Part 2 - 1/72 Space Shuttle Tile Decals from Space Models Photography

One of the many challenges that can also be intimidating is when it comes to detailing the shuttle's lower thermal protection tiles. I have seen some rather innovative method involving painting over a mesh to attempt to get the tile look, and some even went to the extent of using small strips of masking tapes (a lot of work there). The problem here is that all those tiles are not a blanket flat black or dark grey, but rather a combination of very small brick patches with varying dark to light tones.

The Thermal Protection System (TPS) tiles serves as a barrier that protects the Orbiter during atmospheric re-entry when temperatures can reach a searing 1,650 °C (3,000 °F). They also protect the shuttle from the heat and cold of space while in orbit.  Each type of TPS had specific heat protection, impact resistance, and weight characteristics, which determined the locations where it was used and the amount used.

Infra-red scans of a shuttle's atmospheric re-entry shows an uneven distribution of heat throughout it's lower hull during re-entry. This in turn will produce more wear and tear at certain areas. Hence depending on the tile conditions, some will be eventually replaced. This explains why certain areas of the lower hull are seen with patches of fresh black areas (replacement new black tiles) while others looked really worn out but still there.  Here is an example of tile damage on a shuttle.

More after the jump.



Space Shuttle Lower Thermal Protection System (TPS) Tiles Reference

If you look closely, the layered tiles follow a brick formation. And all of them has a very weathered and tattered look. Not easy painting these and shuttle modelers worldwide depends on after market decals to compliment their builds for these areas. However, not many companies are producing these nowadays, and looking for them can be akin to finding a needle in a haystack.

Catalyst Creations used to produce a lot of great after market parts for the space shuttle kits, inclusive of the tile decals. Unfortunately the company has folded a long time ago, and the only way one can get that decal is either via eBay or if you know someone who has them.

But don't be disheartened just yet. Catalyst Creations is not the only company that provides the lower hull decals, and I have to admit, this one that I am highlighting here is by far is the most accurate, as they are based on actual photographs of the Orbiter's lower hull. I actually knew about this from my FB page's comment section and it took me nearly three days to locate Space Models Photography.


Space Models Photography

Revell 1/72 shuttle with custom made underside decals. OMS re-entry firing
http://www.keithmcneill.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Atlantis%20OMS%20Firing4.jpg

Managed by Keith McNeill, Space Models Photography uses actual photographs and transfer them into decal forms. He can do this for the 1/200 Hasegawa kits as well as the 1/144 and 1/72 Revell kits (which will also fit the 1/72 monogram kit). However, due to postage rates escalating from the US where he gets his decal papers from, and also with the increase in postage rates in the UK, he had to produce them at double the cost from his original pricing and fears that the prices may be too expensive for most people. The quality however is unequivocal to any other decals out there and this is probably the best shuttle tile decal there is for the lower hull.

Now please take note that the decals have been produced directly from photographs of the shuttle in orbit and are therefore not artwork, but photographic images. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DECALS ARE ONLY FOR THE ORBITER UNDERSIDE TILES TO DENOTE THE WEAR AND TEAR OF MULTIPLE RE-ENTRIES.

Despite escalating costs, Keith however will still continue to produce these if there are still enough demands for them. His current prices are as follows (and they are quite reasonable):

Cost per set as below which includes post and packing and Paypal charges (Paypal address is keithmcneill@blueyonder.co.uk ) and should be made in GBP Sterling. You can also use the same email address to put forth your inquiries.

• 1/144 scale Revell kit: £10 + £6.00 post and packing/Paypal fee TOTAL  £16.00
• 1/200 scale Hassegawa kit: £10 + £6.00 post and packing/Paypal fee TOTAL £16.00
• 1/72 Revell and Monogram versions  £40 + £8.00 post and packing/Paypal fee TOTAL £48.00 (please state which kit) - equivalent area of 2 x A4

The 1/72 decals are split into four A5 sheets. Please note that these are 1/72 scale designed to match the Revell and Monogram kits, and may not fit any other manufacturers' kits.

Not only am I impressed with this quality of work, but I have also put in my orders with him. If you need more convincing, just check out Matt Irvine's build on the Hasegawa 1/200 Space Shuttle HERE

Some advice from Keith regarding his decal application

NOTE: These decals have been produced on an Epson R800 pigment inkjet printer. As these decals are not commercially produced, more care and attention is required during application and slight touching up may be required with paint or ink at the seams. In some cases the decals made need to be trimmed to fit as I have allowed a slight overlap. Although I have had success in cutting into the image before immersing in water with no ink run, I wouldn't necessarily recommend that - just in case. Probably best to trim once in place and had time to dry out a bit. And just in case you find it necessary there are some spare lengths of decal on the sheet, including some lengths of black tiling 
They have been printed on white decal film as inkjet ink is fairly translucent, although you can trim right to the edge of the decal before placing in water and the ink won't run.

I would suggest cutting with a scalpel/Exactoblade and straight edge as cutting close up to the printed decal with scissors could damage the edge. I found that the most awkward pieces to apply were the outboard wing sections. I would suggest you start at the rear and work your way towards the nose.

The decals have been sealed with Games Workshop Citadel Colors Purity Seal (satin varnish), so please ensure any final coating you use after completing the model is compatible. Before I forget, some more suggestions for application of the decals;

1. I suggest you start at the rear and work your way forward.
2. The outer wing decals are the trickiest because of their shape, so a bit more care and attention is required.
3. As mentioned previously because of their size the decals tend to shrink slightly as they dry so I enlarged them by 2%. I found I had gaps of roughly 0.5 - 1.0 mm on my test.
4. If the decals are a bit sticky on leaving the backing paper, immerse in water again as there is a slim possibility if you force them the ink will separate from the paper. It shouldn't, but just to be on the safe side.
5. Similarly I wouldn't put down Future/Pledge/Johnson Kleer first. Because some of the decals such as the body flap are edge to edge you probably will need to use it, but I laid down the decal first and then raised edges and brushed on the Future underneath it.
6. You might see the decals wrinkle slightly as they dry, but as mentioned above they tend to shrink slightly and will flatten down.
7. Don't think decal setting solution will work as there is the Purity Seal coating on the decals.
8. Decals are numbered as per the decal placement image I previously sent. Apart from decal no. 11 when the printer just couldn't quite fit on (I was really at the limit to fit these decals onto 4 sheets). All other unnumbered decals are spares for use at gaps or for mistakes, including some lengths of black tiling.

Space Models Photography's Decals on Revell's 1/72 Shuttle

http://www.keithmcneill.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Atlantis%20on%20glide%20slope2.jpg

Space Models Photography's Decals on Revell's 1/144 shuttle model

http://www.keithmcneill.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Final%20ISS%2010k.jpg

http://www.keithmcneill.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/STS-133%20%284d%29%20Amended.jpg