Hi Zed, thanks for commenting. Quite a few people have said the same thing. So I'm going to pin your comment & my reply. Oh yes! I'm very aware that the real-world shuttle's frame and sub-structure were mainly coated in an olive green coating - which the Lego designers were seeking to replicate. What wasn't on the real shuttle though was red, bright blue, azure and yellow elements, that were also visible from outside the shuttle! Which is why I swapped out many, but not all, of the off-coloured parts so that they didn't ruin the look of the finished model. Thanks again for sharing and happy building to you! : )
Your presentation, tone, work, and style is so professional and thoughtful. You stick out so positively out of the usual LEGO UA-cam landscape. You put so much care into these videos!
That is so kind of you, thank you for your comments. It's reading comments like yours that makes me think I'll keep going with UA-cam. I now don't think I'm going to be 'successful' with UA-cam, I'm too niche and don't have the time with work to be making videos weekly. But I'd like to continue publishing videos from time-to-time that I hope help and add value to our Lego community in some way. Have a superb rest of your week!
I haven't read any comments on this, but there is a very simple modification to make: in the cockpit, replace the gray 1x1 plate (with a stud) that is behind the captain's seat (the one on the left), with a smooth black 1x1 plate. Thus, you have a representation of the hatch that allows the crew to move between the cockpit and the lower deck. A very small change but one that corrects a surprising oversight by Lego on an important element of the shuttle!
That sounds great Alain - and thanks for sharing this mod. I actually haven't opened up the cabin / cockpit since building my model but I'll have a look at this when I get to building the fuel tank and boosters for this model sometime later this year. Happy modding to you! Cheers, Simon
Just built this last night and my first thought was to replace the black 1x1 technic lift arms on the cargo bay doors with white. This video confirms my thought, thanks.
Hi DRUmBEaTTS - it's a very easy and yet effective mod to do! If you have the parts it'll take you less than 5 mins to get done. I'd also of course recommend that you also update your Shuttle's tail fin with the my fix- it will give your model a cleaner and better look in addition to swapping out those black lift arms on the bay doors for white ones. All the best to you!
I agree with Zed, the green is in reference to the internal structure that the designer noticed in his research of the real shuttle. This is also known as zinc chromate found on aircraft designed during that time period.
The modification you have done to the tail is fantastic. Such a simple change so no studs shown. If I ever got this I would definitely make the changes. 😀🔥🔥
Thank you so much for letting me know Bob. It means a lot and and warms my heart when I hear back from people that are happy with a modification project I've either designed myself or recommended! Have a superb week. : )
Another possible solution to the payload hinges is a combination of the white short beams and black/white technic 1/2 bushes. I think they feel more true to life that way, and can be adjusted to one's liking and look even more like the real thing than the original
Hi Fabio, that's certainly an idea I like your thinking! The only issue is that those 1/2 bush parts in black and white colours are expensive/hard to find on BrickLink as they are from older sets with Lego mainly producing the 1/2 bush in yellow & medium stone grey. + You'd have to do some odd things with the hinge joins to use axles versus pins which may be a bit problematic. If you try it out let me know how you go, I'd love to see your results!
@@CraftedBricks haha yes! What a coincidence, I looked into the logistics a sort while ago as well and came into issues with the hinges and their overlaps, as well as the pieces being hard to find. I came upon another possible idea, of using the row of panels and rounded slopes right under the hinges instead. The hinges themselves all white and that row can be used for the black accents. I tried it out on studio and it seems promising; currently buying the pieces and eager to test it!
Excellent. It's funny, when I first saw it on the outta box. I thought the tail and the black on the payload doors looked odd. So it's great to see your modifications. It looks miles better, after you'd finished 👍. Great video. 👏
Thanks! Great minds think alike perhaps!? Free mod instructions and the list of parts you'll need if you choose to mod your own shuttle are on the Rebrickable page linked in the video's description. 🙂
I’ve also got the Saturn V which uses the same exhaust parts - but with glowing orange discs that simulate burning gas. I plan to find and switch these in on the Shuttle too.
Now that's a good idea Alex! I may look at that mod too, I'm not sure yet though as I'm going to be mounting my shuttle to the solid state fuel tank + booster rockets in a future build. 🙂
Thats a fantastic idea! You would need these parts for this: - 3 x Plate, Round 2 x 2 with Axle Hole in white (4032) - 3 x Tile, Round 2 x 2 with Open Stud in white (18674) - 3 x Dish 3 x 3 Inverted (Radar) in Trans Orange (43898) - 2 x Plate, Round 1 x 1 in Trans Orange (4073)
Thanks a LOT for this fixes, makes the finished product looking a LOT better! However, you have missed some weird color parts which are still visible even after replacing all the parts you listed so some ugly colors are still ruining the build a bit... - Step 16: Replace the 2 x red Technic 2L Notched Axles - with the same part - but in black (32062) - Steps 27.5, 28.5, 30.4 and 31.3: Replace the 4 x red Technic 2L Notched Axles - with the same part - but in black (32062) - Step 30.1: Replace the 1 x red Technic 6L Axle - with the same part - but in black (3706) - Step 49: Replace the 2 x yellow 1x3 Tiles - with the same part - but in white (63864) - Step 53: Replace the back 2 x olive green 2x8 plates - with the same part - but in light bluish gray (3034) - Steps 62.1 and 75.1: Replace the 2 x blue 1x10 plates - with the same part - but in black (4477) - Step 135: Replace the 2 x olive green 1x6 plates - with the same part - but in light bluish gray (3666) - Steps 214 and 254: Replace the 4 x yellow Technic Bushes 1/2 - with the same part - but in light bluish gray (4265c) - Steps 217 and 223: Replace the 2 x yellow Brackets 1x2-2x2 - with the same part - but in light bluish gray (44728) - Step 242: Replace the 2 x blue Technic Axles 1L with Friction Ridges Lenghtwise - with the same part - but in black (43093) - Steps 285 and 295: Replace the 4 x blue Technic Axles 1L with Friction Ridges Lenghtwise - with the same part - but in black (43093) - Step 301: Replace the 1 x olive green 1x6 brick - with the same part - but in light bluish gray (3009) - Steps 321 and 344: Replace the 2 x yellow 2x6 plates - with the same part - but in black (3795) - Step 356: Replace the 1 x blue 2x3 plate - with the same part - but in light bluish gray (3021)
Hi Momorious - I like your eye for detail! I made most if not all of the part substitutions you listed in my own build - but for publishing my mod instructions and doing the video I stuck to only the key part colour changes needed to hide the lime green, yellow, red and blue parts that were very obvious in the shape transitions points of the wings and some other areas of the model. If I went too overboard people may think I'm a nutter! But thanks for sharing these additional changes, much appreciated! : )
04:04 I think swapping out the black for white Technic beams works out well. I mean thanks to the black technic pins you still get the intermittent black pattern, from a certain angle, but it’s not as overpowering as having the whole technic beams being black!
