NASA Shuttle Crawler and Launch Platform
About this creation
This is a MOC based around the LEGO Discovery series shuttle; including the launch platform, the tractor crawler, the Shuttle External Fuel Tank and Solid Rocket Boosters. I recently completed the rest of the launch complex, including the Fixed Service Structure and the Rotating Service Structure.
The new pictures are from the 2006 "Rockets for Schools" event in Sheboygan, WI.
Source material came from the NASA website , and an excellent model at this site
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Overview of the shuttle on the launch platform, with the tractor crawler beside it.
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Closeup of the front of the launch platform. The sandcrawler in the background isn't going far without the treads it donated to the cause :)
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View of the back of the launch platform. The Solid Rocket Boosters are partly held together by (LEGO) rubber bands -- I don't *think* that's cheating...
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I built the Tractor Crawler so that the inside engines and motors are visible. To me it seemed kind of boring otherwise.
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The Tractor Crawler carries the shuttle and launch platform from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the place it will launch.
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Side view, showing the connections between the main fuel tank and the SRB's. One of the most difficult parts of the build was making the EFT look right, and be stable enough to support the weight of the shuttle.
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A closeup of the Rotating Service structure -- the lower level fits over the OMS pods at the tail of the shuttle and keeps the pods warm and from absorbing excess moisture. The white structure in the center is the payload changeout facility, used to prepare cargo to be placed in the shuttle.
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The shuttle and attached umbilicals from the Fixed Service Structure. The Rotating Service Structure (on the right) is attached at pivot points to the FSS.
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A picture of me with the Sheboygan Space Society display.
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closeup of the orbiter midbody umbilical unit, with part of the the payload changeout room in the far left of the image, and a hinged barrier on the lower right that swings out and extends between the shuttle's wings and the External Fuel Tank
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Closeup of the oxygen vent arm and hood, as well as the hammerhead crane used for hoisting heavy loads during pad operations
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Modified Tractor Crawler (I originally made it too long and high relative to the rest of the structure)
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Closeup of the SRB's resting atop the flame trenches through the launch platform.
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Back view of the launch complex and the hydrogen vent umbilical arm (midbody)
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Comments
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I like it |
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December 18, 2011 |
You are a Lego rocket scientist. That is one of the best Lego creation i have seen! |
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I like it |
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May 25, 2011 |
DUDE! Very nice build! I'm a space program/NASA freak and was wondering if you have any tips to make the SRBs and the ET just right. I've tried in the past and failed. |
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I like it |
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November 19, 2010 |
That is the best lego creation ive ever seen! |
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I like it |
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September 24, 2010 |
omgX34983247329479234823894328947329478932 |
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I like it |
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June 2, 2010 |
amazing, i couldn't build it if i wanted to, wow |
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That's AMAZING!! Holy Cow! Very cool. |
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I like it |
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September 18, 2009 |
Hello, I just wanted to say that I love your model. I was wondering if you would be willing to tell me how you designed the SRB's and External Tank. I have tried repeatedly to build some on my own and just can't figure it out. I would greatly appreciated any pointers or schem. that you have. Thanks. Agian, outstanding model. |
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I like it |
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August 16, 2009 |
that is the setup ive seen |
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I like it |
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May 29, 2009 |
:o WOW!!!!! |
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i got to ask do u keep all ur mocs!? |
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I like it |
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January 28, 2009 |
dude holy !#@{! |
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Hi Brian,
great build. Are you willing to give my the posibility to rebuild parts of it in a one-to-one? I am interesset in the shuttle, tank, the 2 rockets and the basic lanchpad including the access tower.
Thanks in advance for your reply. |
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I like it |
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October 18, 2008 |
This is a fantastic scale model and is inspirational this is the reason why i love building lego models as for cost i would say based on the cost of some of my larger models there is about £1500+ of lego or($2000+USD)This is a great investment of time money and love gone into this Model. Have a look at my models I haven't got my larger pieces on the site yet. |
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I like it |
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Ray Templeton April 5, 2008 |
That looks great!! very good job!
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I like it |
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January 19, 2008 |
A bit more point on the SRBs. |
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I like it |
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September 8, 2007 |
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! best lego model ever! how long did this take to build. |
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I like it |
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June 28, 2006 |
That's bloody awesome! |
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I like it |
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March 7, 2006 |
That's great. I just imagine a night scenery with lights on... |
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I like it |
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February 28, 2006 |
love it ! always wanted to try something like this myself....great job. |
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I like it |
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February 26, 2006 |
Great work! I once built the 1/144 scale Revell plastic kit of the shuttle plus launch complex and your Lego version looks very similar. All you need now is the launch tower... |
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