Rewrites: NONE YET
For our next Eaglemoss vs. The World review, we are going to depart from the regular lineup of Standard Edition, Special Edition and Bonus Edition models. This review is going to also differ from others that I typically write, in that it will cover four different Eaglemoss models in one article. This is because, this time around, we are reviewing the Shuttlecraft Collection Set 5.
Photo Credit: Eaglemoss
What is an Okudagrams you might ask? An Okudagram is essentially schematics of of a ship. The first ones were created by Mike Okuda of Star Trek reknowned. He was famous for his designing these for ship's computer displays.
Image Source: LCARSGFX Blog
As I mentioned, the magazines are smaller than the normal magazines that we are used to, and are more like little informational inserts that don't cover as much information as the regular magazines. They also do not fit in any of the Eaglemoss binders. I do have a remedy for this and you can read more about that at the end of the article.
Another thing to note about these Shuttlecraft Collection sets is that the stands for the models are much different than other models from Eaglemoss. They are basically tiny little tables that the shuttle rests on.
Last but not least, I will hold off my final judgement on the value of the set until the very end.
And so, let's jump into the shuttles and take them for a spin.
Air Tram
Per Memory Alpha and Beta, "The air tram was a Federation passenger transport that was in service with Starfleet in the late 23rd century. These trams were used for transporting Starfleet personnel between air tram stations. The air tram was compartmentalized into a passenger cabin and a cockpit."
If you would like to read more official stuff on this type of ship, feel free to check out the following links:
Air Tram Class Information: Memory Alpha LINK and Memory Beta LINK
The entire model is covered with a very light aztec pattern which in my opinion is well done and breaks up the monotony of what would be a very plain white model. The rear of the model is painted to look like windows.
The sculpt and mold work is equally nice, detailing things like doors and anti-gravity pads.
The model's join seam is well hidden among the ship's natural lines.
All in all, it's a nice little model.
Orbital Shuttle
My collection of this type of shuttlecraft consists of the Eaglemoss model and a MicroMachine model.
We first get to see this starship in the movie called Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986).
Per Memory Alpha and Beta, "The Federation orbital shuttle was a type of shuttlecraft utilized in and around Earth and the Earth Spacedock."
If you would like to read more official stuff on this type of ship, feel free to check out the following links:
Orbital Shuttle Class Information: Memory Alpha LINK and Memory Beta LINK
As you can see, the Eaglemoss model is about twice the size as the MicroMachine version, which really isn't that big.
Eaglemoss vs. MicroMachine
Eaglemoss vs. MicroMachine
Here are several more views of the Eaglemoss model.
My one complaint about this model is that it does not sit well on its stand because of the rounded underbelly.
The sculpt and mold work on this model is rather well done. The model boasts lots of panel lines.
The rear of the model bears lots of molded details as well, including the engine housing.
I particularly liked the molding that creates a very cool engine scoop and additional cooling exhaust.
The paint work on the model is interesting. It bears lots of little details all over the ship.
I'm not sure if Eaglemoss was trying to create some sort of fancy aztecing, but on my model, the paint gives the ship a very weathered and dirty appearance. I would not expect to see this on a Starfleet vessel that is used at one of the main Federation starbases.
Once again, Eaglemoss did another good job on blending in the joins and seams of the model's build.
This is another nicely done model in the shuttle set.
This is another nicely done model in the shuttle set.
Type 4
Per Memory Alpha and Beta, "The Type-4 shuttlecraft (also known as the Class G shuttlecraft) was a type of small spacecraft, a shuttlecraft in use by the Federation's Starfleet in the 23rd and 24th centuries. This model of shuttle was functionally identical to the Class F shuttlecraft, with many cosmetic differences. Ships of this type entered service in the year 2269 on a provisional basis." They go on to say this about the Galileo, "The shuttle was assigned to the USS Enterprise-A in the mid-2280s, when that starship was commissioned in 2286. Galileo was the latest of a series of shuttles to bear that name, with previous examples having been assigned to the earlier USS Enterprise."
If you would like to read more official stuff on this type of ship, feel free to check out the following links:
Type 4 Class Information: Memory Alpha LINK and Memory Beta LINK
Galileo (2287) (NCC-1701-A/5) Information: Memory Alpha LINK and Memory Beta LINK
Mine came in the mail with a slight malfunction. Luckily, I'm a model builder and was able to repair the problem with a little super glue.
The paint work on this model is a lot more simple than on the last two we just looked at. While there is still lots of details covering the model, the lack of any sort of aztecing makes the ship stand out brightly.
The painted details carry well from front to back, and include the shuttle's number on the rear hatch.
The lift thrusters are also painted, giving the bottom of the ship some color and helping break up the overall plain white look. The sculpt and mold work are crisp and precise, showing off the key elements of the ship, and include a very well done rear hatch.
Unfortunately, there is no clear plastics on the ship's nacelles, and I'm pretty sure that the model's size played a part in this.
Eaglemoss did surprise me though, with adding some clear plastics to represent the impulse engines.
Depending on the angle at which you view your model, the join seam is more noticeable on this ship.
Even with that negative though, this model also turned out rather well done.
