Cutting Edge Modelworks

1/144 SS-6 Sapwood ICBM Resin model kit 

Lift Off Series

Product # CELO44007 for $45.99

Product Article by Steve Bamford on Nov 5  2003

 

 

 

 

The rocket program in the US and USSR was driven by the military goals of an offensive ICBM arms race.  One of the earliest Soviet ICBM's was the SS-6 Sapwood.  The R-7/SS-6 Sapwood was the first Soviet intercontinental ballistic missile developed to be launched from the USSR. It is estimated that it could deliver a reentry vehicle weighing 4.5 tons 6500 nm.  The R-7 missile became the first Soviet intercontinental ballistic missile. 

The R-7 missile employs a unique rocket system including one central rocket and four strap-on boosters, all of which were started simultaneously at liftoff. The strap-on boosters formed the first stage, and the central sustainer constituted the second stage. This tandem structure allowed the start and control of all engines at normal atmospheric pressure. There are Aerodynamic fins located at the base of the strap-on boosters that also assist for flight control.

In October 1957 Sputnik was launched and this caused a stir in the US military.  It was instantly realised that the USSR had developed long range ICBM abilities in excess of US capabilities.  The US launched a number of small American satellites using the Jupiter and Vanguard boosters to boost public morale, but it would take the US quite a while to narrow the gap in rocket booster abilities.

Cutting Edge Modelworks has included this important Soviet ICBM in their Lift Off Series of models.  This latest release will permit modelers to add this ICBM to the other famous space rockets recently released by Cutting Edge Modelworks as well as the other resin items and decals related to the USSR and US space programs also recently released by Cutting Edge Modelworks.  

This is one of the many 1/144 items from Cutting Edge Modelworks in their Lift Off Series  dealing with the race for space.  This particular 25 piece resin model kit set is fairly straight forward but full of rich detail.....study the instructions carefully....especially the pictures on the instructions and you'll do ok.  The masters for this resin model kit were created by NASA patternmaker Ben Guenther with additional work by Scott Battistoni.

First up we have the central rocket.  This is a long solid resin part.  There is a resin casting block (see photo below on far right) that will require the use of a saw to cut off, but that's easy enough.  The top of this part has a very nicely done nose cone.  This was an ICBM capable of carrying a thermonuclear warhead of 3 tons in the nose cone.

Click on images below to see larger images
Once you remove the casting block from the bottom of the central rocket.....you then attach the rocket motor exhaust cones.  Also included are 16 (you only use 12) small nozzles.  Four of these will be used on the bottom of the central rocket.  You will have to cut down the small rocket nozzles and drill holes in the base of the rocket to slide these 4 small nozzles into.  Detail on these small nozzles is delicate and the nozzles themselves are hollowed out cones.....just like the larger main nozzles.  

There are 4 strap-on rocket boosters......two are in the image below.  You need to cut the casting block off the bottom and attach the rocket exhaust cone base to each booster rocket.  Then you drill 2 tiny holes in the base of each booster and insert the smaller nozzles for rocket bases.  These strap-on boosters have panel lines etc that will show up well.  

2 of the 4 strap-on boosters

1 of the 4 bases for the strap-on boosters

smaller nozzles for rocket bases

The most complicated part of this model will be the rods that interlink and then get attached to the base of the rocket motors.  You only use 4 rods but 6 are included which is good incase something goes wrong at this stage.  Read the instructions carefully....study the pictures included and dry fit a few times to make sure you've got everything figured out for this stage before you get out your CA glue.  

Rods to be interlinked to bases of the 5 rockets....and the vents that will be attached to the main rocket.
Here is the bottom of one of the four strap on rocket boosters.  There is a casting block that will need to be removed with a saw.  The bottom end as you can see in the picture to the right is full of well done detail.  

Painting instructions are not included, so you'll have to figure that out for yourself.

Click on image below to see larger image

There is one page of instructions and it covers all aspects of the construction of this resin kit.  Painting instructions are not included and there are no markings included in this kit.  The kit is safely packet in a custom made cardboard box to ensure it's safe transport. 

It's refreshing to see Cutting Edge Modelworks taking on and producing the Early Space related items.  This "Lift Off Series" is sure to be a big hit with anyone with an interest in the Space Race.

I would like to thank Cutting Edge Modelworks for providing me with this review sample.

Click on image below to see larger image

Steve

Photos and text © by Steve Bamford