With Tim Peake soaring into space, we’ll all be scrambling in our stash for one or more old Soyuz rockets to build – me included! I thought it might be useful to look at the different kits available for this time-proven launcher so that the discerning modeller (that’s you) can make an informed choice?
The first is the old Airfix 1:144 scale model from 1975 and re-issued several times
The kit contains both Soyuz and Vostok capsules along with Luna, Soyuz and Vostok payloads atop the Soviet R-7(A-Type) launch vehicle (which was also used to launch Sputnik, Voskhod, Molniya, Progress, Soyuz 2 and Fregat). This gives great scope for the model enthusiast!
Despite its age the kit is finely detailed and assembles well; but great care is required in removing many of the parts, especially the strap-on booster frame which needs to be carefully trimmed and filed to allow easy assembly of this crucial structure. It is also advisable to enlarge the holes in the main rocket body and the boosters where the frame connects them as it could spoil the look of the model if the boosters are misaligned! When assembled the Soyuz, Luna and Vostok modules are interchangeable.
The Vostok and Soyuz capsules are designed to fit into their respective units (Photo 1) but rather than hide them away I begged a spare set from Airfix and put them to one side of the display stand and for the capsules at the other. This leaves a hole in the Vostok cover (Photo 2) where the capsule should show through the shroud but I found that a Lego spaceman helmet can be trimmed to fit inside and doesn't spoil the look.
I'm quite pleased with the compact Soviet space history I ended up with; it's well worth taking time over the assembly. The kit requires plenty of patience and preparation to ensure all parts go together correctly but the end result is well worth it. If you intend to start collection of similar models take a look at Airfix A06172 Saturn 1B 1:144 Scale Space Exploration Model Kit Airfix 1:144 Scale A11170 Nasa Apollo Saturn V Rocket Model Kit Airfix A11150 Saturn V Skylab 1:144 Scale Space Exploration Model Kit Space Shuttle Discovery & Booster Rocket 1:144 scale model. There are also a number (13 in all) of Eastern European Soyuz/Vostok launcher/combos, some of which I’ll bore you with later. Comparing the completed model to various photographs, I thought it looked too tall; strangely on checking it turns out to be fractionally too short! It appears that the boosters should be slightly thicker at the base, making the Airfix kit look tall and thin. Still it's a good kit of a rare subject. If you are looking for a more accurate representation I would suggest looking at the Eastern Express 1:144 scale Vostok/Sputnik which builds into a surprisingly solid if less detailed model (both kits contain all the parts necessary for Sputnik 1, Lunik 1, Vostok 1 and beyond). Finally, an all-white finish was only used for a short period. These launchers are painted Dark Grey NOT Green (Photo 5) as in this and many other references but they turn almost completely white with ice when fuelled – something that is done as soon as the rocket is raised to vertical on the launch pad!
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