by NukeRocketMan

This is a bookshelf model of the NERVA nuclear thermal rocket engine developed in the 1960's  (Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Applications). This is meant to represent the flight version that would have been used for deep-space missions "in the 1970's and beyond"... Sadly, after extensive testing and development, the program was cancelled in 1973 at the end of the Apollo program. If you're not familiar with it, I highly recommend this old NASA documentary from the 60's: https://youtu.be/vs3zNwXhzSA

Print Settings

Rafts:                          

Doesn't Matter

Supports:                          

Yes

Infill:                          

20%

Filament:                                            MGChemicals PLA                                        white and wood-filled                                        

Notes:

Season to taste. Choose a material and layer height that makes the finishing easier, depending on how you want to finish it. Kinda have to use your own judgment

Post-Printing

This model requires some careful finishing (I used Spackle and extensive sanding to smooth it out), but there's only a few parts and the assembly should be pretty self explanatory. In my print, I used white PLA for all but the base, which is wood-filled PLA which was then stained to look like carved hardwood. The decal was fixed to the nameplate and then glued to the finished base. The tank supports are optional, but do add realistic detail. The foil blankets around the tanks are mylar space blanket material covered in kapton tape (pretty much real thermal blanket material)

I suggest looking at photos and illustrations of NERVA engines online for painting reference.