Introduction:
3D printing is not a new thing when it comes to scale modeling. Companies used the technology for rapid prototyping: printing the master, making a cast, and offering the final product in resin. With the increase in precision and resolution, new companies emerged, selling their designs as 3D printed pieces.
SSR Model appeared on the market very recently, with a catalogue full of very interesting goodies. I have heard a lot of praise about the quality of their 3D printed products, and I ordered several sets via SSR Model Facebook page to see their stuff for myself.
Review:
One of the sets I got is Next generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW) or RB57.
The set is packed in a zip lock bag, which contains two 3D printed weapons.
The printing supports are long, but with minimal attachment points.
I used Tamiya side cutters, Olfa blade and some fine grit sandpaper to remove the supports. It is a not a completely straightforward process and I suggest patience not to damage the piece… some of the details are delicate and could snap if manhandled.
The 3D print looks really good, and I couldn’t spot any printing lines with a naked eye. High magnification does reveal faint lines, but I believe a bit of primer will hide these completely.
The NLAW is a fire-and-forget, lightweight shoulder-fired, and disposable missile system, designed for infantry use. It can carry out an overfly top attack on an armored vehicle, or a direct attack on structures and non-armored vehicles. The system was developed in Sweden by prime contractor Saab Bofors Dynamics.
Source: https://www.saab.com
A member of 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment, firing an NLAW. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org
Comparing the reference images and the 1/35 scale weapon from SSR Model, I found a really good match. The firing mechanism, gunner’s optical sight, battery package, carrying handle… it’s all there. The only thing to build from scratch is a large carrying strap. I plan to do this using lead foil and some PE buckles. I noticed the gunner’s sight is in open position, so this particular NLAW is ready for action. Since I want to depict the stowed system, I have to clip the optical sight and glue it in stowed position. This shouldn’t be a problem.
Altogether, I’m really impressed with this 3D printed set from SSR Model. The complex shape of the NLAW is nicely delivered in scale, with lots of details all around. The printing lines are not visible, but under the highest magnification, and would probably disappear completely under a coat of primer.
Conclusion:
Robot 57 (NLAW) from SSR Model delivers two NLAWs in1/35 scale. The system is well designed and printed on a high-resolution 3D printer. The printing supports might take some time to clean, but it is well worth the trouble, as the finished products looks really good and features superb details all around.
Highly recommended.
SSR Model range is available through their FB page: link
The current company catalog can be downloaded here: link