Tintin Moon Rocket - Earth version

UPDATE 5sep2022: Improved land and ocean parts. They are now designed as vertical parts that slide together which improves print quality significantly.

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I continue my streak of classic comic inspired 3D statues / dioramas / sculptures (more are in the works, be sure to follow if you want to be notified). This time around I decided to create my personal interpretation of the classic red moon rocket from Tintin Destination Moon. A famous story that captured my imagination as a kid.

This model is a multi color model but does not require the MMU add-on. All pieces are color separated, then printed and glued together.

As always, if you end up printing this model please post a make! You'll make my day and put a smile on my face for sure. :)

Printing instructions and notes:

• Print in PLA.
• I recommend either printing the gcode files directly, or loading and slicing the provided 3mf files with the included supports. They are hand-tailored to get optimal results.
• All parts are 0.2 mm layer height.
• Remember to wear eye-protection when removing the supports! This is of course a tip for all 3D printing, not just this model.
• When printing the white fuselage parts, DO NOT MIX THEM TOGETHER WHEN REMOVING THEM FROM THE BUILT PLATE! Be sure to collect them in 3's as they are laid out. This way it is much easier to figure out what vertical red indentation each piece fits into. If you do accidentally mix them together, don't fret! Each piece only fits perfectly at one level. Just make sure the “flat” part is facing downwards.

About this model

The idea to create this model actually came from a colleague of mine. I had completely forgotten about this comic and I immediately realized it would be the perfect model for some color separated printing. I am becoming quite a fan of this technique, as my Garfield model is a great example of. And the red fuselage with the white squares seem like a perfect fit.

At first I just wanted to create the rocket itself. But I quickly realized that I had to go beyond that. So I created the part of Earth seen in many of the comic shots. Please don't mind too much exactly where it is taking off from. I moved it a bit to get more water into the view for a more pleasing look.

A version of this model sitting on The Moon is also available. The rocket is interchangeable between the two (although the loading bay door is open in the Moon version), and the flame is detachable so you don't have to print two rockets if you want to switch back and forth between the Earth and Moon versions.