Ah yes, that was my thinking with the swap too - those series of 1L black Technic lift arms was overpowering and looked off, it's a subtler and cleaner look to it with those elements in white. Thanks for commenting and have a superb week!
Thanks Fenolly! I had a lot of technical issues with this video (audio editing is hard!) But all ok now and it's good to have another video out that hopefully inspires people to mod and improve their own set.
Great modifications and great video. I think it is just worth pointing out that although I do think the tail fin looks better with the modification, it reduces functionality. The tail fin of the space shuttle acted as an air brake and that feature is removed with the modification. Anyways, awesome work.
Hi Tomas, it sounds like you didn't watch all of my video! @2:00 I show footage of the real-world shuttle deploying its tail fin air-brake and I talk about how while I can see that the Lego designer was trying to mimic this feature, the look of the plate-built tail fin is way off and doesn't match the rest of model or look accurate. Thanks for commenting though and I hope this mod or mods are improvements you may make to your own Lego Space Shuttle! : )
Excellent video sir. All of your mods we're spot on, especially the tail redesign. One mod I would like to dabble in is the nose...seems it needs a be better "sloped" nose and underside (if you get what I mean). Thoughts?
Thank you zealot951! Hmm modding the nose (I just swapped out some of the internal off-coloured parts at the tip and used a black 3x3 dish versus Dark Stone Grey) would be challenging as the Lego designer has actually done a good job of using available sloped elements to get everything from the cockpit to taper in nicely to the tip. You may hit issues with parts not lining up or sitting right if you change the geometry. But don't let me put you off, tinker with it and see how you go!
I must have missed this comment. Yes I did see when viewing images of Discovery online that the nose cone was a grey and not black colour. So it's more a personal cosmetic choice for me to swap the Dark Stone Grey part out and use a black one. Thanks for sharing though, it's always fun to engage with Lego enthusiasts commenting on my videos.
Hi @@seline_hunter9122 I comment on exactly that @ 2:02 in the video! But note that using plates in this model to create the tail fin airbrake looks terrible and does not match the smooth look and feel of the whole model. Which is why I designed my replacement rudder. For display purposes I think it's better to have an accurate and good looking model versus matching the 'exact' functions of the real world shuttle. But I appreciate other people may want to keep the standard plate-built rudder. All good + happy modding to you!
Thanks Browndog80! Yes I used a Black 3x4 dish and I think it looks better too. I didn't mention that in the video as the real-world shuttle has a grey nose cone so Lego using a Dark Stone Grey cone part is accurate.
The grey nose is what it looks like in real life. Definitely should have been a darker grey but the reason it’s like that is for when the shuttles is re entering the atmosphere and the normal heat shield tiles could not bend like that so they used a different heat shield. You can see the same with the leading edge of the wings
No problem at all! I finished the launch platform + fuel tank + boosters build just last week. And I managed to get the remaining filming I need to do done over the weekend. So I need a few nights to edit and produce the video (after work) - but the plan is to publish the video late this week! : )
I really want to do these mods but the parts list on the website you linked seems incomplete. Can you check if it includes both the tail modification and the color substitutions in the body of the model too? You showed some large triangular black pieces in this video that aren’t in the parts list on the site. Thanks!
Hi Cody - the information you seek is in the 'Details' tab on Rebrickable! The Inventory tab shows the parts for the tailfin & bay-door mods, and in the description where I talk about the off-colour part changes (Modification 3) there is a link to a separate parts list. The reason I separated the parts list is that I appreciate not everyone will want to do the off-colour part changes. But it's good to hear you are taking that mod on to as it does (in my opinion) make a positive different to the model. Enjoy!
First of all, great videos! Regarding LEGO's use of off-color parts. You've mentioned this in a couple of videos and I have an alternate way of thinking about them. First of all, I agree that these sets are targeted to adult LEGO expert builders -- but I believe LEGO does a lot of those parts in other colors for two reasons: 1) it still provides an entryway for intermediate builders (or even beginner builders) to enjoy advanced models, and 2) -- this is the bigger reason -- LEGO knows we adult collector/builders LOVE getting parts in new and interesting colors. I think they fully expect that a lot of us are going to color-swap parts, which leaves us with the the off-color parts in our collection for use in whatever else we dream up on our own. One shining example of this are the printed Bat symbol tiles built into the wings of the 1989 Batwing. They're completely hidden if you leave it as instructed. Of course I can't prove this, but I'd bet, if we dug into it, we'd find that LEGO completely expected people to swap those out so they could have a couple of cool Bat symbol tiles in our collection that we replaced with a couple of common black tiles. TL;DR: LEGO uses off-color parts in expert sets more as a fan-service to get cool parts in other colors than to make the build experience easier.
Hi Scott! Thanks you for sharing and you certainly have some very good points there. I particularly like your point about the off-colour or wide array of colour parts provided in sets being a source of parts for other builds and MOCs. And when I think on this point it may actually be how BrickLink sellers are able to source and stock parts in different colours for MOC builders like me - this is essential! On reflection I think I am 'okay' with the riot ofcolours for the internals of modern Lego sets - as long as they are 100% covered up in the finished build. Where they are not covered up and noticeably ruin the finished display value of a model (like they did for the BTTF Time Machine) then I think this is not okay and Lego need to adjust. That said I do have hope. I'm building the UCS Landspeeder at the moment - and while the internals look like a crazed Rainbow, the Lego designer has done a great job at ensuring all off-colour parts are fully covered up! Which is excellent. Again thanks for sharing Scott and happy building to you!
I'm so glad I saw this as I've just ordered this Lego set and I didn't like the look of the tail fins. Instant subscribe! Can't wait to see your follow up video of the fuel tanks as they are so iconic to the look of the Shuttle. Thank you so much! 🙂
That is excellent and very good to hear Millisecond Falcon. I'm glad I could help and thank you for subscribing! I am working really hard at the moment to get my Castle MOC ready for a Lego Expo in April. But once that is done and the Expo is over I can work on the Shuttle fuel tank and booster rocket upgrades. I've been asked by a few people about it, so I'll prioritize it for mid/late April.
Thanks errajota, if you have already built your set, just doing the tail fin rudder upgrade and swapping out the Technic parts used for the bay door hinges, is the easiest. Doing the off-colour part swaps is near impossible post assembly, unless you really want to almost completely disassemble your set, which I wouldn't recommend!
I had to swap out an inner nose part that goes over the landing gear from a flat piece to an arched piece to get the landing nose gear to unfold. Not dure if its cause i missed something building my shuttle or a bad design. Im thinking of adding lights to mine.
Elige, I've had a few people comment to say they have had issues with the front landing gear, I'm glad to hear you have found a fix for your model. I bought the LigthMyBricks kit for this model and installed the rear thruster lights only (you can see this in my video where I build the Fuel tank, boosters and launch platform.) ...but I didn't fit or use the full kit to light up the cargo bay and front of the model. The reason being too many wires exposed in the bay, it looks off to me. But that's just my opinion maybe you'll enjoy lighting up the full model!
