Manned Space Plastic Models

Winter Rocketry Diversions....Page Two

New.....Information on every Spacecraft and X-Plane Model ever produced is available here! This includes flying models.

This 1/24 scale model is of the worlds first manned spacecraft, the Vostok. You should be able to find these around at hobby shops, or via eBay.
This model is not difficult to build, however it is very fragile. I used vinyl strips for the black line details, and took my time with the painting.

This is the 1/144 scale model of the European Ariane IV launch vehicle and launch complex. First available several years ago, but you may be able to find this kit at well stocked hobby shops. Average in assembly and painting difficulty.

This model is not difficult to build, however I skipped most of the detailed painting shown in the instructions. I felt the model looked fine in the molded colors when the decals were added. Extensive masking would have been required. This is a tiny model in 1/288 scale. A much larger version is also available in 1/144 scale.

This is the docked Apollo and Soyuz spacecrafts. I beleive the black docking module between the two crafts took the place of the Lunar Module atop the Saturn 1B. The completed model is about 10 inches long. Assembly is easy, but a lot of painting is required, all the parts are molded in white. This kit was re-released in the late 90's and is easy to find.

This model has a 1958 copyright molded in the base. This was the re-issue "History Makers" version from 1984. With a little searching, you should be able to locate a kit for $50 to $100. The model is nicely detailed and is in 1/110 scale, about 19" high. The Jupiter C rocket includes Explorer-1, the first US satellite.
The kit is difficult to assemble, there are lots of parts, and the instructions are not as clear as they could have been. I painted the gantry using a photo I took of Pad-26, where Explorer-1 was launched.

I passed on this little gem twice at the hobby shop before buying it. I was not expecting much from the kit, but I was pleased to find it well detailed model. The photo was taken outside at night using a flash which produced the jet black background.
There is a lot of detail painting required. I curved the cord/stand so I could cement one toe to the Spacecraft/Base. I don't believe the model would stand very long if built per the instructions. The finished model stands about 5" high.