Lunokhod

Using the plans here: spacemodels.nuxit.net/lunokhod/lunokhod.htm for a 1:10 scale model of the Russian lunar rover Lunokhod 2, I've created an STL version of the simpler Lunkhod 1 (basically adding all the extra sensors and cameras would drive me completely round the bend).

It's probably the ultimate cyberpunk machine with the appearance of a robotic toilet on wheels.

I've obviously left out a lot of small detail and made a lot of the thinner parts oversize with a minimum print size of 1.2 mm diameter, which has allowed me to print out the bits at 1:20 scale with a minimum diameter/thickness of 0.6mm. I've mostly limited things to 0.8mm unless they are well supported and used 1mm square for many trusses that should really be only about 0.5mm round.

I just need to fit the spectrometer to the front then try and print out the four low-gain antennae, which will be a challenge as they are 35mm long and mostly only 0.8mm diameter.

I'm accepting the shortcomings of 3D print, rather than adding non-3D printed parts, as it want to explore both the capabilities and limitations of the technique.

Unfortunately it's a bit fragile. Shame I haven't got a bigger printer, it would be impressive and more robust at 1:10!

Photos of the model, unpainted, to follow.

Neil

Ah so that's what a naked Dalek loks like then!

Those wheels look tricky to print.

Edited By V8Eng on 17/06/2017 15:27:18

Neil

I think you need a holiday!

Norman

This is a half-size museum model.

The wheels printed really well, they are small enough that the over-thickness and simplified spokes 'bridged' fine, but there was a lot of stringing to get rid of, took a while to clean up all eight! They are remarkably strong.

Neil

PLA is a lot stronger than I thought it would be.

Michael W

There's a site that tested 30 filaments and found PLA generally stronger than other plastics despite the being theoretically stronger. I suspect it fuses together particularly well if you get the settings right.

Some photos of the model

As kids we laughed at that . It was pictured on a PG tips card if i remember? We ,(well ok, the Americans ) had a great looking 2 seater go kart , lunar rover , and the baddies came up with a soap box boiler !

Neil , there's a guy on the Porsche forum printing replacement 911 speaker housings https://www.impactbumpers.com/forum/index.php?/topic/30246-rear-speaker-grills-87-coupe/

Edited By Hacksaw on 18/06/2017 20:23:43

Nice work Neil, some finely finished small parts on there as well.

The final porsche part is impressive.

Lunokhod looks completely whacko, but once you understand how it's put together it's a clever design. Most people (and the model imaged above) don't show that BOTH inner faces of the 'clamshell' had solar panels (plus extra ones on the bits that stick out). It closed up for 14 days in every 28 and the thing at the back that looks like a radar dish pointed at the ground is a radioisotope heat generator that stopped it freezing.

Neil

I anyone fancies a go a printing this, the STL files are now here:

www.stubmandrel.co.uk/model-engineering/150-print-your-own-lunokhod-model

Now I have to paint the darn thing!

Neil

What a splendid model! Congratulations Neil.

Moonwalker 1 (8EL#203) was an extremely successful mission. Originally intended to operate for 3 lunar days it actually operated for 11 lunar days. It still has value today. Though the mission ended in 1971 it was "rediscovered" in 2010 and found to be the brightest reflector on the moon thus allowing very accurate laser range-finding of Earth - Moon distance.

Will you make a model of the Luna 17 lander?

Tempted...

So THAT'S what the Soup Dragon was using!

I think it looks pretty darn steampunk! Just needs a chimney...