— History —
With over 1,900 flights since its first crew flight in April 23, 1967, the Soyuz launch vehicle holds the world record for the most flights of any rocket design. Due to its simplicity, the Soyuz launch vehicles are known for their high reliability and relatively low cost. At the peak of production in the early 1980’s, about 60 launchers were made per year. From 2011 to 2020, the Soyuz was the only vehicle available for transporting astronauts to the International Space Station. The Soyuz launcher finds its design elements from the Vostok which, in turn, finds its design elements from R-7a intercontinental ballistic missile.
— Cool Features —
Soyuz FG Launch Vehicle
Twenty inches in length, the Soyuz FG kit combines both traditional components and advanced 3D printed parts for an amazingly detail and fun kit.
1:100 Scale Provides Reference!
By placing the 1:100 Soyuz next to your other 1:100 rockets, it’s easy to compare the relative size of the rockets. Here the Soyuz is next to the 1:100 N1 Moon Rocket.
Resin Printed for Exquisite Detail
Using SLA printing technology, the parts have amazing scale detail with no discernible layer lines. Only a few parts are printed using a FDM printer (which have layer lines) for weight reduction and heat resistance.
Scale Interstage for Static Display
Two interstages are provided (which are easily interchangeable): one of display (see above) and another for launch (which is hollow inside so that the ejection charge and deploy the parachute).
Removable Central Exhaust
The model has a removable central exhaust assembly. Keep it in to maintain the scale appearance. Remove it for launch.
Flies on Estes C5-3 Engines
Once the Central Exhaust Assembly is removed, a standard BT-20 tube will hold the C5-3 engine using a simple engine hook.
Built-in Launch Lugs
Simple launch lugs are build into the model. If you are making a purely static model, a part without the launch lugs is also provided.
What’s Included?
Boosters Parts
Nosecone & Lower
LES
Quality Tubes
FDM Parts
Interstages
Interstage Top View
Interstage Adapters
Parachute
Biscuits
Exhaust Plates
Center Adapter
Questions & Answers
Question
How difficult is this model to make?
Answer
In terms of difficulty, this is a Level 3 kit (intermediate difficulty). It should take most people less than a week to leisurely finish this model. However, the use of epoxy and CA glue make this a Level 4 kit since more safety precautions are needed when working with these glues. Otherwise, this really is not a difficult project if you already have some modeling experience. Just take your time and enjoy the process! The instruction manual (see next question) is very detailed and will walk you step-by-step through the whole process.
Question
How are the instructions?
Answer
Excellent! A very detailed, full-colored PDF instruction manual is provided (with helpful links). Each step is clearly illustrated. I really want you to be successful in building a model that you will be proud of!
Question
What supplies are needed to complete this Soyuz kit?
Answer
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220 grit sandpaper
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400 grit sandpaper
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Medium CA (cyanoacrylate) glue
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5-minute epoxy
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Yellow wood glue
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Gorilla Clear Grip Contact Adhesive
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Ruler
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Hobby knife
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Sharp scissors
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Tweezers
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Masking tape
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Coffee Stirring Sticks
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Rust-oleum Filler-Primer
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Regular white primer
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Gray spray paint
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Orange spray paint
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White spray paint
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Red paint (acrylic), bottle
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Nitrile gloves
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Eye protection
Question
What model rocket engines do you recommend for launch?
Answer
The ONLY engine currently recommended is the Estes C5-3. Do NOT use Quest composite engines like the D20-4W. Although on paper, it seems like the Quest motor should work, the reality is that this motor produces a very unstable and dangerous flight. Trust me—I know!!! Before launch, make sure you go through the checklist in the instruction manual.
Question
Is there a RockSim or Open Rocket file that I can download.
Answer
Unfortunately, because of the Soyuz’s unusual design, I have not found that simulation software accurately predicts the flight characteristics of this rocket very well. See the instruction manual for recommendations on where to place the center of gravity.
Question
That thin “tower” on top seems mighty fragile. Is it removable?
Answer
Yes, the LES (launch escape system) is easily removable. Simply twist it on or off from the nosecone. Although I have had many launches with the LES installed, I would recommend removing it for safety.
Question
Do you have any plans of making a larger Soyuz kit? Maybe 1:50?
Answer
Not at this time. The 1:100 Soyuz has been one of the most challenging kits to design and even produce. Because of all the intricate renin printed parts, each kit requires a significant amount of work (washing with isopropyl alcohol, drying, UV curing, and printer cleanup). This kit is definitely not a mass produced operation! A 1:50 kit will likely compound the difficulties!
Question
Are there plans to make the STL files (3D files) available for download? I really want to try my hand at 3D printing this kit myself.
Answer
Sorry, not currently.
Question
Can you ship internationally?
Answer
Yes! We love our international customers and have sent orders to multiple countries including Canada, England, Israel, and Australia. Please contact me and I’ll provide a quote on the shipping and total price. If the quote is acceptable to you, then I’ll email you a PayPal invoice.
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