Retro Thrusters RT2 - Sci-fi space buggy rover toy - no supports

Mini toy sci-fi spaceship inspired by, and somewhat in the style of the Astro Mini's space exploration themed mini toy series, produced by Bruder in West Germany in the 1980's. Features include opening gull wing doors with a small load cargo area, and six working wheels with long travel independent suspension. Great for those looking for a non-franchised and non-weaponised space exploration themed model.

SAFETY WARNING: SMALLER PARTS MAY BREAK OFF AND BECOME A CHOKING HAZARD. THIS MODEL DOES NOT COMPLY WITH TOY SAFETY STANDARDS!!!!

● Easy to print parts - no supports required

● Designed with colour breaks. Print parts in different colours on single colour printers for a more interesting look.

● Requires multiple #4 x 3/8" (or 4G x 9mm sheet metal screws) pan head screws and 3 loom bands (very small rubber bands often used for bracelet making)

The part orientation as per upload is correct. Some parts require a little bridging while printing, though still print well enough without support. Interconnecting part fit may be tight, depending on the plastics used, or the printer/slicer settings. Carefully warming female parts (hot water works well if printing in PLA) can help with assembly, as can some careful sanding or filing, or even reducing/enlarging the part size slightly during printing. The tolerances on the tyre/hub 'print in place' combo are particularly prone to sticking to each other, but as is, they work on my printer. Occasionally I need to place the hub over a rubbery handled set of pliers (or anything you have that will fit snugly into the hub and not damage it), and give the tyre a firm twist to break it free from the hub. I'd suggest printing the tyre/hub combo one at a time until you get the settings right.

Multiple #4 x 3/8" pan head or 4G x 9mm sheet metal screws are used to join parts throughout the model. All but one are hidden when the buggy is complete. A loom band double looped around each pair of suspension arm hooks is required for suspension action. Assembly of the model in the correct part order is necessary, though it is a bit of a puzzle that you will need to figure out yourself :) With correctly sized parts, no glue is necessary. Lastly, and in general, I get great results printing on rafts.

This is the second vehicle in a series of 7 unique models based around this theme (all using the same #4 x 3/8" or 4G x 9mm pan head screw size), with the rest of the fleet coming soon. And finally, if you like the model enough to print it, please consider taking a pic or two, and posting a make.

Happy space roving!