are doing. |
Sam Que
Member Posts: 181
From: Chicago, IL, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 02-07-2011 09:17 PM
For those of us in the U.S., can the adapter cord be used normally? I have just installed batteries not knowing if the adapter was U.S. safe. |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4575
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 03-14-2011 07:39 AM
Has any member bought the Bandai shuttle 1/144th scale model only to have an issue with transit damage to the model itself?If so, how did Bandai respond to the customer service issue? Took delivery of one of these models this morning and I am very impressed but alas, the tip of the External Tank suffered minor transit damage. Ordinarily, were it a cheap model I would attempt a repair, but given the cost and detail I've asked Bandai to replace the ET. |
cspg
Member Posts: 6371
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 03-14-2011 10:05 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Rick Mulheirn:
Has any member bought the Bandai shuttle 1/144th scale model only to have an issue with transit damage to the model itself?
How is this even possible, especially when you look at the packaging the model comes in? Are we talking shipping damage or manufacturing defect?
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c11esh
Member Posts: 34
From: UK
Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 03-14-2011 10:27 AM
Maybe its just our UK posties.I had issues with transit damage with both the shuttle and the Saturn V. The Saturn V lost a fin (the same happened to a friend in the UK too) and the only thing that saved the shuttle was the seller had shipped it in an extra outer box packed with polystyrene beads. The damaged went all the way through to the inner containers. I decided to repair the fin on the Saturn V myself. |
Steve DeGaetano
Member Posts: 19
From: Wake Forest, NC , USA
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 03-14-2011 11:01 AM
I noticed that in one of Apollomaniac's photos, the left OMS engine is dinged. I don't know how this could have happened with a packed model.Perhaps this type of damage happens before the model is packed? |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4575
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 03-14-2011 11:07 AM
quote:
Originally posted by cspg:
How is this even possible, especially when you look at the packaging the model comes in?
When I removed the ET from its plastic wrap a small piece of the silver tip of the tank fell out. This is something that had clearly been anticipated as the tank was topped with a pre-formed stiff plastic cap intended to protect it.The box itself was perfect and the rest of the model was fine too. I suspect, given the tight fit of the tank in the foam cut out, a worker had been a tad over eager in wedging the tank in to its packing... tip end first. I understand the European rep for Bandai has already asked for a replacement tank to be shipped out. Assuming all goes well that is excellent customer service. |
alexbaja
Member Posts: 448
From: Naxxar, Malta
Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 03-14-2011 03:16 PM
In my opinion my model was packed perfectly but the only issue was in the unpacking, especially when removing the Shuttle itself as you have to remove first the container were there are the two astronauts behind the ruder, then remove the grey piece of protector foam underneath. This way it ensures that the shuttle comes out easily and in one piece.Rick it is nice to hear that they are already shipping a replacement Tank, that shows that Bandai does care for its customers. I hope you enjoy your Model. |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4575
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 03-14-2011 05:38 PM
alexbaja, it remains to be seen whether Bandai agree to send a replacement ET. Having seen photos of the damage their European representative is of the same opinion as myself; such is the price of the model I should not have to accept second best. Particularly as this is not the first Bandai model I have purchased and in all liklihood will not be the last. But I agree, it does look promising. |
press4meco
Member Posts: 58
From: Merritt Island, FL
Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 03-17-2011 11:06 AM
Does anyone know what this model's (and the Saturn V) proclivity for yellowing due to exposure to sunlight?I'd like to buy an acrylic display case for these but I'm wondering if it's worth it to pay the extra money for UV resistant acrylic. The difference in cost is around $70 for a case that already comes in at just under $100, and that's w/o S&H. |
alexbaja
Member Posts: 448
From: Naxxar, Malta
Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 03-17-2011 02:56 PM
press4meco I have no idea if Bandai's models do turn yellow with exposure to sunlight, maybe that answer could be answered by other members.I would suggest that if you do acrylic boxes firstly you prevent these models from dust and any accidental damage, also you can use UV film to cover your boxes instead of using UV resistant acrylic material. I think that the UV film should cost less. |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4575
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 03-24-2011 05:41 AM
Regarding the minor damage to the External Tank on the Bandai shuttle model that was delivered last week, Bandai have basically said tough, just glue it back on!Looks like customer service is NOT an important part of Bandai's ethos after all... |
mode1charlie
Member Posts: 1460
From: Honolulu, HI
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 03-30-2011 12:50 AM
After hemming and hawing about whether or not to get the Bandai Shuttle (I'm an Apollo guy, not so much Shuttle), I finally bit the bullet and got it last week. It really is a great model. Very well done. Thanks, Bandai, but damn you for making me have to go buy the Saturn V as well. |
cspg
Member Posts: 6371
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 03-30-2011 02:02 AM
quote:
Originally posted by mode1charlie:
Thanks, Bandai, but damn you for making me have to go buy the Saturn V as well.
They should have produced a Saturn V with SRBs! 
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Space In Scale
Member Posts: 33
From: Essex, England
Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 04-05-2011 06:21 PM
Rick, how did you pay for your item? |
SuperKungFu
Member Posts: 74
From: West Covina, CA USA
Registered: Jun 2011
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posted 07-04-2011 11:43 AM
The thing that's on my mind right now is... will Bandai make any more shuttles after this? Like the Discovery, Atlantis, etc? I understand they chose Endeavor because it carried astronaut Mamoru Mohri (the first Japanese payload specialist in 1992 - so it appeals to the Japanese audience). I want the Discovery shuttle since that's my favorite and it spent the most time in space (365 days). Considering Bandai made 6000 units of the Endeavor shuttle... I foresee that the price might drop in the near future since they can't sell all of it. Or it will prevent the production of the Discovery, Atlantis, etc. because the Endeavor didn't sell out? Does anyone have any inside connections to Bandai to ask if the Discovery would be made? |
Jay Chladek
Member Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007
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posted 07-04-2011 12:24 PM
Even if they don't, remarking one as Discovery won't be hard to do. All you need is some white decal film to cover the Endeavour titles and Discovery decals from a 1/144 model kit. It is the easiest coversion possile to do.If Bandai did do it, I could see them using a different payload.
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Spaceguy5
Member Posts: 427
From: Pampa, TX, US
Registered: May 2011
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posted 07-04-2011 12:57 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Jay Chladek:
If Bandai did do it, I could see them using a different payload.
Alternate payloads could also be made out of paper. This website has plenty of them in 1/144 scale (since they're paper, they can also be scaled before printing if the size is off a bit. I've scaled a bunch of them up to 1/24 for an enormous shuttle project I'm working on right now) |
cspg
Member Posts: 6371
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 07-04-2011 02:44 PM
quote:
Originally posted by SuperKungFu:
Considering Bandai made 6000 units of the Endeavor shuttle...
And they sold them all? Hobby Link Japan says it's back in stock.
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SuperKungFu
Member Posts: 74
From: West Covina, CA USA
Registered: Jun 2011
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posted 07-04-2011 03:46 PM
No they didn't sell out, I doubt it will. 6000 units is quite a lot, and considering the sticker price - not everyone could afford it. So that's what I'm afraid of, will Bandai stop with just the Endeavour or will they make others based on how well this one sells. Also, where is the cheapest price to get this one right now? |
SuperKungFu
Member Posts: 74
From: West Covina, CA USA
Registered: Jun 2011
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posted 07-12-2011 12:33 AM
Any advice on the cheapest price to get this model? |
cspg
Member Posts: 6371
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 07-12-2011 09:24 AM
HobbyLink Japan has it for ¥38,250, about USD $480.34. |
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