Model Hubble and Shuttle 1-200 - Hasegawa

Model of the Atlantis Space Shuttle and the Hubble Telescope

This model is aimed at hobbyists looking for a space-themed model dedicated to an iconic NASA mission.

The assembly allows for the representation of the American space shuttle Atlantis carrying the Hubble Space Telescope, with astronauts working around the payload.

The subject is suitable for both a collection of space models and for creating a diorama dedicated to space exploration.

The model is to be assembled by gluing and then painted.

It reproduces the shuttle at a 1/200 scale, with a wingspan of 118 mm and a length of 185 mm.

Its dimensions allow for easy integration into a display space while retaining enough detail to enhance the scene with figurines and the telescope.

A Box Designed to Recreate a Space Scene

The main appeal of this model lies in the staging rather than just the reproduction of the shuttle.

The box includes three new resin astronaut figurines, sculpted by Satoshi Tsujimura.

They allow for the representation of the crew at work in space, just before the separation of the Hubble Space Telescope from the shuttle.

The figurines bring a human scale to the composition and can be positioned around the telescope to enhance the operational aspect of the diorama.

To achieve a coherent scene, the modeler can work on the space suits with various shades of white, gray, and metallic details, depending on the desired finish.

The Hubble Space Telescope

The Hubble Space Telescope is the central element of this representation.

Its parts are silver-plated, which directly provides a metallic finish to the relevant surfaces.

This finish can be kept as is or enhanced by selective painting to accentuate the panels, equipment, and different volumes of the telescope.

The model thus offers an interesting opportunity to work on the contrasts between the metallic surfaces of the telescope, the white elements of the space shuttle, and the astronauts' suits.

Careful work on the glue joints, separation lines, and small parts contributes to improving the final result.

The History of the Hubble Mission with the Atlantis Shuttle

The Hubble Space Telescope was deployed into orbit by the Atlantis Space Shuttle during the STS-31 mission in April 1990.

This mission marked a significant milestone in space astronomy with the commissioning of the observatory designed to observe the Universe beyond the disturbances of Earth's atmosphere.

The scene depicted by this model evokes the moment when astronauts prepare for the release of the telescope from the shuttle's payload bay.

It allows for transforming a static model into a representation of a specific space operation, particularly suitable for a diorama on NASA missions, American space shuttles, or the history of space exploration.

Assembly, Painting, and Required Materials

This plastic model requires assembly by gluing and painting.

It is suitable for a modeler with some experience in assembling plastic kits, especially for part preparation, trimming, fitting elements, and painting small details.

The three resin figurines also require careful preparation before painting.

For assembly, have precision tweezers, a hobby knife, fine files or sandpaper, and glue suitable for plastic ready.

For the resin figurines, cyanoacrylate glue can be used. A primer will facilitate the even application of paints and help bring out the details better.

Painting and Finishing Tips

The shuttle can be primarily worked on in white, black, and gray tones, with specific elements to be treated in metallic shades.

The silver-plated parts of the telescope already provide a metallic base and can be combined with detail paints to vary the textures.

Light washes can also be used to add relief to panels and technical areas without obscuring the details.

For the astronauts, a fine and gradual painting allows for distinguishing the suits, equipment, and helmets at this scale.

Using a fine-point brush is recommended for small markings and suit elements.

A Model Suitable for a Space Diorama

The included display base allows for directly showcasing the model and serves as a foundation for creating a more elaborate diorama.

The modeler can add a black background, stars, depth effects, or a simplified representation of Earth to position the shuttle in orbit.

The composition can also be presented as a technical scene focused on preparing for the separation of the Hubble Telescope.

With its 1/200 scale, 118 mm wingspan, 185 mm length, three resin astronauts, and telescope with silver-plated parts, this kit provides a complete foundation for creating a scene dedicated to the space shuttle Atlantis and one of the most well-known missions of the Hubble era.