Cutting Edge Modelworks

1/144 Sputnik and R-7 Booster Resin model kit

Product # CELO44004 for $45.99

Product Article by Steve Bamford on May 11  2003

 

 

 

During WW2 Germany developed and advanced the science of rocketry.  With the defeat of Germany, the Soviet and American military brought back some German V-2 rockets and even some German scientists to study the design and further the development of rockets.  

On October 4, 1957, the Soviets shocked the Americans when they launched the first Satellite "Sputnik 1" into orbit.  Sputnik weighed 184 pounds and transmitted a Beep-Beep signal back to Earth for 23 days until it's batteries ran down.  Ham radio operators around the world tuned into the Beep-Beep signal.  Sputnik-1 remained in orbit until it was consumed in the atmosphere upon re-entry on January 4, 1958.  Sputnik didn't do much except circle the planet for 23 days and send a radio signal, but this was more than enough to prove to the US military that the Russians had the upper hand and had developed rockets that could eventually strike with nuclear missiles anywhere on the planet.  The Space Race was on. 

 Cutting Edge Modelworks has recognized a yearning by modelers to create these famous space rockets and they have released a variety of resin items and decals related to the USSR and US space program.  

This is one of the many 1/144 items from Cutting Edge Modelworks in their Lift Off Series  dealing with the race for space.  This particular 35 piece resin model kit set is fairly straight forward but full of rich detail.....study the instructions carefully....especially the pictures on the instructions and you'll do ok.  The masters for this resin model kit were created by NASA patternmaker Ben Guenther with additional work by Scott Battistoni.

First up we have the central rocket.  This is a long solid resin part.  There is a resin casting block (see photo below on far right) that will require the use of a saw to cut off, but that's easy enough.  The top of this part has a very nicely done cone cap. 

Click on images below to see larger images
Once you remove the casting block from the bottom of the central rocket.....you then attach the rocket motor exhaust cones.  Also included are 16 (you only use 12) small nozzles.  Four of these will be used on the bottom of the central rocket.  You will have to cut down the small rocket nozzles and drill holes in the base of the rocket to slide these 4 small nozzles into.  Detail on these small nozzles is delicate and the nozzles themselves are hollowed out cones.....just like the larger main nozzles.  

There are 4 strap-on rocket boosters......two are in the image below.  You need to cut the casting block off the bottom and attach the rocket exhaust cone base to each booster rocket.  Then you drill 2 tiny holes in the base of each booster and insert the smaller nozzles for rocket bases.  These strap-on boosters have panel lines etc that will show up well.  

Click on images below to see larger image

2 of the 4 strap-on boosters

1 of the 4 bases for the strap-on boosters

smaller nozzles for rocket bases

The most complicated part of this model will be the rods that interlink and then get attached to the base of the rocket motors.  You only use 4 rods but 6 are included which is good incase something goes wrong at this stage.  Read the instructions carefully....study the pictures included and dry fit a few times to make sure you've got everything figured out for this stage before you get out your CA glue.  

Click on images below to see larger image

Rods to be interlinked to bases of the 5 rockets....and the vents that will be attached to the.
There is one page of instructions and it covers all aspects of the construction of this resin kit.  Painting instructions are not included and there are no markings included in this kit.  The kit is safely packet in a custom made cardboard box to ensure it's safe transport. 

It's refreshing to see Cutting Edge Modelworks taking on and producing the Early Space related items.  This "Lift Off Series" is sure to be a big hit with anyone with an interest in the Space Race.

I would like to thank Cutting Edge Modelworks for providing me with this review sample.

Steve

Click on image below to see larger image

 

Photos and text © by Steve Bamford

 

 

Lift Off Series 

product # 

1 resin model kit from Meteor Productions

Review by 

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