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Space Shuttle Mock Up?


Rick K

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My Uncle, an antique dealer, ave me this wooden model what appears to be a shuttle.  Looks like its at least 40 years old.

 

I am going to sand and repaint.

 

What is it?

  • Anyone ever see anything like this? 
  • Any data on origin? 
  • Aerospace firm? 
  • Appears to be aerospace schwag for display on desk. 
  • A scale model envisioned by the builder?
  • Project working towards an Eagle Scout?

 

IMG_4590.jpg

 

IMG_4589.jpg

 

IMG_4588.jpg

 

IMG_4587.jpg

 

IMG_4591.jpg

The holes are for display mounts.  Curious what the #4 means, its a decal.

 

IMG_4592.jpg

Rear holes are for engine nozzles.  I have them.  You can also see original color, looks like FS Gull Grey.

 

IMG_4593.jpg

Some filling and sanding will be needed to repair the "fin"

Edited by Rick K
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Don't sand and re-paint it!! It's very cool like it is, and if it does have any historic or monetary value that will render it virtually worthless. It's original finish and markings establish its history. Just my 2 cents. 

 

Tim

Edited by BiggTim
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I'd agree with leaving it as is to preserve any value it might have.

 

It has elements of the X-34 shown below (although that dates from 1999)

 

989px-Orbital_Sciences_X34.jpg

 

with a tail arrangement reminiscent of the X-24 series below (the Northrop M2 version being featured in the 6 Million Dollar Man intro crash) which would be from the mid '60s.

 

.X24.jpg

Edited by Chek
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Don't sand and paint. That would devalue it.

 

I think it definitely is one of the early shuttle models, I've seen this design/model somewhere before.

 

It also looks quite cruise missile like, which might explain why it doesn't have NASA on the side

 

Richard

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It looks like a VERY early piece from the program described here:

http://www.afspc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/249897/space-shuttle-station-pioneer-remembers-exploration-dream-that-faded/

 

Since you live in DC, maybe take it to the Smithsonian for evaluation before doing anything else with it? 

 

D

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