Horizon Models 1/72nd Scale Mercury Spacecraft Plastic Model Kit

The perfect gift these holidays for fans of the space race who enjoy building and painting plastic models! The dream of manned spaceflight became a reality in the early 1960's. Flying solo aboard the Mercury capsule, six brave American Astronauts helped pioneer mankind's early exploration of space. Riding powerful rockets, they would experience extreme acceleration during the rapid ascent into space and reach speeds up to 27,500 kilometres per hour. Early suborbital flights lasted about 15 minutes, whilst later orbital missions would circle the earth every 90 minutes. Upon re-entry, the ablative shield on the outside of their capsule would save them from temperatures over 1,000 degrees Celsius. Once in Earth's atmosphere, a large parachute would slow them and their capsule to a safe speed, allowing a splash down in the ocean. The successful Mercury program paved the way for more ambitious manned spaceflight programs, which eventually saw man walk on the moon. * Contains parts and decals to make TWO Mercury Spacecraft * Choose from three different flight modes - launch, orbit or re-entry * Detailed Mercury capsule with shingles and bolts finely reproduced * Parts to build boilerplate, porthole or window versions of the capsule * Finely engraved recessed panel lines * High quality water-slide decals included * Display stands included * Photo-etch parts included PAINT AND GLUE NOT INCLUDED Length: approximately 110 mm (without stand) Diameter: 26 mm Parts: 24 per model Designed in Australia, Plastic parts moulded in China, Photo-etch parts and box made in Australia, Decals printed in USA by Microscale Industries Produced under license. Boeing, McDonnell, Mercury, their distinctive logos, product markings and trade dress are trademarks of The Boeing Company.