Space Shuttle

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• Introduction

If you here I'm sure like my self you have a fascination with this iconic space shuttle!

The phrase "pinnacle of what is the best of us" lies deep in this shuttle for me and so I decided to try and design my own.

I've never been huge fan of glue so I mostly designed this model around M3 screws (16mm shaft length) you will need 15 of them

Only places that required to put some glue is the following small parts;

• ss_aft_section_engines (only the ones with no screw holes)
• ss_fins_left_white
• ss_fins_right_white
• ss_flight_deck_overhead_windows
• ss_flight_deck_windows_black
• ss_flight_deck_side_hatch_black
• ss_flight_deck_side_hatch_white

other than that, this entire model can be secured in place with M3 screws.

• Model Size

The default model dimensions for this model are as follows;

1. Width : 23.7 cm
2. Length : 40 cm
3. Hight :  14 cm

• Print Tips

This model consist of 27 parts. 

Each part is already digitally saved in its correct print orientation so you don't have to think much, you can still move it and orientate it for what works best for you but I thought to add this for you to make your build process easier.

Use brims and heat the bed correctly for good adhesion for the parts that are towers.

0.2 mm layer height is perfectly fine to print. I printed at 0.16 because I like to have the best print details on all my models. 

15% Infill - Gyroid.

Vertical printing for clean walls is recommended on all parts that can be printed both horizontal or vertical I say this only if you care how well your prints look like without any ugly stepping lines that comes by default with FDM printers. (The choice is yours)

There are 8 Hinges which are all “print in place” by design.

I have modified and sized the hinges to work perfectly with this model, the hinges are already included.

I used the Parametric hinges by @FM_165210, they awesome and if you haven't already checked them out please do so they great and really work so well! you can find the link here.

https://www.printables.com/model/307580-parametric-hinge

The hinges must be printed then attached to the doors, I recommend doing this at the end, as the final print, once the hinges are printed don't turn them yet rather first click them into place on the payload base [ss_payload_bay_base_white] then attach the doors (make sure the left and right doors are fitted in correct order) you will know if it is wrong if you realize they are not matching the holes. 

Once the doors are fitted, then use the doors to turn the hinges they should be little tight to begin with but they then loosen with some nice resistance.

If you don't have an AMS you can just print them black it still looks good.

I designed all parts to be very printer friendly so supports are not required accept for the very minimum supports on the one part [flight_deck_nose_black] (its for the overhang) 

Hint: Use tree organic with very thin support strength because you will need to take it off, the space is fairly small so make sure to clean all the support interfaces off or you will struggle to fit the part in its parent.

• Scaling

If you decide to scale this model please keep in mind that the screw holes will no longer fit the intended M3 (16 mm/1.6 cm) shaft length. So if you scale this model you will need to glue the entire model together instead. The model is already a nice decent size to fit most printers.

I will probably include in the near future a version of this model without any screw holes but for now it wasn't my vision, there is just something about seeing metal against plastic that makes the model look more premium.

• Assembly Guide

Assembly is very straight forward rather do sections first like the front first then back then middle. 

When you start using the screws make sure you get all the parts that the screw's go in, flush, if you see a separation gap then you need to unscrew and start again till it is fitted snug and flush.

the holes do not have threads the intention is to have them tight so the M3 screws makes it's own threads into the plastic. 

• Front

• Back

• Middle

• Bottom

Hope you enjoy!