Space Shuttle Discovery with Booster Rocket -- Space Program Plastic Model -- 1/144 Scale -- #04736

After doing a number of airline models I decided to pick up this one. I debated going with this version or the Airfix version but eventually settled on this one. I was happy with the quality and the pieces are pretty well molded. Overall the model is well detailed and includes extensive decals. Pieces are included for displaying the orbiter in either launch or deployed position with cargo in the cargo bay, and even an astronaut and the maneuvering arm. However, there were some significant problems with the fit of the pieces especially with the payload bay doors on the orbiter. If you are planning on building this with the doors closed it will take a fair bit of work to align them and make the seams flush. The doors come with pins so they can be opened and closed but this leaves a considerable gap along the pivot edge. In addition the cutout for the windshield piece was not symmetrical and again had to be filled and sanded extensively. The model includes the 'crawler' transport vehicle which can be used to display the model in launch position; I especially liked this even though it was far from an accurate depiction. Overall I was happy with the model but it would have been better with more precise molding.

After about 20 years off from building models, I bought this on a whim to pick the hobby back up. It was a challenge, but fun. The molded parts didn't fit all that well together, so it took a lot of scraping and carving to get everything right, but now that its together, it looks great. I would recommend this, but I probably should have started with an easier model. It takes patience, but you'll enjoy building it.

This was a very fun model to put together. Not to many places where I had to sand down. I made this one with my son, he really enjoyed putting it together with me.

I love the design but mold quality really fails. Too bad, the item could be so much better with a little extra effort on the parts.