Type 8
Per Memory Alpha and Beta, "The type-8 shuttlecraft was a class of small Federation Starfleet shuttlecraft in operation in the late 24th and early 25th centuries. The type-8 shuttlecraft was introduced into service in the late 2360s decade and was the standard shuttlecraft design incorporated into many starship classes, including the Intrepid-class." They go on to say this about the Tereshkova, "The Tereshkova (NCC-74656/01) was a Federation type-8 shuttlecraft in Starfleet service in the late 24th and early 25th centuries, assigned to the starship USS Voyager as shuttlecraft number 01."
If you would like to read more official stuff on this type of ship, feel free to check out the following links:
Type 8 Class Information: Memory Alpha LINK and Memory Beta LINK
Tereshkova Information: Memory Alpha LINK and Memory Beta LINK
From the top and sides, this model stands out as being very well detailed when it comes to the paint work. Almost every where you look on the model, you will find some key element and detail painted.
And the sculpt and mold work is equally impressive, with panel lines, engine components and that rear door hatch all showing up in nice crisp tactile detailing.
The bottom of the model is the one place where the paint work is not so prevalent, however, I don't think there was that much in way of important ship's parts that needed a splash of paint.
On this model, Eaglemoss did manage to figure out how to insert clear blue plastics to represent the warp grills.
Although the bussard collectors are painted, the overall look gets the job done nicely.
And Eaglemoss once again did a fine job of blending in the joins and seams of this model.
And that is all the pictures and comparisons I have to share on this ship collection at this time. As for pricing, I will continue with the tradition of rounding up the most inexpensive Buy-It-Now prices from eBay at the time of this article's writing. Prices were researched last on July 7th, 2020, and at that time, you could get the set either from eBay or direct from the US Eaglemoss WebStore for around $100 plus shipping.
Before I give my final verdict, let me explain something about my feelings of costs. I have always liked the Eaglemoss Standard Edition line of models, because I feel that for around $20 to $30, you get a fairly decent pre-built and pre-painted model. While I do like to build and paint my own models, deep down inside, I am lazy and would rather buy an already finished model, if the price is right. At $20 to $30, the price is definitely right for what you typically will receive. And so, we come to the discussion of price for this set.
At the above quoted price, you are essentially paying $25 a ship for a model that is much smaller than their equally priced Standard Edition siblings. If I was going to base my decision on that alone, I would already be steering you away from buying the set.
HOWEVER, As I went through the individual models in this set, I realized that Eaglemoss did an overall fantastic job recreating all four ships. Given the size, they also detailed them all really well. And last but not least, other that the Orbital Shuttle's stand, I had no major gripes about any of the models.
This is one shuttlecraft set that I actually feel comfortable giving my endorsement to and saying, go ahead and add it to you fleet if you are so inclined to spend the $100.
BONUS ROUND!!!
Every once in a while, I'll have a little extra stuff to share with you that sort of fits in with my comparison articles.
Unfortunately, I apparently never took a picture of my entire shuttle collection fleet at this stage. And since they are all packed away in storage right now, you will have to settle for these two pictures instead.
I had mentioned at the beginning of this article about how the shuttlecraft collection magazines were not standard sized. In fact, Eaglemoss does not sell a binder that can fit them. I suppose that if Eaglemoss ever sold a Discovery Line of folders, those would work as they are similar in size, but alas, there is no such item available.
I really liked having all my magazines kept nice and neat in those binders, so I did some experimenting on how to be able to store those magazine. This was my solution...
Rather than make this already long article even bigger, you can read about how I accomplished this and if you feel so inclined, do it yourself. You can read that article at THIS LINK.
Unfortunately, I apparently never took a picture of my entire shuttle collection fleet at this stage. And since they are all packed away in storage right now, you will have to settle for these two pictures instead.
If you are interested in reading about the other Shuttlecraft Collection sets, feel free to check them out at the following links:
Shuttlecraft Collection Set #1 - THIS LINK
Shuttlecraft Collection Set #2 - THIS LINK
Shuttlecraft Collection Set #3 - THIS LINK
Shuttlecraft Collection Set #4 - THIS LINK
Shuttle Magazine Binders
I had mentioned at the beginning of this article about how the shuttlecraft collection magazines were not standard sized. In fact, Eaglemoss does not sell a binder that can fit them. I suppose that if Eaglemoss ever sold a Discovery Line of folders, those would work as they are similar in size, but alas, there is no such item available.
I really liked having all my magazines kept nice and neat in those binders, so I did some experimenting on how to be able to store those magazine. This was my solution...
Rather than make this already long article even bigger, you can read about how I accomplished this and if you feel so inclined, do it yourself. You can read that article at THIS LINK.
As always, I hope you found this article useful and informative. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel free to comment below.
So for now, "Live long and prosper!!!"
Additional Links To Photos Of My Collection:
Eaglemoss - Air Tram Orbital Shuttle Type 4 Type 8
MicroMachine - Orbital Shuttle
Comparative Pictures - Orbital Shuttle
Other Reviewers Take On The Eaglemoss Model:
Some Kind Of Star Trek [NO REVIEW YET]
MicroMachine - Orbital Shuttle
Comparative Pictures - Orbital Shuttle
Other Reviewers Take On The Eaglemoss Model:
Some Kind Of Star Trek [NO REVIEW YET]
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