Only thing I disagree with is the changing of the green parts. The main structure of the shuttle is a dark-ish green that the parts match to, and in my opinion, add to the feel of the shuttle. Otherwise, it's a great model, aside from the odd tailfin that it comes with.
No problem Nil_shawn, that's the great thing about our hobby, you can customise and tune your model to be however you want it to be! I'm glad you enjoyed the video, I'd recommend at least fixing the tail fin / vertical stabilizer. It makes a huge difference to how the finished model looks.
Hi everyone - I had to re-upload this video to UA-cam due to an issue with the audio on the original (audible electrical hum @ 120 Hz in some parts of the video). Fixed now! Thank you to petaa7, Ewan Cartwright, Min Min, Simon Moss and Sebastian for posting up great comments on the original video.
when you build the boosters and orange tank can you link a parts list for it? i just bought the shuttle waiting for it in mail :) and would love the full kit.
Hi Arman, I'm delayed on the boosters & tank build for the Shuttle due to a Lego Expo I am preparing for and exhibiting at. But you can already checkout the design and parts lists for this upgrade! I'll link to the designers main page on Rebrickable, there are a few variations he has designed: rebrickable.com/users/NG_Design/mocs/ I am building this version where there will be some painting of parts needed: rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-73206/NG_Design/space-shuttle-discovery-10283-upgrade-tank-and-booster-scale-170/#details
One of the main issues I have was definitely the tailfin. When I have time I'll see if it is possible fix the dual rudder speedbrake without removing the concept of it. The other thing is the "Discovery" wording, still not sure what I can do about that to fix the orientation... but we'll see. The undernose fluidity with the frame can be improved upon I'm sure. Also the stupid mismatched window color is annoying, so repainting may something to consider. Other than my nitpicking, I really like this shuttle :)
Hi Mewimi - it sounds like you are a fellow modder! Good to hear and best of luck with your mods. Stay tuned on the channel. I'm literally gearing-up today to film an intro to building the boosters, fuel tank and launch platform. It's a way overdue video, but I finally have time and I've committed to displaying the model at an expo at the end of November. 3 weeks will be a push to get everything done so I've many late nights ahead of me.
Hi Simon - the 56 parts is for the updated tail fin rudder & shuttle bay door hinge modifications. There's a separate parts list linked in the description of the mod on Rebrickable for the off-colour part swaps + 79 parts required for those changes. Listed separately as most people will just want to mod the tail fin rudder and bay door hinges.
Very nice work! In one of the videos about the set one of the designers spoke about 'ribbing' in the payload bay. They said it was added to strengthen the model however it can be removed you just need to be more careful with the model. They also said without the ribbing the Hubble fits in the bay without having to remove parts. Can you show this mod? Awesome work looking forward to the next one!
Hi William - thank you so much for your support and comment! I've had a look over the instructions and it would be weird to remove internal ribbing and panels from the cargo bay as not only do they strengthen the model and support the bay doors but they also cover-up and hide the model internals. The Hubble already fits snugly in the bay - but yes you have to remove the Solar Arrays when you stow the Hubble in the bay - which isn't too bad of a compromise. Sorry I can't help you out with this one. I do have a future video planned for this model - which is of course to build the large fuel tank and boosters - it's going to be Epic! ...but doing that build is a little way off, I have several other projects to complete and video before I get back to the shuttle. Happy building to you!
@craftedbricks I have considered doing these mods to my Space Shuttle, especially since it got knocked off the shelf by my cat (She didn't mean it!). I am also looking to perhaps entirely remove the landing gear as I never used it, and building into the voids so that the underside is completely flush. Also, this would allow me to get rid of those unsightly humps on the tops of the wing structure that cover over the wheel bays.
That sounds good Thomas, and like me you'll likely find modifying and personalising your model to be very rewarding. It would be interesting to see how the model looks without those curved sloped elements that are thinking of removing. I think you may need something other than flat tiles in that transition from the wing to the vertical of the model fuselage, but I'm sure you will figure it out! Enjoy it!
Hey, I have a problem with my nose landing gear. I can't retract or deploy it because of a little mistake I've probably made. It's stuck on its position and I don't know a way to correct it with no big maneuvers to dismount the Discovery. Do you have any tip to correct this problem?
Hi Luiz, it's really hard for me to comment or help without seeing your set. Does the sliding mechanism running along the base of the cargo bay area move when you activate it from the back of the Shuttle?
@@CraftedBricks yes it's hard to have an idea with no image :/ I'll try yo explain what happened. There might be some errors in my english. After concluding the set I've noticed the landing gear wasn't fully retracted and it couldn't extend too. I've looked through the bottom part of the Discovery and saw a grey piece colliding with a yellow one. That's why it was stuck. Yesterday night I tried to solve the problem by removing the cabin to access the nose landing gear site. There was not anything different from the manual, but maybe a little mistake on the base or in the long piece that moves along the cargo bay. As they are hard to check I moved the nose landing gear up and closed the set again. Now it's retracted, but it won't deploy when commanding the gear down device
Hi Luiz, it sounds like maybe you made an error in the front landing gear & spring assembly steps. Please check step #132, 135 and 50 from the instructions. I wish I could help further, but without seeing your model I can't help more. I hope you get this fixed! Kind regards, Simon
@@CraftedBricks thanks a lot for answering! I'll try to fix it as soon as possible following your instructions you gave based on knowledge, that is a high one :) thank you. This is my first lego creator expert and I'm not used to build anything, so I have a poor knowledge regarding to this kind of subject
Awesome! The model looks much better. Will rebuild my set accordingly as soon as I have all the pieces together. What about your supplement of the booster? I'm sure this will be the icing on the cake! Can't wait ...
Ah yes I am very overdue doing the Shuttle booster & fuel tank upgrade build & video. It will happen, I just have a few other videos and builds to get to before I can get back to this one.
A bit late to the party here but thank you for using the actual name of Dark Stone Grey. As a former Lego builder, it bothers the hell out of me when I hear 'dark or light Blueish grey' 🤦🏻♂️
No problem. It's actually often a quandary for me which colour term to use when I'm talking in a video. Lego uses 'Light/Dark Stone Grey' to refer to the grey colours in their palette. Whereas BrickLink uses 'Light/Dark Blueish Grey' when referring to the same colours!
Hi Steve - you can see the parts required and a cost estimate on the Inventory tab of the MOC in question: rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-73206/NG_Design/space-shuttle-discovery-10283-upgrade-tank-and-booster-scale-170/#details ...~$430. I've actually still not built this yet - the year's gotten away from me. But I've committed to to showing this model with the boosters, fuel tank and a launch platform, at a Lego Expo in November, so it will happen!
