I have and this works great will send some pics now have to run I'll touch base another time

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I am just wondering if it might be to fragile from ball strikes. Thanks for any input.
Steve[quoted image][quoted image]

As far as longevity I can tell you that I've had mine in my machine for roughly 24 years now and it's held up fine except for yellowing of the decals it's an ideal replacement. I added extra support on the underside to attach switches and strengthen and had to heavily modify the rear end of the shuttle and the underside to make room for it to fit under the back glass. I've done a number of things to customize my machine over the years and this is still my favorite addition, good luck, and if you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me

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Reproductions are out there. No need to substitute unless you want to. Here's one I found easily.

https://www.pinball.center/en/shop/pinball-parts-by-game/space-shuttle/8028/space-shuttle-with-decals-03-7924?c=2135

Likely someone stateside sells them as well for around $40.

And So It Begins, keep in mind you won't need to attach the bottom side of the Wings you're going to need every millimeter of space you can muster. I also moved the shuttle right to the front of the entrance of the ramp to give me a little more space on the rear end as well. The rear end of the shuttle is going to need the most modifications, I moved the humps from the top to the sides and then leveled the top with some sheet styrene. Now any material that needs to be removed to get the shuttle to fit can be removed from the bottom, keeping the overall appearance of the shuttle fairly proper.

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If I had it to do over again, I would have saved save that rear stabilizer, it can be strategically attached to the Playfield glass as that shuttle rides directly up against the glass. I did a simple mock-up last night with a bent business card to give you an idea. I wish I would have kept that part.

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Looking good, cool to see a blank canvas again. Cargo doors open is a great idea, if you can swing it. Another opportunity to add more detail to a great scale version of the shuttle.

That's looking really awesome, have you tried it under the glass to make sure it's going to fit?

Sounds like a lot of work, it'll be worth it ,Great playing machine. All of this talk of the custom shuttle model has inspired me,am working on mine this evening, putting lights in. I've wanted to do that for a long time.

Best of luck, good idea but I dont think it will hold up over time. I am a model maker and the plastic probably wont take the hits over time. I am glad the factory toy is a thin shell that can flex when the ball goes into the ramp. It takes a beating and the kits are too rigid and thin. Looks better I agree but maybe by the repro and add details you like. Anything glued will surely come off and end up wedged in bad place. I cant imagine this lasting.

Here's the thing, I agree the Plastic is a lot more rigid then the original shuttle toy, and the same model I built when I was 13 to put up on a Shelf wouldn't hold up in my pinball machine today, however if you're building the model with the intention of putting it into a pinball machine and add extra support , use the right adhesives Etc.it can be pretty solid. I've had mine in my machine for 24 years and have never had a problem nor needed to adjust it. Dumb luck, Maybe, but I'd take that over what the original shuttle toy would look like after 10 years in any machine that gets some serious gameplay.

I'm sure you know this then but that Extreme power adhesive medium from hobby lobby is the bomb. That would be strong enough hopefully. I played my space shuttle tonight and have your work cut out for you. Woild live to see some extra mods like the 2 fuel rockets or a real astronaut tethered instead of the plastic. Love to see this,with the small ceiling with the glass you have your work cut out for you.

Would live to see some extra mods like the 2 fuel rockets or a real astronaut tethered instead of the plastic
I couldn't agree more, like this guy

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Very cool, just what I was thinking of.

I had a chance over the weekend to add some lights to my shuttle model, long overdue. I also went in and added some new Flames to the reverse painted Playfield glass so they can now be backlit. I tied the lights under the Flames into the flickering shuttle exhaust flames on the back glass. Still need to add a dimmer switch to the cockpit light, always something.

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Does anyone have the instructions on how to put together the replacement space shuttle toy?

Great job, looking really good. Especially like the detail around the cockpit windows. And those open bay doors, great choice, love how you can hide the switch.

So much better than the original. Congratulations.

Hmm, definitely looks better than original... I may do this.

For those who want a new "original", they are out there. Bought mine at Pinfest a few years ago, have yet to get to it.

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Wow the finished version looks super nice, good job. Especially like liner on the inside of the bay doors. Now the real work begins. If you're looking for some inspiration on the restore check out beatmaster thred on the shuttle restoration he did. Very inspiring. Also check out the space shuttle Club lots of like-minded individuals can give you plenty of advice along the way. Good luck

Well I'm finally close to finishing my restoration and wanted to post the shuttle as it sits on the ramp. I also acquired some mission patch decals for the Challenger and Columbia crews that I would like to incorporate. Looking for help with ideas on placement for the decals. Thanks

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Thanks for the tip. That site wouldn't ship to the US, but as of today, (March 2020), they are available at Little Shop of Games in FL:

https://littleshopofgames.com/shop/playfield-parts/figures-and-toys/space-shuttle-ship-model-with-decals-for-williams-pinball-machine/

Cool modded realistic spaceshuttle i ordered with booster lighting effect. A tribute to the legendary Columbia and the crew. RIP.
https://www.coinoppartsetc.com/product/games-parts-pinball-machine-parts/williams-space-shuttle-pinball-machine-game-columbia

That's a cool looking piece, one I've not seen before. Can you post an image of it once it's installed on the space shuttle members thread

I Sure will.
It's supposed to have a real cool thruster effect as well.
I should have it back from shop in the next 2 to 3 weeks.

Put the decals on BEFORE you rivet on the switch bracket. It's practically impossible to get the big decal on smoothly with the rivet lumps beneath it.