Sputnik-1, first satellite in space:
And in the box, together with other soviet satellite kits from Red Iron Models:
My thought was that this simple spacecraft would be an ideal starting point to get used to this kind of models and 3D printed stuff. Err, not so much. There are fine printing lines that interfere with the painting of metallic surfaces. I should have sanded the whole surface first, but I realised the problem only after I had added the antennas! Now it looks a bit like fingerprints on the paint, but these are the 3D printing lines only. Well, I’ve learned something about 3D printed kits now.
Things that worked well: Used carbon fibres for the antennas. They are strong, lightweight an flexible. The right stuff for these flimsy antenna mounts.
Also learned how to print large color photos on my printer!
Hope you like it!
Enjoy -
dutik