Great video, and I'm so glad to have found your channel! I'm a Lego MOC noob, and I'll definitely be using your hints to improve my Discovery orbiter. I wonder if you (or anyone else) have thought about converting this to the Enterprise (OV-01) atmospheric test vehicle, with the coping over the main engines, among other differences? I'm also looking forward to your "full stack" build!
Sounds good Michael - if you need info on how to order Lego parts from BrickLink there's a tutorial on my channel that, although a long video, may help you out. ...I'm working on mods and fixes for the Delorian Time Machine now - it should be my next video!
Hi JOC, you may have missed the part in my video where I explain that yes the black hinges are on the real-world shuttle, but on the Lego model they are way too big and look very distracting. Swapping out the black parts for white gives the Lego Shuttle a much more clean and good look to it!
That seems to be a common problem. You may have to review the early stages of the build in the instruction manual and find out if you have made a mistake with your model. I hope you are able to solve it!
Hi Peter - you can go the Rebrickable page for this MOC and click 'Buy Parts' if you can find a BrickLink seller that has 100% of the parts for the MOC then you just need to complete the order on BrickLink. I also have a detailed tutorial on 'how to buy Lego on BrickLink' that you can see here: ua-cam.com/video/m8htu67viQc/v-deo.html
Hi there, yes I used a black 3x3 dish versus the Dark Stone Grey dish. I didn't mention it in the video as technically the grey colour is accurate to the real shuttle. I just preferred a black dish to keep the look consistent.
Those "off color" bricks are actually accurate to the real thing. Look up manufacturing pictures of the Shuttle and you'll see those green and light blue colors in those sections.
Hi Darth Spaul, Yes! I'm definitely aware that the real-world shuttle's frame and substructure were coated in mainly olive green. A few people have commented on the same thing in the comments here. That said I don't think Lego's riot of colours used is accurate to the real thing. Bright blue, yellow, red, azure?! + leaving gaps in the hull like Lego did to expose the substructure - I think would have been a significant 'engineering fail' for the shuttle in the real world! Thanks for commenting and happy building to you!
Hi RedFalcon94 - YES! : ) Most definitely, but at the moment I am desperately working on finishing my Castle MOC for a Lego Expo that is on the 1st weekend in April. Once that is over I can get on to this build. Several people have asked about it so I will make it a priority after the Expo.
Green and blue bricks are not a "wierdly coloured bricks" but make a lot of sense because the space shuttle construction was originally in that color...
Hi Krug3r60, yes I know much of the internal structure of the real-world shuttle was coated in a line green colour. But for the Lego model, having bright blue, light azure, red and yellow parts visible in places where they shouldn't be was a real shame and unnecessary. Hence my list of part replacement to fix the issue and help people out who are building the model!
It’s a decent group of changes, but I have to ask. Why did you remove the tail flaps?!? The tail does open wide on the actual shuttle, not just swing back and forth like an airplane tail. The opening of the flaps in opposite directions is for it to act as an airbrake during landing. Kinda sad that you removed that fun feature.
Hi Michael - it sounds like you may have missed the part of the video where I talk about how I appreciate the Lego designer for this model was trying to replicate the real-world shuttle's tail fin airbrake. But using wedge plates and the design 'as-is' looks terrible, doesn't match the shuttle's tail fin look (with the rudder being black outlined) and is not harmonious with the smooth look of the rest of the model. The mod I've done is the best that can be done using wedge brick elements. And from a cosmetic standpoint is huge improvement! It's not possible to get the rudder to have that smooth look, be the same shape and fit correctly to the tail fin body AND have splitting open mechanism, at this scale, with available Lego parts. But of course you are welcome to leave your model as-is or try out a mod of your own!
Hi there - without seeing your model I can't help specially. But please check the early instruction steps for the sliding component in the base of the bay of the model to see if you have made any mistakes. When you push the flap at the rear of the model the rear and front landing gears should spring down.
Hi Joshua, did you watch all of the video? I pointed this out @1:58 in the video and show footage of the shuttle's air braking system. Omitting this feature was unfortunately necessary to get the improved rudder to have the correct shape and smooth look - definitely worth it over the standard terrible looking 'plate built' tail fin!
The position of the landing gear would be hard to modify on this model given the retract and deploy functionality and how it's integrated with the rear flap under the engines. But perhaps a worthy project for you?
Hi there, the windows for this model are actually a custom printed part specifically made for this set by Lego. I don't think I could do a better job! ...and no alternate parts exist for the relatively small scale of the cabin/cockpit of this model that would work as alternatives. Thanks for commenting though, cheers, Simon!
Oh man! Yes I know, this has been weighing on my mind. : ( ...The year just got away with me, especially with so much focus early in the year on finishing my Fortress. There is hope for this though. I just committed to showing this model with a proper launch platform and the boosters & fuel tank - for a Lego Expo in November. Committing that model to the show was deliberate! ...as it's going to force me to get it built!
And it's worth it!! I commented on how the Lego designer was aiming to replicate the Shuttles' air brake in the video. But using plates and hinges to do it ruins the look of the tail fin. I'd rather a much better looking display model 😄
Haha - I understand that! But you can easily do the tail mod if you want to. It's easy to remove the tail, do a simple disassembly and build and fit the improved rudder.
Hi Red Dragon, no worries at all, the great thing about modding sets and our Lego hobby is that you can choose to customise your model anyway that you want to. ...or not at all, and go with the standard build. All the best!
the olive green is an easter egg/reference to the real space shuttles. all the internal structural elements of the real shuttle are that similar green
Hi Zed, thanks for commenting. Quite a few people have said the same thing. So I'm going to pin your comment & my reply. Oh yes! I'm very aware that the real-world shuttle's frame and sub-structure were mainly coated in an olive green coating - which the Lego designers were seeking to replicate. What wasn't on the real shuttle though was red, bright blue, azure and yellow elements, that were also visible from outside the shuttle! Which is why I swapped out many, but not all, of the off-coloured parts so that they didn't ruin the look of the finished model. Thanks again for sharing and happy building to you! : )
That’s pretty cool
Your presentation, tone, work, and style is so professional and thoughtful. You stick out so positively out of the usual LEGO UA-cam landscape. You put so much care into these videos!
That is so kind of you, thank you for your comments. It's reading comments like yours that makes me think I'll keep going with UA-cam. I now don't think I'm going to be 'successful' with UA-cam, I'm too niche and don't have the time with work to be making videos weekly. But I'd like to continue publishing videos from time-to-time that I hope help and add value to our Lego community in some way. Have a superb rest of your week!
I haven't read any comments on this, but there is a very simple modification to make: in the cockpit, replace the gray 1x1 plate (with a stud) that is behind the captain's seat (the one on the left), with a smooth black 1x1 plate.
Thus, you have a representation of the hatch that allows the crew to move between the cockpit and the lower deck.
