|
Author
|
Topic: Contractor or commercial? Early shuttle model
|
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 51370
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 01-05-2011 04:09 PM
   
I recently picked up an early model of the space shuttle from the estate of a former Rockwell employee. It came with a Rockwell International Collins Transmission Systems Division STS-1 photo presentation portfolio and was described as being more than 30 years old. Otherwise, it was unidentified.Does anyone recognize this as an early contractor model or was it commercially available? As the photos (click to enlarge) show, it has a white external tank, so it precedes at least STS-3. It is not labeled as a specific orbiter and the only identifying mark is an "Inspected by" decal on the back of the right wing.  
|
NightHawk117
Member Posts: 325
From: USA
Registered: Oct 2006
|
posted 01-05-2011 04:42 PM
Unfortunately it is a mass produced Philippine mahogany model. It is still an attractive model. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 51370
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 01-05-2011 04:51 PM
Interesting, I didn't realize those models dated back to the beginning of the space shuttle program. Still kind of neat, as I can use it to show the evolution of this line of shuttle models. I have an Endeavour model from 1992 and then another from 2010, which clearly show improvements made over the eight years. I'll need to keep an eye out for models that bridge the early 80s to the early 90s. This early 80s model is hand painted judging by the gold paint on the SRB nozzles and red paint on the open end of the OMS engines and SSMEs. The orbiter is mounted on two wooden dowels, also painted white, with drilled holes into the external tank and orbiter underbelly. |
Shuttleman
Member Posts: 117
From: Huntsville, Al. USA
Registered: Mar 2007
|
posted 01-08-2011 03:05 PM
I have the exact model! I received mine as an award for working on STS-1 post flight. I have it displayed high-up because my 10 and 11 year old boys want to play spaceman with it... after I'm dead they can play spaceman, but I'm taking that model with me. Just kidding. This model inspired me in the beginning to build my shuttle models. |
Jay Chladek
Member Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007
|
posted 01-09-2011 02:41 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Shuttleman:
This model inspired me in the beginning to build my shuttle models.
Funny enough, seeing models like this also inspired me to build my shuttle models as well. While wood models like this may look kind of cool, to me they are just mass produced desktop ornaments that do not have much character. These are different from contractor models that are usually made to help showcase something and might change frequently as the design being represented evolves. The stuff I like to build and Shuttleman's varnished wood models showing the grains and details of the build, THOSE have character. |
Gilbert
Member Posts: 1501
From: Carrollton, GA USA
Registered: Jan 2003
|
posted 01-09-2011 08:29 AM
Robert, I acquired an identical model many years ago from a fellow who described it as an "early to mid 80s model made for NASA/shuttle workers." Whatever its history is, I like it a lot. |
BNorton
Member Posts: 150
From:
Registered: Oct 2005
|
posted 01-09-2011 09:48 AM
I also have this model. I purchased it at the KSC gift shop in 1980. It sold for about $35 at that time. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 51370
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 01-09-2011 09:56 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Jay Chladek:
These are different from contractor models that are usually made to help showcase something and might change frequently as the design being represented evolves.
I should clarify that my use of "contractor model" was more in line with how the McDonnell Mercury spacecraft and Grumman lunar module models are today referred to as contractor models, but were presented as awards and available for purchase by employees from company stores. |
garymilgrom
Member Posts: 2130
From: Atlanta, GA
Registered: Feb 2007
|
posted 01-09-2011 03:02 PM
Robert any info on the cutaway and large (inflatable?) models behind yours? |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 51370
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 01-09-2011 05:14 PM
The cutaway is the FameMaster 4D Vision model; the other is not an inflatable but rather a shuttle-shaped lumbar pillow. |
Jay Chladek
Member Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007
|
posted 01-10-2011 10:36 AM
Pretty good shape and coloring for a pillow. Are they still available? I might try to get one as it looks nice. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 51370
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 01-10-2011 11:21 AM
The lumbar pillow is shuttle Challenger and was bought in the early 80s at a car accessories shop. I haven't seen another since. |
Jay Chladek
Member Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007
|
posted 01-10-2011 02:32 PM
That pillow actually looks more accurate in its shape and colorscheme then some other replica shuttles I've seen.  Finding one is likely next to impossible due to its age, but at least I know what to look for now. Thanks Robert. |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4548
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
|
posted 01-10-2011 06:30 PM
Andy Green (stardome) has two identical models to that at the top of this thread... in his study. From memory one of them has Rockwell International insignia on the base.It would appear Rockwell were cutting back on their own contractor models! |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 51370
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 01-10-2011 06:39 PM
I have also heard from another cS'er who has an identical model with a Rockwell plate on the base. And as mentioned, my own came from the estate of a Rockwell employee together with an employee-only photo portfolio. So, I am starting to think it is fair to call this a contractor model, which was also available for sale to the public. |
Fezman92
Member Posts: 1031
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Mar 2010
|
posted 01-10-2011 07:27 PM
That pillow looks comfy. |
Liembo
Member Posts: 848
From: Bothell, WA
Registered: Jan 2013
|
posted 11-16-2023 11:01 PM
I recently acquired this Space Shuttle Enterprise model. It is likely an early Toys & Models Corporation product. It was formerly owned by NASA electrical engineer who worked at Edwards in the late 70s/early 80s. It has rather unique wing paint. The lettering of "Enterprise" is distinct, as are the flight deck windows.  
|
advertisement