Spacecraft Model Kits

Model kits give hobbyists an excellent way to explore real spacecraft. An assembly set typically contains plastic parts, paints and glue for assembly of all its parts.

Paper modeling (also known as card modeling) is a simple hobby to get into; all it requires are stiff paper, scissors and glue for incredible details to come to life! There are even websites dedicated to this pastime that provide patterns specifically for space related models!

Saturn V Rocket

The Saturn V rocket was the most powerful space vehicle ever constructed by humanity. It powered Apollo moon-landing spacecraft towards their lunar target and represents an amazing feat of engineering; furthermore it makes an attractive statement of our spacefaring efforts – no wonder so many models and toys exist.

President Kennedy challenged NASA to put a man on the moon before the end of 1961. This gave a boost of urgency into designing of Saturn rocket.

Airfix offers a deluxe model of the Saturn V spacecraft from their Deluxe Kit that features rendered launch escape system and command service module components. Recommending for experienced model builders only, its assembly requires some skill but the results are spectacular as it stands nearly a foot tall when complete! Furthermore, this kit also comes equipped with three astronaut microfigures making this an invaluable addition to any NASA collection or as an ideal gift for future astronauts!

Space Shuttle

Revell made an early splash into the market with two models to capitalize on the young Manned Space program. One such kit, H-1834 for Gemini-Mercury combo models, featured intricate detail for its time, such as braided cabling extending from Mercury escape tower legs or its finely molded instrument panel on the left side. In its Young Astronauts release of this model kit were decals for all six Mercury missions!

Airfix, Revell and Minicraft have each released 1/144 shuttle stack models to date; Airfix offers solid and reasonably accurate kits while Revell’s Monogram version stands out due to its beautiful detail in both command and service modules (both block 1 detail types). Unfortunately the Minicraft version suffers from an inaccurate nose profile which makes viewing it an unpleasant experience.

Apollo 11

Apollo 11 is one of the most iconic spacecraft ever, so it comes as no surprise that it deserves a model kit all its own. This replica Lunar Module Eagle includes authentic features such as gangways and ladders for added authenticity, making this impressive model suitable for advanced modellers only. Assembly and painting may also be required.

This model includes a docking adapter designed to connect Apollo and Soyuz modules with different life support systems (Apollo used pure oxygen at 5 PSI; Soyuz had mixtures of oxygen/nitrogen at 14.7 PSI). In addition, it features white and antiglare black paint schemes that were state-of-the-art at the time of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001 film.

The kit also contains a TV camera and experiments for Armstrong and Aldrin to deploy once they arrive on the Moon surface. However, their positioning nearer the LEM than in reality has divided opinion among finescale modelers.

Space Station

Building the Space Station and especially its large truss of living modules can be an extremely difficult challenge; but it can be great fun, making an amazing display piece on any desktop!

This kit not only includes main trusses but also two Russian Node modules and an American PMA adapter that connects them, but it also comes complete with a docked shuttle and comes in its own plastic box that folds out to be used as a desktop stand; further adding to its impactful presentation! Adding to its effect, there is even an earth photo insert included!

Airfix was one of the pioneering companies that realised using actual studio-model pictures on its boxes would increase appeal and sales; later adopted by Bandai and Polar Lights with their Star Trek kits; however Airfix took an alternative route with their reissues of Saturn IBs and Vostoks using pictures of completed kits instead.

Models can be an engaging way to explore how things operate and provide that “Ah-ha! so that’s how it works!” feeling. Plus they provide hours of fun when assembled!

Spacecraft models are no different: their plastic models come in various sizes and skill levels for you to build the one that best meets your needs.

Saturn V Rocket

The Saturn V rocket, used to transport Apollo astronauts to the Moon between 1969-1972, is considered one of the greatest engineering feats ever accomplished. Three complete Saturn V rockets still exist and can be seen today at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Johnson Space Center in Texas, and U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Alabama.

This model provides an engaging way to gain knowledge about this incredible vehicle that propelled humans into space. Featuring a detailed towering gantry and embossed USA logo on its body, as well as F1 display nozzles and an upper transition piece between third stage and Service Module – this model offers an excellent way to discover this impressive piece of machinery!

This model requires Skill Level 5, yet assembly is made easy thanks to clear instructions and YouTube video tutorials that guide the build step-by-step. These videos offer invaluable help towards becoming a more accomplished model rocket builder while offering an unforgettable learning experience.

Space Shuttle Orbiter

NASA operated its Space Shuttle Orbiter between 1981 and 2011 as an orbital spacecraft system, carrying astronauts and payload into low Earth orbit before performing in-space missions before returning back to Earth for reuse. It was designed to carry both astronauts and cargo back down.

The Shuttle stands apart from all other commercial spacecraft because of its built-in space laboratory and capability of accommodating various external cargo modules – such as pressurized labs, satellites and payload cradles – with ease. Its iconic delta wing design has become part of public consciousness through illustrations, advertisements, reports and videos showing glimpses.

All Thermal Protection System (TPS) decal sets for Shuttle Orbiter Thermal Protection Systems are now produced modularly, whereby the Standard Black Tile Decal Set serves as the basis of all additional decals needed for each Orbiter you are modeling. In addition, the Early Era Orbiter White Tile Decal Set completes TPS markings on two early Orbiters such as Columbia and Challenger in your fleet.

Space Shuttle Atlantis

Atlantis was the fourth operational and second-to-last Space Shuttle ever constructed and took to space on her maiden voyage on October 3, 1985. A record processing flow saw Atlantis spend only 26 days in the Operations and Checkout Building before her second launch – an achievement never again attempted or achieved!

She had completed numerous Mir missions, with her most recent flight being STS-135, the third mission dedicated to the International Space Station (ISS).

Atlantis completed numerous maintenance tasks and delivered truss segments to the International Space Station during her final years of operation. When Atlantis retires, she will join Endeavour and Discovery as museum pieces at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Space Shuttle Discovery

Space Shuttle Discovery was NASA’s third fully operational Orbiter and first launched on August 30, 1984. Over 27 years, it flew 39 missions – including launching Hubble Space Telescope – which revolutionized our understanding of space. When retired in 2011, Discovery was moved to Chantilly Virginia’s Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center by Smithsonian Institution staff for display purposes.

DIY models featuring intricate detail begin as four-inch square steel sheets and quickly transform into jaw-dropping 3-D masterpieces with ease! Simply follow the straightforward instructions provided to pop out parts, bend tabs and connect them at attachment points – no glue required but model kit tools may come in handy!

The forward fuselage, commonly known as the clamshell, contains crew compartment and aft reaction control system modules as well as payload bay doors. Additionally, its midfuselage acts as a structural interface between forward and aft fuselages as well as with wings; additionally it supports payload bay doors and other various wing systems.