A very small change but one that corrects a surprising oversight by Lego on an important element of the shuttle!
That sounds great Alain - and thanks for sharing this mod. I actually haven't opened up the cabin / cockpit since building my model but I'll have a look at this when I get to building the fuel tank and boosters for this model sometime later this year. Happy modding to you! Cheers, Simon
Just built this last night and my first thought was to replace the black 1x1 technic lift arms on the cargo bay doors with white. This video confirms my thought, thanks.
Hi DRUmBEaTTS - it's a very easy and yet effective mod to do! If you have the parts it'll take you less than 5 mins to get done. I'd also of course recommend that you also update your Shuttle's tail fin with the my fix- it will give your model a cleaner and better look in addition to swapping out those black lift arms on the bay doors for white ones. All the best to you!
I agree with Zed, the green is in reference to the internal structure that the designer noticed in his research of the real shuttle. This is also known as zinc chromate found on aircraft designed during that time period.
The modification you have done to the tail is fantastic. Such a simple change so no studs shown. If I ever got this I would definitely make the changes. 😀🔥🔥
Hi Ray, thanks for liking the mod and commenting on the video. I hope your builds are going well!
Just finished my shuttle, I took your suggestions and a few others…it turned out awesome…thx for the you tube vid…I love my shuttle
Thank you so much for letting me know Bob. It means a lot and and warms my heart when I hear back from people that are happy with a modification project I've either designed myself or recommended! Have a superb week. : )
Another possible solution to the payload hinges is a combination of the white short beams and black/white technic 1/2 bushes. I think they feel more true to life that way, and can be adjusted to one's liking and look even more like the real thing than the original
Hi Fabio, that's certainly an idea I like your thinking! The only issue is that those 1/2 bush parts in black and white colours are expensive/hard to find on BrickLink as they are from older sets with Lego mainly producing the 1/2 bush in yellow & medium stone grey. + You'd have to do some odd things with the hinge joins to use axles versus pins which may be a bit problematic. If you try it out let me know how you go, I'd love to see your results!
@@CraftedBricks haha yes! What a coincidence, I looked into the logistics a sort while ago as well and came into issues with the hinges and their overlaps, as well as the pieces being hard to find. I came upon another possible idea, of using the row of panels and rounded slopes right under the hinges instead. The hinges themselves all white and that row can be used for the black accents. I tried it out on studio and it seems promising; currently buying the pieces and eager to test it!
Excellent. It's funny, when I first saw it on the outta box. I thought the tail and the black on the payload doors looked odd. So it's great to see your modifications. It looks miles better, after you'd finished 👍. Great video. 👏
Thanks! Great minds think alike perhaps!? Free mod instructions and the list of parts you'll need if you choose to mod your own shuttle are on the Rebrickable page linked in the video's description. 🙂
I’ve also got the Saturn V which uses the same exhaust parts - but with glowing orange discs that simulate burning gas.
I plan to find and switch these in on the Shuttle too.
Now that's a good idea Alex! I may look at that mod too, I'm not sure yet though as I'm going to be mounting my shuttle to the solid state fuel tank + booster rockets in a future build. 🙂
Thats a fantastic idea!
You would need these parts for this:
- 3 x Plate, Round 2 x 2 with Axle Hole in white (4032)
- 3 x Tile, Round 2 x 2 with Open Stud in white (18674)
- 3 x Dish 3 x 3 Inverted (Radar) in Trans Orange (43898)
- 2 x Plate, Round 1 x 1 in Trans Orange (4073)
Thanks a LOT for this fixes, makes the finished product looking a LOT better!
However, you have missed some weird color parts which are still visible even after replacing all the parts you listed so some ugly colors are still ruining the build a bit...
- Step 16: Replace the 2 x red Technic 2L Notched Axles - with the same part - but in black (32062)
- Steps 27.5, 28.5, 30.4 and 31.3: Replace the 4 x red Technic 2L Notched Axles - with the same part - but in black (32062)
- Step 30.1: Replace the 1 x red Technic 6L Axle - with the same part - but in black (3706)
- Step 49: Replace the 2 x yellow 1x3 Tiles - with the same part - but in white (63864)
- Step 53: Replace the back 2 x olive green 2x8 plates - with the same part - but in light bluish gray (3034)
- Steps 62.1 and 75.1: Replace the 2 x blue 1x10 plates - with the same part - but in black (4477)
- Step 135: Replace the 2 x olive green 1x6 plates - with the same part - but in light bluish gray (3666)
- Steps 214 and 254: Replace the 4 x yellow Technic Bushes 1/2 - with the same part - but in light bluish gray (4265c)
- Steps 217 and 223: Replace the 2 x yellow Brackets 1x2-2x2 - with the same part - but in light bluish gray (44728)
- Step 242: Replace the 2 x blue Technic Axles 1L with Friction Ridges Lenghtwise - with the same part - but in black (43093)
- Steps 285 and 295: Replace the 4 x blue Technic Axles 1L with Friction Ridges Lenghtwise - with the same part - but in black (43093)
- Step 301: Replace the 1 x olive green 1x6 brick - with the same part - but in light bluish gray (3009)
- Steps 321 and 344: Replace the 2 x yellow 2x6 plates - with the same part - but in black (3795)
- Step 356: Replace the 1 x blue 2x3 plate - with the same part - but in light bluish gray (3021)
Hi Momorious - I like your eye for detail! I made most if not all of the part substitutions you listed in my own build - but for publishing my mod instructions and doing the video I stuck to only the key part colour changes needed to hide the lime green, yellow, red and blue parts that were very obvious in the shape transitions points of the wings and some other areas of the model. If I went too overboard people may think I'm a nutter! But thanks for sharing these additional changes, much appreciated! : )
04:04 I think swapping out the black for white Technic beams works out well. I mean thanks to the black technic pins you still get the intermittent black pattern, from a certain angle, but it’s not as overpowering as having the whole technic beams being black!
Ah yes, that was my thinking with the swap too - those series of 1L black Technic lift arms was overpowering and looked off, it's a subtler and cleaner look to it with those elements in white. Thanks for commenting and have a superb week!
I can’t wait for the boaster rocket upgrades
I love your videos! great as always!
Thanks Fenolly! I had a lot of technical issues with this video (audio editing is hard!) But all ok now and it's good to have another video out that hopefully inspires people to mod and improve their own set.
Great modifications and great video. I think it is just worth pointing out that although I do think the tail fin looks better with the modification, it reduces functionality. The tail fin of the space shuttle acted as an air brake and that feature is removed with the modification. Anyways, awesome work.
Hi Tomas, it sounds like you didn't watch all of my video! @2:00 I show footage of the real-world shuttle deploying its tail fin air-brake and I talk about how while I can see that the Lego designer was trying to mimic this feature, the look of the plate-built tail fin is way off and doesn't match the rest of model or look accurate. Thanks for commenting though and I hope this mod or mods are improvements you may make to your own Lego Space Shuttle! : )
Excellent video sir. All of your mods we're spot on, especially the tail redesign. One mod I would like to dabble in is the nose...seems it needs a be better "sloped" nose and underside
(if you get what I mean). Thoughts?
