I have had this model for a few years now. It was left for months in the Model Shop before I decided to get it. What I was looking forwas the cabin aka the Descent Module which was practically, a 2-part round ball. The rest of the parts would be game for kit-bashing. But all that changed today, after I was notified that Max Grueter has uploaded his 3D files for a 1/24th scale of Yuri Gagarin in his ejection seat. And it was beautiful. So, on the second look at the Historic Vostok 1, I realised that I could not continue with my original (destructive) plan. The left side was bitten by a rat…
Max Grueter‘s 1/24 Vostok 1 Ejection Seat
His Shapeways 3D object has been improved over time and is now available on Cults3D for USD15.13. It features Yuri Gagarin sitting inside Vostok 1’s ejection seat on what would be the first human spaceflight; a single orbit lasting 108 minutes on 12th April, 1961. Although the Revell model does have a 1/24th scale figure, it was incorrectly scaled. If you go to his Cults3D account, you will be pleasantly surprised with his catalogue of astronaut related 3D models. Some are even available for download with no charge.
Max Grueter’s 3D file is miles better than what is being offered in the 1969 Revell model kit.
Can the Vostok 1 look any ‘better’
Initially, I did not gave much attention to the Vostok 1 since it is just a ball sitting on top of a cylinder (Descent Module and Final Stage rocket). On the other hand, as this is a Historic craft which I have practically no idea nor have any inspiration on how to build it respectfully. Then the idea, like the Apollo Capsule from Monogram would be the most apt; which is to present the model in a cutaway fashion. Although there would be minimal lighting or none at all for this 1960’s craft, it is OK.
The very idea to create a limited cutaway model is tempting but it would take a lot of research and scratchbuilding. Another option would be to go the 3D route and then convert the said objects into printable files.
Then this cutaway image started to look very interesting….
As I searched further, suddenly the Vostok 1 was a very beautiful craft. Once the final stage rocket had separated, the whole module was revealed. And going through the Revell Instruction sheet, it is possible to just build the module by itself.
Looking at the two parts (bottom left and upper right) the Descent Module is indeed separable from the Final Stage Rockets. Unfortunately, in order to have a cutaway concept, every area of the Vostok 1 must be scratchbuilt.
