Revell 1/144 Space Shuttle Launch Complex Part 2

For those who missed it, here is Part 1.

ELEVATOR SHAFT CONSTRUCTION: Assemble the kits elevator shaft as called for in the instructions. After that's dry, shift to the S2 instructions and remove the molded in grates on the shaft sides as shown. I'm not real sure this needs to be done, as painting will most likely clog the fine mesh that LVM has cast into the p/e parts. LVM would have you install the parts in order... i.e. #1, #2, both #5 then both #6 etc. I found it easier to install, and align, one side at a time. Install PE1 then PE2, then move to the next side and install 1 PE5 and 1 PE6 and so on. The instructions also suggest you to line up the lower edge of the PE5 with the edge of PE1... don't, align the shaft detail instead. Any misalignment will be easier to fix at the lower edge then along the sides. LVM provides a nice layout diagram of the parts on the shaft that's easy to follow. As you finish each side, install the plastic corner braces at the top and bottom, LVM provides square plastic for this. Care must be taken when doing this if you are to get all the sides aligned properly. It all went together ok, but I still ended up with a small gap at one top corner. Hopefully the Machine House will hide it.

The other part of the S2 set is the machine house. I had a bit of trouble here, as the house contains some very fine parts. I thought the p/e attachment points were a tad big, and I had a hard time getting a clean edge. Bend the center of parts #7 and #8, then bend the edge. I didn't on #7 and had difficulty getting the center leg to bend properly. After joining parts #7 and #8, the roof is attached. There is also a set of stairs to fold, but those can't be set in place until the Machine House is installed in the tower.

HAMMERHEAD CRANE CONSTRUCTION: This is where buying a partially started kit is a bad idea. The crane in my kit was already assembled and I had to tear it down to install the LVM set. After disassembly, I removed as much glue residue as I could. Thank God whoever built this didn't do a very good job. I was unable to do all the modifications to the crane platform as called for in the LVM instructions as the machinery housing was already assembled. I was, however, able to notch the front corner.

PE1 is glued to the bottom of kit part 60. Take care here as I bent the side rails the wrong way the first time. Note that one of the sides is offset, use that to help you bend the rails correctly. You will also want to apply some CA to the bottom corners where the rails bend, as they are quite fragile and could be easily broken off at some point. I was unable to figure out how PE3 is supposed to look attached, so I left it off for now. I will attach it later after I do a bit of research.

When installing the rail on top of the crane housing, use the rail to mark the holes. The instructions don't tell you how high the rail should be and I think I installed mine a bit too high. I also left off the antenna until I can figure out how long it should be.

I have to admit, the stairs for the crane housing (PE4, 5 and 6) are a marvel in engineering. It's a complex set of stairs, but folded properly, they fit together beautifully.

The mounting for the lightning mast was also assembled in my kit. This made the procedure for attaching the detail parts a bit different then the instructions call for. I first cut off the mast itself. I'll replace that later with a section of plastic rod. I was able to get the mount off the crane base, but was afraid to try and take the framing apart. Once I had it off, I then followed the instructions attaching the parts. The bottom edges required a bit of trimming to get it to fit back on the base.

The instructions have you modify the crane structure itself, but don't tell you why. As it is, it allows you to slide the structure a little farther back on the base and provides clearance for the stairs. After installing the structure, you can then installed part PE7. Take care bending this part, as the areas the need bending are very small.

As with LC39S2, there are stairs that you will need to attach after the crane has been installed on top of the FSS.

Once finished, complete the assembly as per the complex kit instructions.

As easy to install as LC39S1, the parts make the Elevator Shaft and Hammerhead stand out. The stairs are particularly impressive. Again, I was able to do basic assembly in only a single night.