Thank you zealot951! Hmm modding the nose (I just swapped out some of the internal off-coloured parts at the tip and used a black 3x3 dish versus Dark Stone Grey) would be challenging as the Lego designer has actually done a good job of using available sloped elements to get everything from the cockpit to taper in nicely to the tip.
You may hit issues with parts not lining up or sitting right if you change the geometry. But don't let me put you off, tinker with it and see how you go!
I must have missed this comment. Yes I did see when viewing images of Discovery online that the nose cone was a grey and not black colour. So it's more a personal cosmetic choice for me to swap the Dark Stone Grey part out and use a black one. Thanks for sharing though, it's always fun to engage with Lego enthusiasts commenting on my videos.
If you are wondering, the Rudder is suppose to have 2 pieces it's suppose to be a air brake, I think he did good but it doesnt have the split.
Hi @@seline_hunter9122 I comment on exactly that @ 2:02 in the video! But note that using plates in this model to create the tail fin airbrake looks terrible and does not match the smooth look and feel of the whole model. Which is why I designed my replacement rudder. For display purposes I think it's better to have an accurate and good looking model versus matching the 'exact' functions of the real world shuttle. But I appreciate other people may want to keep the standard plate-built rudder. All good + happy modding to you!
Did you change the shuttle nose tip as the one what came with mine was grey .. looks better black
Thanks Browndog80! Yes I used a Black 3x4 dish and I think it looks better too. I didn't mention that in the video as the real-world shuttle has a grey nose cone so Lego using a Dark Stone Grey cone part is accurate.
The grey nose is what it looks like in real life. Definitely should have been a darker grey but the reason it’s like that is for when the shuttles is re entering the atmosphere and the normal heat shield tiles could not bend like that so they used a different heat shield. You can see the same with the leading edge of the wings
Thanks for sharing..can't wait to see the booster/fuel tank build any word when it will be uploaded I'm ready lol
No problem at all! I finished the launch platform + fuel tank + boosters build just last week.
And I managed to get the remaining filming I need to do done over the weekend. So I need a few nights to edit and produce the video (after work) - but the plan is to publish the video late this week! : )
I really want to do these mods but the parts list on the website you linked seems incomplete. Can you check if it includes both the tail modification and the color substitutions in the body of the model too? You showed some large triangular black pieces in this video that aren’t in the parts list on the site. Thanks!
Hi Cody - the information you seek is in the 'Details' tab on Rebrickable! The Inventory tab shows the parts for the tailfin & bay-door mods, and in the description where I talk about the off-colour part changes (Modification 3) there is a link to a separate parts list. The reason I separated the parts list is that I appreciate not everyone will want to do the off-colour part changes. But it's good to hear you are taking that mod on to as it does (in my opinion) make a positive different to the model. Enjoy!
I meant the 'Details' tab on Rebrickable. Let me know how you go.
First of all, great videos! Regarding LEGO's use of off-color parts. You've mentioned this in a couple of videos and I have an alternate way of thinking about them. First of all, I agree that these sets are targeted to adult LEGO expert builders -- but I believe LEGO does a lot of those parts in other colors for two reasons: 1) it still provides an entryway for intermediate builders (or even beginner builders) to enjoy advanced models, and 2) -- this is the bigger reason -- LEGO knows we adult collector/builders LOVE getting parts in new and interesting colors. I think they fully expect that a lot of us are going to color-swap parts, which leaves us with the the off-color parts in our collection for use in whatever else we dream up on our own. One shining example of this are the printed Bat symbol tiles built into the wings of the 1989 Batwing. They're completely hidden if you leave it as instructed. Of course I can't prove this, but I'd bet, if we dug into it, we'd find that LEGO completely expected people to swap those out so they could have a couple of cool Bat symbol tiles in our collection that we replaced with a couple of common black tiles. TL;DR: LEGO uses off-color parts in expert sets more as a fan-service to get cool parts in other colors than to make the build experience easier.
Hi Scott! Thanks you for sharing and you certainly have some very good points there. I particularly like your point about the off-colour or wide array of colour parts provided in sets being a source of parts for other builds and MOCs. And when I think on this point it may actually be how BrickLink sellers are able to source and stock parts in different colours for MOC builders like me - this is essential! On reflection I think I am 'okay' with the riot ofcolours for the internals of modern Lego sets - as long as they are 100% covered up in the finished build. Where they are not covered up and noticeably ruin the finished display value of a model (like they did for the BTTF Time Machine) then I think this is not okay and Lego need to adjust. That said I do have hope. I'm building the UCS Landspeeder at the moment - and while the internals look like a crazed Rainbow, the Lego designer has done a great job at ensuring all off-colour parts are fully covered up! Which is excellent. Again thanks for sharing Scott and happy building to you!
I'm so glad I saw this as I've just ordered this Lego set and I didn't like the look of the tail fins. Instant subscribe! Can't wait to see your follow up video of the fuel tanks as they are so iconic to the look of the Shuttle. Thank you so much! 🙂
That is excellent and very good to hear Millisecond Falcon. I'm glad I could help and thank you for subscribing! I am working really hard at the moment to get my Castle MOC ready for a Lego Expo in April. But once that is done and the Expo is over I can work on the Shuttle fuel tank and booster rocket upgrades. I've been asked by a few people about it, so I'll prioritize it for mid/late April.
Great improvement considerations! Congrats!
Thanks errajota, if you have already built your set, just doing the tail fin rudder upgrade and swapping out the Technic parts used for the bay door hinges, is the easiest. Doing the off-colour part swaps is near impossible post assembly, unless you really want to almost completely disassemble your set, which I wouldn't recommend!
I had to swap out an inner nose part that goes over the landing gear from a flat piece to an arched piece to get the landing nose gear to unfold. Not dure if its cause i missed something building my shuttle or a bad design. Im thinking of adding lights to mine.
Elige, I've had a few people comment to say they have had issues with the front landing gear, I'm glad to hear you have found a fix for your model. I bought the LigthMyBricks kit for this model and installed the rear thruster lights only (you can see this in my video where I build the Fuel tank, boosters and launch platform.) ...but I didn't fit or use the full kit to light up the cargo bay and front of the model. The reason being too many wires exposed in the bay, it looks off to me. But that's just my opinion maybe you'll enjoy lighting up the full model!
Only thing I disagree with is the changing of the green parts. The main structure of the shuttle is a dark-ish green that the parts match to, and in my opinion, add to the feel of the shuttle. Otherwise, it's a great model, aside from the odd tailfin that it comes with.
