[David Hingtgen]

They're basically all unique. Shuttle history:

OV-99, Challenger. Originally to be merely a static test-frame, upgraded to flight-capable status after testing. MAJOR conversion, had to go back to the factory and be cut in half, then reassembled. Thus, the lowest-numbered fuselage. Higher performance than Columbia due to slightly lower weight.

OV-101, Enterprise. Atmospheric and systems test. Was originally planned to be converted to be flight capable status after early tests, but it was cheaper to convert Challenger, as Challenger was "less complete". So they converted Challenger, and Enterprise became merely a display.

OV-102, Columbia. First "real" orbiter. Heaviest, lowest-performance orbiter. Could not go to the space station. (too high, too far for it) Underwent major systems upgrades in the 90's, first of the shuttles to do so. Unique markings and tile pattern (most visible on forward half of upper wings) retained even after the upgrades. Basically--a lot more black on the wings.

OV-102, Discovery. First 'standard" orbiter. Significantly lighter mainly due to new thermal blankets, and thus higher performance than earlier ones.

OV-103, Atlantis. Basically a twin of Discovery.

OV-104, Endeavour. Challenger's replacement. Built mainly from spare parts to speed construction. (NASA had a full set of engines, landing gear, tail, one wing, and half a fuselage basically--talk about a good parts depot! ) Built with the revised tailfin to house the new parachute assembly, but otherwise identical to the previous 2.

[Nimrod48]

Originally Posted by lanslide

I have both of these Dragon Models and I think they are a great addition to an "Air and Space" collection. Does anyone else here have these too? Of course, I also include the Corgi Command Module and the Code 3 Lunar Module, Apollo Capsule, Gemini Capsule, and Mercury Capsule as part of my collection as well. I also have Danbury Mint's Saturn V and Mercury Capsule.

I bought the 2nd version of the 1:400 Dragon Saturn V a couple of years ago & IMHO it was nothing to shout about..... it was never displayed & I gave it away earlier this year.

[flyXwire]

I have Dragon's Endeavor w/rocket boosters, Enterprise piggybacked on a 747 and the Saturn 5 as well. I have also Danburry Mints Apollo 13 set, and also three Code 3 collectibles: Lunar Rover, Apollo 15 Lunar module and astronaut as part of my 'Air and Space' themed collections.

I would love to see a Soviet space shuttle Buran piggy-backed on a An-225 Mriya transport, as well as on it's rocket booster to be represented in diecast down the road. Dragon are you reading this???

[David Hingtgen]

I never managed to get a 747 w/orbiter. By the time I really wanted one, all the "good ones" were gone. (I'm very picky when it comes to shuttles---like most things)