Quick Look at Ringlord's 1/72 Soviet Lunar Lander

There is only so many options for the real space modeler with regards to the American manned space program: x-15, Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Shuttle. 
There is of course, the Russian program. The problem up until the past year or so are limited kit options of Russian manned spacecraft subjects. With the continued expansion of 3D printing through companies such as Shapeways or Thingieverse, Russian options are becoming more and more a reality!
  
After several months of deliberation I finally ordered this 3D model of a 1/72 scale from the Shapeways site at Ring Miniatures 1/72 Scale LK Lunar Lander

Upon its arrival and examination it actually I found it to be a nice representation of the real thing. I must congratulate "Ringlord" for producing this model! You can order this kit in several scale options from 1/144 up to 1/48! Ring Miniatures also also a companion Ring Miniatures 1/72 LOK Soyuz Lunar Orbiter. 

The printing resolution was listed as "White Natural Versatile Plastic". Until I had this model in my hands I had no clue what to expect. The surface has somewhat of a 'soft' detail with a fine powdery texture to it. Most of the details of an actual LK are featured to a degree. It was missing the extendable antennae, egress ladder, and other finer structural details. 

I have had limited experience with 3D printed models so, this project will certainly present a considerable learning curve.  I will be examining proper primer paints and its effect on the nylon model. I do plan to cover most of the model with representations of thermal blanketing. Then there is the ongoing debate about the color of the thermal blankets: Soviet green or white.  Any areas that will not be covered with those thermal blankets will need to be cleaned up to a semi-glossy finish.

Future installments will be forthcoming as I delve into this project. There is a nice Facebook page devoted to the LK Lander at LK Soviet Lunar Lander Facebook Page

Below are close up photos of the raw 3D print of the LK.

In 1/72 scale the LK lunar lander is quite small.

A look at the actual size of this model.

+ X view of the Ring Miniatures LK lunar lander in 1/72 scale.

     A +Y view of the LK

-X view

-Y View

+Z view of the docking port.

-Z View. 

I am curious about the future of 3D modeling on the general scale modeling industry. There are several 3D printers that are becoming more and more available to the hobbiest. The resolution of these consumer level printers still has a way to go as well as pricing of the hardware. The possibilities for modelers to create what the traditional styrene/injection mold companies would deem too niche to be profitable are exciting. Time will tell!