SJMc Engineering Space Ferry with photos

[McColm]

The SJMc Engineering Space Ferry is capable of carrying and the launching the NASA Space Shuttle or reusable spacecraft of a similar size plus satellites from a heights over 55,000ft .
Three Space Ferries have been built so far one based in the USA, one for the European Space Agency and the other first leased to the former USSR, then to India and now China.
The format is of a very large twin-boom-twin tail layout with the cargo payload fitted underneath the connecting wing, dual controls until take off (for manoeuvring). The engines are fitted on underwing pylons on both sides with the provision for rockets to assist at higher altitudes or for heavier payloads. Once the Space Ferry reaches the desired height it banks up for the 'Batty Toss' to help the launch of the payload and avoid any collisions that may occur due to technical problems.
The Space Ferry can carry upto three satellites and launch them in succession before coming back down at the allocated landing site.
When not needed for Space Duties the Space Ferry is used for hauling oversized payloads.

The kits

1/72 Amodel 72201 White Knight & SS1
1/288 Academy/Hobby Model  Kits 12708 Space Shuttle & NASA Transport
1/288 Academy/ Hobby Model Kits 120707 Space Shuttle & Booster Rockets
1/144 Revell 4543 Discovery Space Shuttle (might be used for another project)

The plan

To build the Amodel as per instructions apart from the control pod and SS1. As these parts will be used on my other projects. The 12707 Space Shuttle will be carried underneath without the outer booster rockets. Necessary parts used from the 12708 kit. With a kitbash using the leftover parts for the next project.

[McColm]

The Amodel does have the parts numbered on the instructions but not stamped on the plastic parts. There's a lot of sanding to be done before gluing.
The 1/288 kit is more like a Snapfast model but becareful of what you trim off, the tail cone from the Space Shuttle doesn't fit. Not too worry with a bit of bodging I won't need it
The Boeing 747 engines and landing gear will be plundered.
A slight miscalculation on my part of the size of the Amodel kit to the 1/288 Space Shuttle. Not perfect but better!

[kerick]

It reminds me of Stratolaunch.

[McColm]

It reminds me of Stratolaunch.

A few tweaks and it would look very similar, I might be able to buy six turbofan engines on ebay.

[kerick]

It reminds me of Stratolaunch.

A few tweaks and it would look very similar, I might be able to buy six turbofan engines on ebay.

As I recall the engines and many other parts were taken from a couple of 747s.

[McColm]

https://flic.kr/p/2rwtKnU

This is the best I can do for now, I just need to find away to reveal the photo without you clicking on the link.