No problem Nil_shawn, that's the great thing about our hobby, you can customise and tune your model to be however you want it to be! I'm glad you enjoyed the video, I'd recommend at least fixing the tail fin / vertical stabilizer. It makes a huge difference to how the finished model looks.
Hi everyone - I had to re-upload this video to UA-cam due to an issue with the audio on the original (audible electrical hum @ 120 Hz in some parts of the video). Fixed now!
Thank you to petaa7, Ewan Cartwright, Min Min, Simon Moss and Sebastian for posting up great comments on the original video.
when you build the boosters and orange tank can you link a parts list for it? i just bought the shuttle waiting for it in mail :) and would love the full kit.
Hi Arman, I'm delayed on the boosters & tank build for the Shuttle due to a Lego Expo I am preparing for and exhibiting at. But you can already checkout the design and parts lists for this upgrade! I'll link to the designers main page on Rebrickable, there are a few variations he has designed: rebrickable.com/users/NG_Design/mocs/ I am building this version where there will be some painting of parts needed: rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-73206/NG_Design/space-shuttle-discovery-10283-upgrade-tank-and-booster-scale-170/#details
One of the main issues I have was definitely the tailfin. When I have time I'll see if it is possible fix the dual rudder speedbrake without removing the concept of it. The other thing is the "Discovery" wording, still not sure what I can do about that to fix the orientation... but we'll see. The undernose fluidity with the frame can be improved upon I'm sure. Also the stupid mismatched window color is annoying, so repainting may something to consider. Other than my nitpicking, I really like this shuttle :)
Hi Mewimi - it sounds like you are a fellow modder! Good to hear and best of luck with your mods. Stay tuned on the channel. I'm literally gearing-up today to film an intro to building the boosters, fuel tank and launch platform. It's a way overdue video, but I finally have time and I've committed to displaying the model at an expo at the end of November. 3 weeks will be a push to get everything done so I've many late nights ahead of me.
@@CraftedBricks Will do :3 I wonder if that can be improved upon also. Particularly the top of the cone. /hmm hahaha.
ordered the shuttle and would like to do all the mods in this video. looking at the shop it is 56 parts, would this be right, thanks
Hi Simon - the 56 parts is for the updated tail fin rudder & shuttle bay door hinge modifications. There's a separate parts list linked in the description of the mod on Rebrickable for the off-colour part swaps + 79 parts required for those changes. Listed separately as most people will just want to mod the tail fin rudder and bay door hinges.
@@CraftedBricks thank you, great job
Very nice work! In one of the videos about the set one of the designers spoke about 'ribbing' in the payload bay. They said it was added to strengthen the model however it can be removed you just need to be more careful with the model. They also said without the ribbing the Hubble fits in the bay without having to remove parts. Can you show this mod?
Awesome work looking forward to the next one!
Hi William - thank you so much for your support and comment! I've had a look over the instructions and it would be weird to remove internal ribbing and panels from the cargo bay as not only do they strengthen the model and support the bay doors but they also cover-up and hide the model internals.
The Hubble already fits snugly in the bay - but yes you have to remove the Solar Arrays when you stow the Hubble in the bay - which isn't too bad of a compromise. Sorry I can't help you out with this one. I do have a future video planned for this model - which is of course to build the large fuel tank and boosters - it's going to be Epic! ...but doing that build is a little way off, I have several other projects to complete and video before I get back to the shuttle.
Happy building to you!
@craftedbricks I have considered doing these mods to my Space Shuttle, especially since it got knocked off the shelf by my cat (She didn't mean it!). I am also looking to perhaps entirely remove the landing gear as I never used it, and building into the voids so that the underside is completely flush. Also, this would allow me to get rid of those unsightly humps on the tops of the wing structure that cover over the wheel bays.
That sounds good Thomas, and like me you'll likely find modifying and personalising your model to be very rewarding. It would be interesting to see how the model looks without those curved sloped elements that are thinking of removing. I think you may need something other than flat tiles in that transition from the wing to the vertical of the model fuselage, but I'm sure you will figure it out! Enjoy it!
Hey, I have a problem with my nose landing gear. I can't retract or deploy it because of a little mistake I've probably made. It's stuck on its position and I don't know a way to correct it with no big maneuvers to dismount the Discovery. Do you have any tip to correct this problem?
Hi Luiz, it's really hard for me to comment or help without seeing your set. Does the sliding mechanism running along the base of the cargo bay area move when you activate it from the back of the Shuttle?
@@CraftedBricks yes it's hard to have an idea with no image :/ I'll try yo explain what happened. There might be some errors in my english.
After concluding the set I've noticed the landing gear wasn't fully retracted and it couldn't extend too. I've looked through the bottom part of the Discovery and saw a grey piece colliding with a yellow one. That's why it was stuck.
Yesterday night I tried to solve the problem by removing the cabin to access the nose landing gear site. There was not anything different from the manual, but maybe a little mistake on the base or in the long piece that moves along the cargo bay. As they are hard to check I moved the nose landing gear up and closed the set again. Now it's retracted, but it won't deploy when commanding the gear down device
Hi Luiz, it sounds like maybe you made an error in the front landing gear & spring assembly steps. Please check step #132, 135 and 50 from the instructions. I wish I could help further, but without seeing your model I can't help more. I hope you get this fixed! Kind regards, Simon
@@CraftedBricks thanks a lot for answering! I'll try to fix it as soon as possible following your instructions you gave based on knowledge, that is a high one :) thank you. This is my first lego creator expert and I'm not used to build anything, so I have a poor knowledge regarding to this kind of subject
@@CraftedBricks Yes! I fixed it. The gray part was on the wrong way, small detail, but now it's working fine
Awesome! The model looks much better. Will rebuild my set accordingly as soon as I have all the pieces together. What about your supplement of the booster? I'm sure this will be the icing on the cake! Can't wait ...
Ah yes I am very overdue doing the Shuttle booster & fuel tank upgrade build & video. It will happen, I just have a few other videos and builds to get to before I can get back to this one.
A bit late to the party here but thank you for using the actual name of Dark Stone Grey. As a former Lego builder, it bothers the hell out of me when I hear 'dark or light Blueish grey' 🤦🏻♂️
No problem. It's actually often a quandary for me which colour term to use when I'm talking in a video. Lego uses 'Light/Dark Stone Grey' to refer to the grey colours in their palette. Whereas BrickLink uses 'Light/Dark Blueish Grey' when referring to the same colours!
Out of curiosity - what was the parts cost to build the booster rockets and tank?
Hi Steve - you can see the parts required and a cost estimate on the Inventory tab of the MOC in question: rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-73206/NG_Design/space-shuttle-discovery-10283-upgrade-tank-and-booster-scale-170/#details ...~$430. I've actually still not built this yet - the year's gotten away from me. But I've committed to to showing this model with the boosters, fuel tank and a launch platform, at a Lego Expo in November, so it will happen!
@@CraftedBricks I am SOOO looking forward to this!!
