Convair Space Shuttlecraft

Original Revell kit reissued by Atlantis

In 1959, Revell produced a kit of Ehricke's Space Shuttle (this kit) while Hawk produced the Atlas Manned Orbiting Laboratory. The space shuttle was released once in 1959 and later reissued once with space pirate markings. Thanks to Atlantis Models for rediscovering these moulds in the vast stock of stored kit moulds acquired after Hobbico's (Revell) bankruptcy.

This release is moulded in white styrene and presented on five parts trees. Among the features and options in this kit:

• Classic 1950s launch stool and base for display
• Spacecraft can be displayed with all three stages glued together, all separate, or pinned together for removal at-will
• Second stage makes up the rear section of the space shuttle
• Third stage designed as a conformal belly tank for the space shuttle
• Space shuttle has hinged top to reveal five seated figures inside cabin
• Three optional figures to pose on the display base

 

When this kit was originally released, it featured markings for a US spacecraft that included what look like modified presidential seals in place of military stars and bars. Atlantis has recreated these markings for those who want to build the original nostalgic concept, but they also provide early and current NASA markings, as well as USAF markings, should you want to 'modernize' the concept.

With the included NASA markings, this would make for a Convair alternative to the Rockwell space shuttle.