Vostok

Modeling Subjects Space
1

I have started the Airfix Vostok kit, and found some conflict in the main color. Early info said it was dark gray, with white showing after the LOX was loaded (from condensation). but images show some all white even before they were not on the launch stand. Further, some show overall white, even far from the tanks, where I would not expect condenaation.

So, were they indeed finished in different periods of time?

2

Having built a version of the Vostok a few years ago, I can say that the color was gray. There’s a paint called “Euro 1 Gray” that’s a close match. See if you can find some.

Some photos show the R-7’s as green, but that’s due to poor film. As for the white, it was condensation from frozen moisture on the outside. The completely white Vostok is an exhibit, and I guess the Russians painted it with whatever they had available.

Here’s a photo of one of the center sections (without the boosters) in a Moscow museum that shows a better view of the color.

Hope this is of some use.

PS> Oh, and here’s the link to my own build.

https://cs.finescale.com/fsm/modeling_subjects/f/8/t/182323.aspx

3

I felt I now (much thanks to GAF) I had sufficient references to proceed with my Airfix kit. However as soon as I begain, my wifi extender went down so I had no internet. I did continue to shoot pictures, Hear ow is my WIP.

I started with the core rocket (stage 1) and boosters.

Everything went well except the strucure that holds the bottom of the boosters to the core. This was a problem- I had to bend pieces of the structure so far that I was afraid they would break. I only broke one.

I then attached to boosters to the core- everything held together’

I also built and installed an interstage structure that was quite a job. This structure is essentually two disks held together with a myriad of struts. If the assembly does not have the two disks exactly parallel, the craft will be crooked it the middle. I had to debond a few steps and do them again before I had success.

I continued with the second stage and the Luna capsole.

I I have completed to spacraft now. I’m replacing the base with a hardwood base.

4

Coming along nicely! The interstage structure gave me fits too!

Gary

5

Okay, it is done. Jad camera issues- that is why it took so long.

6

Nice one! Did it come with the tiny figure?

Gary

7

Yep!