As demand for this product still existed in the modeling market, the SpacePort decided to attempt "recreating" its own version of the original AMP Window Set, so that Shuttle Modelers could still obtain a usable copy of the only Shuttle Window system to visually replicate the apparent thickness of the windows used on the Orbiter's flight deck.
There are significant
differences between our recreated set and the original.
First, the AMP-Australia original set was furnished with either "die-cut" or "laser-cut" sheets of white and clear styrene, which provided the frame and glazing parts to make the windows.
Our frames were originally 3D-printed, using a Creality Ender 3 Pro PDM-type printer and white PLA filament.
Since that initial offering, we have acquired a Creality CR-Laser Falcon Laser Cutter/Engraver, which we now use to produce the window frame elements and to "etch" the window pattern into the surface of Clear Styrene sheets.
We provide the same elements
provided in the original AMP product:
- A set of six frames that combine with intervening clear elements to create the Port and Starboard side Front Cockpit Windows.
- A set of six frames that combine with intervening clear elements to create the two Aft Overhead Windows.
- A set of four frames that combine with intervening clear elements to create the Payload Bay-facing Aft Windows.
Our frame elements are provided partially attached to the sheet section they were cut from. The laser cuts through most of the styrene, so a light touch with an X-Acto knife and a bit of pressure will "pop" them loose from the sheet. This mode also provides support for the Frame elements during painting.
Templates for the Forward Cockpit Windows and the Aft Overhead & Payload Bay Windows are provided. Templates are laser-cut from either 80 lb. white card stock or 0.015" thick white styrene.
Since it is not possible to cut clear Styrene plastic sheet with a laser, we originally provided an appropriately sized section of 0.010" clear styrene stock, so the modeler can trace the clear elements with a scribe, using the supplied template and cut out the clear sections for assembly. In our current production, we are using a "backing sheet" to "catch" the laser's energy and allow the clear window patterns to be "etched" onto the clear sheet, providing a built-in template for cutting out the clear sections.
PLEASE NOTE - As we still have a small number of 3D-printed versions of the window frame sets still available, we want the Buyer to please specify which version they prefer - 3D-printed or laser-cut. If no choice is provided with your order, we will ship the 3D-printed version first, until our supply of those is exhausted.
All new stock going forward will be made with the laser-cutter.
Ad Astra per Formae!