Where is the parts list to change out the odd colored sections while building?
Hi there, did you read the Description tab on the Rebrickable page for this mod? The part list is linked under Modification 3.
@@CraftedBricks thank you, somehow I missed that
Great video, and I'm so glad to have found your channel! I'm a Lego MOC noob, and I'll definitely be using your hints to improve my Discovery orbiter.
I wonder if you (or anyone else) have thought about converting this to the Enterprise (OV-01) atmospheric test vehicle, with the coping over the main engines, among other differences?
I'm also looking forward to your "full stack" build!
Sounds good Michael - if you need info on how to order Lego parts from BrickLink there's a tutorial on my channel that, although a long video, may help you out. ...I'm working on mods and fixes for the Delorian Time Machine now - it should be my next video!
The black parts on the side are actually on some shuttle versions IRL, so it’s not a problem.
Hi JOC, you may have missed the part in my video where I explain that yes the black hinges are on the real-world shuttle, but on the Lego model they are way too big and look very distracting. Swapping out the black parts for white gives the Lego Shuttle a much more clean and good look to it!
@@CraftedBricks yeah, I see that.
My rear landing gear is fixed is the up position there is a cross axis that prevents it from rotating
That seems to be a common problem. You may have to review the early stages of the build in the instruction manual and find out if you have made a mistake with your model. I hope you are able to solve it!
I can’t seem to buy these parts. Can you show me how?
Hi Peter - you can go the Rebrickable page for this MOC and click 'Buy Parts' if you can find a BrickLink seller that has 100% of the parts for the MOC then you just need to complete the order on BrickLink. I also have a detailed tutorial on 'how to buy Lego on BrickLink' that you can see here: ua-cam.com/video/m8htu67viQc/v-deo.html
Did you do anything to the nose? I remember it built using grey instead
Hi there, yes I used a black 3x3 dish versus the Dark Stone Grey dish. I didn't mention it in the video as technically the grey colour is accurate to the real shuttle. I just preferred a black dish to keep the look consistent.
Those "off color" bricks are actually accurate to the real thing. Look up manufacturing pictures of the Shuttle and you'll see those green and light blue colors in those sections.
Hi Darth Spaul, Yes! I'm definitely aware that the real-world shuttle's frame and substructure were coated in mainly olive green. A few people have commented on the same thing in the comments here.
That said I don't think Lego's riot of colours used is accurate to the real thing. Bright blue, yellow, red, azure?! + leaving gaps in the hull like Lego did to expose the substructure - I think would have been a significant 'engineering fail' for the shuttle in the real world! Thanks for commenting and happy building to you!
Are you still going to build the tank
Hi RedFalcon94 - YES! : ) Most definitely, but at the moment I am desperately working on finishing my Castle MOC for a Lego Expo that is on the 1st weekend in April. Once that is over I can get on to this build. Several people have asked about it so I will make it a priority after the Expo.
Green and blue bricks are not a "wierdly coloured bricks" but make a lot of sense because the space shuttle construction was originally in that color...
Hi Krug3r60, yes I know much of the internal structure of the real-world shuttle was coated in a line green colour. But for the Lego model, having bright blue, light azure, red and yellow parts visible in places where they shouldn't be was a real shame and unnecessary. Hence my list of part replacement to fix the issue and help people out who are building the model!
It’s a decent group of changes, but I have to ask. Why did you remove the tail flaps?!?
The tail does open wide on the actual shuttle, not just swing back and forth like an airplane tail. The opening of the flaps in opposite directions is for it to act as an airbrake during landing. Kinda sad that you removed that fun feature.
Hi Michael - it sounds like you may have missed the part of the video where I talk about how I appreciate the Lego designer for this model was trying to replicate the real-world shuttle's tail fin airbrake. But using wedge plates and the design 'as-is' looks terrible, doesn't match the shuttle's tail fin look (with the rudder being black outlined) and is not harmonious with the smooth look of the rest of the model. The mod I've done is the best that can be done using wedge brick elements. And from a cosmetic standpoint is huge improvement! It's not possible to get the rudder to have that smooth look, be the same shape and fit correctly to the tail fin body AND have splitting open mechanism, at this scale, with available Lego parts. But of course you are welcome to leave your model as-is or try out a mod of your own!
I had no intention of building mine until I saw that fuel tank addition...
Yes - I hope to have the time over my Christmas/NY break from work to get started on the fuel tank & booster build. It's going to be EPIC!
@@CraftedBricks your tail mod is a winner btw, as are most of your mods 👍🏼
Awesome. The rudder design is so weird I've sat here for 20 minutes trying to figure out what I did wrong. The stock design is just bad.
can anyone help me my back 2 wheel didn’t come out
Hi there - without seeing your model I can't help specially. But please check the early instruction steps for the sliding component in the base of the bay of the model to see if you have made any mistakes. When you push the flap at the rear of the model the rear and front landing gears should spring down.
I would like to point out that in the real shuttle the fin splits to slow it down and noticed that your mod doesn't do that
Hi Joshua, did you watch all of the video? I pointed this out @1:58 in the video and show footage of the shuttle's air braking system. Omitting this feature was unfortunately necessary to get the improved rudder to have the correct shape and smooth look - definitely worth it over the standard terrible looking 'plate built' tail fin!
this are subtle things but one thing that is really abnoxius to me on this model are the landing gears, they are nowere near were they should be
The position of the landing gear would be hard to modify on this model given the retract and deploy functionality and how it's integrated with the rear flap under the engines. But perhaps a worthy project for you?
those front windows look horrible. Do a video on replacing those with a more realistic and less rounded part!
Hi there, the windows for this model are actually a custom printed part specifically made for this set by Lego. I don't think I could do a better job! ...and no alternate parts exist for the relatively small scale of the cabin/cockpit of this model that would work as alternatives. Thanks for commenting though, cheers, Simon!
Where is the booster video haha
Oh man! Yes I know, this has been weighing on my mind. : ( ...The year just got away with me, especially with so much focus early in the year on finishing my Fortress. There is hope for this though. I just committed to showing this model with a proper launch platform and the boosters & fuel tank - for a Lego Expo in November. Committing that model to the show was deliberate! ...as it's going to force me to get it built!
the tail is smoother but you sacrificed the airbrake.
And it's worth it!! I commented on how the Lego designer was aiming to replicate the Shuttles' air brake in the video. But using plates and hinges to do it ruins the look of the tail fin. I'd rather a much better looking display model 😄
I ain’t undoing it lol.
Haha - I understand that! But you can easily do the tail mod if you want to. It's easy to remove the tail, do a simple disassembly and build and fit the improved rudder.
I disagree with the tail "fix" it ruins the functionality of the tail that's meant to be an air brake too.
Hi Red Dragon, no worries at all, the great thing about modding sets and our Lego hobby is that you can choose to customise your model anyway that you want to. ...or not at all, and go with the standard build. All the best!