It has been a long time since i last reviewed my collection. So I will start one this month. Basically this is a simple review and simple how to build in the lazy modeler style. The kit I am going to review is Academy 1/288 Space Shuttle Orbiter with the external Tank.
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| The Box |
For those of you who want or starting to venture into the world of military model kit, I will start by sharing several simple starts up with this kit. Since the military modeling is definitely different in comparison with Bandai, gundam model kit (which most of you already know). The most notable differences are:
1. Glue is needed, unlike gundam which require no glue; in military you definitely need glue.
2. All parts usually comes in single color, basic sprue color, unlike the colorful gundam, paint in military kit is mostly needed.
3. Military kit is usually more brittle in comparison with Bandai gundam since this are for display only and not for playing.
Okay, let’s get started. I got the Academy 1/288 shuttle orbiter locally. So if you are interested you can find this academy kit in every toy shop in the mall nearest to you. The kit itself is marked with the Snap Tite symbol. Means you can build this kit without glue. So this kit is especially great for your first time to try military modeling.
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| Snap Tite kit |
The kit itself is very simple; the number of sprue is not much. With most part is used to assemble the Shuttle, the other main part is the external tank (2 pieces), and 1 piece of display stand. Other parts are the decal, including all optional shuttle name, and instruction manual.
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| The Decal |
The instruction manual is also very simple, only 5 simple steps. Also to work on this simple kit, the tools that I used are Cutters, Permanent Marker and Polystyrene Glue (optional). This is the minimum item for your modeling. You can get all this equipment easily and in cheap price also. If you have difficulties in finding the Polystyrene Glue, you can buy Academy’s Glue also, they are sold at the same place with their model kits.
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| Manual |
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| Tools Needed |
So, starting with first step, only a simple combination of 3 parts and voila, you have finished step 1. Even though the kit requires no glue, I suggest you use the PS Glue to permanently attach the parts. This also works as the exercise for you before going to real kits that require glue.
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| Step 1 |
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| Step 1 Result |
In step 2, it mostly works on the back thrusters. Again for the back thrusters I suggest you glued them permanently since they are so small and can easily lost. There is also unused parts that can be used to cover the back thrusters while they are in storage.
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| Result of step 2 |
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| Rear Thrusters |
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| unused thrusters cover |
The step 3 is just combining the 2 piece that form the external tank. Step 4 then you combine the tank to the shuttle. And step 5 is placing them on the base. I let all the picture do the talking.
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| Ready for step 3 |
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| Step 3 result |
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| Ready for step 4 |
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| Step 4 result |
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| Step 4 result |
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| Ready for step 5 |
So with all this we have our models completed. Very simple. So if you want to try serious modeling, you can try with this model kit first. Modeling is not hard, and not require expensive equipment as others think. I shall continue in the next part for the Finishing.
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| Finished |
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