Vostok with Vostok SA Sharik and Sputnik

This is a 1:100 scale model of the classic Soviet A-Type launcher in its best-known Vostok version, as used to launch Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, on April 4, 1961. This time, the MPC kit comes as a Round 2 re-release.

The kit was first issued by MPC way back in 1970, when details of the launch rocket were still relatively new in the West. The design, featuring four tapered strap-on boosters, looked distinctly odd then, especially compared to cylindrical Western launchers. However, the design is now highly familiar - the basic rocket is still used to launch Soyuz and Progress craft to the ISS (International Space Station) and now also by ESA (European Space Agency) as one of its main launchers.

The new box (header pic) has a 'Made in USA' label, a sign that at least some kit manufacturing is returning from the Far East. The name 'Sharik' (Russian: 'little sphere') is printed under the Vostok title, though this really refers only to the single-seat spherical descent section contained in the nose. As is now common with many Round 2 issues, the bottom of the box (below) is packed with information.

The 1:100 scale kit is moulded mostly in white styrene. Some parts are chrome-plated, and there are three clear components. The model can be built not only as a Vostok launcher, but also as the launcher for earlier, uncrewed craft, in this case Sputnik 2