Posts: 2212
From: Worcestershire, England, UK.
Registered: Apr 2008

Posts: 448
From: Naxxar, Malta
Registered: Dec 2010

posted 01-02-2012 02:23 PM               

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I would suggest that first you have to decide which mission you would like to depict then try and find as much as possible information, photos and even maybe some video clips on that particular mission.

This way it will make it easier to choose the right colors for your model.

Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007

posted 01-02-2012 05:07 PM               

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I know the guy who came up with the paint instructions for the kit as we are both members of the Yahoo Space Modelers email group. The subject of R-7 gray/green comes up rather often. It is indeed a dark gray shade which can look greenish tinted in some images. But Soviet 1960s and 70s color film stock also tends to shift the imagery over to a greener shade. It took a lot of research (plus some of our members who have observed the coloring used on the Soyuz boosters up close) to come to the gray conclusion. As such, you can trust the recommendation.

The color itself seems like it may be slightly darker than what Airfix used in the instructions, but the recommendation was made since it was a color available both in the Humbrol spray and bottle paint lines. Put it on there though and it will look the part quite nicely.

Posts: 2212
From: Worcestershire, England, UK.
Registered: Apr 2008

posted 01-05-2012 05:58 AM               

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Thanks, I've gone for the matt sea grey which as you say looks the part.

I seem to recall that when I first made this kit as a child in the late 60's/early 70's I painted it white. Was that the reommended paint scheme then I wonder or was it just my choice?

Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007

posted 01-05-2012 06:16 AM               

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White was indeed the recommended paintscheme for that kit when Airfix first introduced it (I still have parts from a previous reissue in addition to the box art). The Soviets unveiled an all white Vostok at the Paris Air Show in 1967 complete with the big red letters "BOCTOK" painted on the side (which Airfix replicated for its decal sheet sheet when they issued the kit in 1969-70).

At last check, this specific rocket now sits at the entrance to the Cosmos Pavillion at the Exposisition for Economic Achievement in Moscow. It may have been repainted since then though.

Posts: 600
From: Slatington, PA
Registered: Mar 2009

Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007

posted 01-09-2012 08:18 AM               

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Yup. Euro One Dark Gray is indeed the color a lot of us in the Yahoo Space Modelers group came to a consensus on as being the best color (and it is available in both enamel and acrylic forms from Testors, while also having equivalent shades elsewhere). In some lighting conditions, it looks a little green while in others it seems more bluish. Some pictures I've seen of recent Soyuz boosters show the gray to perhaps be a little lighter in shade, but Euro One still seems like the best and mixing a little white in with it might get a good result.

Main reason why Airfix went with their color choices was due to Humbrol color availability (and Airfix ONLY gives you Humbrol color numbers in their kits).

Posts: 2212
From: Worcestershire, England, UK.
Registered: Apr 2008

Posts: 640
From: Syracuse, New York, USA
Registered: Oct 2009

Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007

posted 02-02-2012 06:36 AM               

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You could try inserting a small diameter rod in the display stand and have that going up into the rocket. Or if you don't want to punch holes, two or four shorter support rods could probably be put on the stand to support the rocket between the strap-on boosters if you still want it to be removable. Otherwise, gluing it to the stand is about the only other thing I can think of.

And yes, please post pictures as I would love to see it.

Posts: 268
From: Portsmouth, England
Registered: Sep 2004

posted 02-02-2012 09:07 AM            

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The instructions with the kit indicate that the rocket is meant to be glued to the base and is not optional (which makes it a bit pointless to paint the interiors of the rocket nozzles). If only Airfix had supplied a transporter. One could then build three models - Luna, Vostok and Soyuz. Two could be affixed to bases (possibly one in cryogenic mode and one not.

The third model could then be mounted horizontally on its transporter. As it is, you have to do what you have to do.

Posts: 2212
From: Worcestershire, England, UK.
Registered: Apr 2008

Posts: 2212
From: Worcestershire, England, UK.
Registered: Apr 2008

Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007

posted 02-04-2012 10:54 PM               

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Well, they have done it for their 1/72 airplane models. Main thing about clear is the molds have to be more finely polished and it is more expensive to produce them that way.

Of course, one could also build a cradle for the model and display it on its side like it is being delivered on a rail car... (Hmmm, that might be cool to try in 1/72 using HO locomotives actually and a Mach 2 kit). Then you could see the engine bells in glorious detail.

Posts: 583
From: Louisville CO US
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 02-23-2012 12:40 AM               

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I have detailed my findings on the Vostok color issues here.

This does not completly apply to the specific model you are building but the searchers on this issue with the spacecraft models will find this helpful.

In short, If you want Vostok-1, the spherical descent module is white with a dark green/grey top "cap". There's some evidence (but no photographic evidence) that Vostok-2,3 and 4 were similar. Vostok-5 and 6's descent capsule were definitely a dark green/grey. The shrouds and R7 rocket were a grey that appeared greenish only due to the film used at the time. Even white frost was mistaken as the color on parts of the rocket in the early days.

Unfortunately, yes this means that 99% or more of the spacecraft models out there are incorrect from the standpoint of historical accuracy.

Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007

Posts: 583
From: Louisville CO US
Registered: Aug 2003

Posts: 600
From: Slatington, PA
Registered: Mar 2009