Mach 2 1:72 R-7/Sputnik Launcher

[MiG31]

Someone on Starship Modeler pointed out this kit release, and I'm uncertain as to whether it's a new tool or old. I also understand the reputation that Mach 2 has, from reading about it as well as first-hand experience. That said, I'm interested in opinions about this kit, if anyone has seen it. How accurate is it, and are there any real quality issues to keep in mind?

[auhlik]

Hi,

see here some comments from the guy who has both R-7 releases from Mach 2:

PANEL LINES

seems to me quite rough, evoking "good old" Matchbox. There are not too much

lines, more should be engraved by modeler. Especially upper cone (part above

boosters hinges) is completely without any panel line.

DETAILS

Also rough, seems to be some missing, for example hinges of boosters - on

boosters are on top "normal" cones, not hinges.

LUNA STAGE

quite schematic, the bottom is completely out - just flat circle with engine in

the middle. In fact it was the same stage as used for launching Vostoks.

INTERSTAGE TRUSS

is divided into 8 (?) "V"s which should be built between top of 1st stage and

bottom of Luna stage. Trusses seems to me (opposite to the rest of the kit) too

delicate (thin) and schematic.

INSTRUMENT SECTION ON TOP OF THE FIRST STAGE

is completely out. Dimensions are maybe close to later version, which was used

for Molniya (Soyuz) LVs. Completely new should be made. Seems to me that Peter

Alway Rockets of the World was used as the major reference - you can find there

identical instrument section.

DECALS

There are no decals in the kit.

Building of the kit seems to be quite easy. If you want to build it just out of

the box, there should be no big troubles. It is great that stand is included, as

it is problematic for the model to stand on first stage and boosters vernier

engines.

HTH

Sasa

[MiG31]

Thanks for the reply. The Lunik issues don't apply to the Sputnik launcher, though I will have to deal with them on the manned vehicles if I choose to build them, particularly the truss and upper stage details. Missing panel lines shouldn't be a problem if I have adequate reference material. As long as the kit is reasonably accurate in shape it shouldn't be a problem.

[Mike J. Idacavage]

Tomas from New Ware is working to scale up his 1/144 R-7/etc. decals and his PE & resin upgrade sets for the Mach 2 series of kits. The New Ware stuff is outstanding and I suspect will be a great help for the Mach 2 series. I just picked up one of these (Sputnik version) yesterday at my LHS, and the kit could definitely use a little help!

Have fun modfeling!

Mike

:)