Those of you who keep track of the current situation regarding the exploration and exploitation of space know that one of the most ambitious space programs in recent years has been that of the Chinese. Late in entering the forum, the Chinese, with technical assistance from the US as well as other countries, have been doing very well. They have a successful and reliable launch vehicle that is capable of lifting substantial weight into earth orbit. This has allowed them to become players in the lucrative market of launching satellites.

Their current launch vehicle is the Chang Zheng 2. It follows in the mode of Russian and French rockets in that it has a main core with surrounding boosters. This set up allows the use of the core rocket to be used with different booster configurations. It is with a similar rocket that the Chinese hope to soon begin manned missions. 

I have always had an interest in rockets, though not that much in building them. A few sci-fi types have managed to cross my bench in the last few years, but no actual types have ever made it to the construction stage. I had a chance to pick up this kit earlier this year and did so. It comes in a huge box as any $40 model should!

The real surprise came when I opened it. Inside, I found that the main rocket body and boosters were made of preformed material. No need to cement body halves together. Furthermore, the main body is designed in sections that fit into collars. This means that it can be disassembled if you want to move it. This is good news as the completed kit would seem to stand over a meter tall!

As you can see from the image above, most of the parts are dedicated to the rocket nozzle sections on the bottom of the kit as well as the booster attachment supports. Not shown is a round stand just like the one that comes with the Dragon 1/48 Ba-349 I built a year or so ago. The long rectangular pieces are conduits that fit on the boosters and main body, some of which are used for booster attachment.

The instructions are adequate for the task, showing seven construction stages, a parts guide, painting and decal guide. Colors are referenced to Gunze paints, but frankly, you can use any white, black, steel and silver that you wish! There is no historical section at all. The decal sheet that comes with the kit is as large as you would expect. The upper sheet is over a foot long. It contains all the lettering and stripes that are needed. Having used Dragon decals before, I can tell you that they should work quite well.

Overall, it looks like not only a nice kit, but one that should build rather quickly. One thing for sure, it will use up a LOT of white paint!

Review kit courtesy of me and my wallet!

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