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Micro Action Space Shuttle Launch Set


The "Micro Action Space Shuttle Launch Set" contained 6 pieces:
- NASA Shuttle Orbiter Vehicle
- External Tank and Solid Rocket Boosters (all one piece)
- Launchpad/Crawler
- Truck
- Tank Trailer
- Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft


The back of the package was designed to be a small "playmat" for use with the vehicles.


The shuttle orbiter has opening cargo bay doors and can be pegged onto either the tank/booster assembly or onto the back of the Boeing 747. The orbiter/tank/booster combination can also be plugged into the launchpad/crawler for launch.



The shuttle orbiter has no wheels and is marked "(C) 1989 MADE IN CHINA" on the underside. The left wing is marked USA while the right wing is marked NASA.




The Boeing 747 has the double-axle wheel assembly and is marked "(C) 1989 DELES MADE IN CHINA." The left wing is marked USA and the tail is marked NASA.




The tank/booster assembly has no manufacturer/date markings but is marked NASA on the side opposite where the orbiter attaches.




The truck is marked "(C) 1989 MADE IN CHINA" on the underside and there is USMC printed on either side of the cab.

The trailer can be removed from the truck and it has no manufacturer/date markings. It is labeled with both NASA and RADIOACTIVE on the white tanks.


The launchpad/crawler has no manufacturer/date markings but is labeled NASA SHUTTLE LAUNCH PAD on top. It is hollow underneath.



While I own the version pictured here, I have seen several variations of this set in online auctions. The launchpad/crawler was also available in a strange mint green color instead of gray. This same mint green was also used on the leading edges of the wings of some shuttle orbiters instead of silver/gray. The trailer pictured here also came with a long nose cab (same color with USMC markings). I've also seen the long nose cab with a completely different box trailer. The box trailer was white with a red-check pattern along the bottom and marked NASA MISSION CONTROL along the top. The Boeing 747 was also available in white instead of silver.

For size comparison purposes, here's the shuttle orbiter and a single-axle jet:


Here's the Boeing 747 compared to a double-axle jet:


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