Scale: 1:20
Overall dimensions:
- Trunk Diameter (without fins): 195mm
- Height (top of Nose Cone to bottom of the Trunk): 405mm
Manufacturing lead time: 2 weeks
Total number of 3D printed parts: 69
This model was designed using publicly available material from the internet including CAD models, videos and pictures of the real SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft. See list below for more details:
Pressurised Crew Section
The pressurised crew section was designed based on the existing Draco Pod model by Prot0typ1cal (see LINK). He has done a fantastic job modelling the outer body of the spacecraft so I used his model (with his permission) as reference and added my personal touches. I re-designed almost every part of the original model so they can be fitted together without having to use super glue. Instead, most parts are held together either by magnets or just friction between them. This has allowed my model to be fully stripped down and rebuilt as many time as required. Only a very small number of parts are glued together (e.g. the Monitor and Monitor Stand). I would like to thank Daniel Thompson for the new design of the Heat Shield on this model.
Astronauts in SpaceX ‘s Suit
I came across the SpaceX Astronant model, designed by Gil P. de Paulo on GrabCAD (see LINK) and I think it would be a really nice touch to print this model at the right scale and put it next to the spacecraft model. This would definitely help people (including myself) to understand the true scale of the real SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft in reality (as many of us don’t have the luxury to see it with our own naked eyes). Credits also go to Trevor Page from Tesla Owners Online for modifying the original standing astronaut design to seated astronaut for this MJ model. If you would like to subscribe to his YouTube channel, please click on this LINK
Interior
I wanted to add some interior to this model as well, rather than just the outer body, therefore, I decided to give it a go. The interior of the model comprises of a ‘giant’ monitor, which is fixed to the ‘floor’ via a stand. On the real spacecraft, the monitor is actually mounted to the ceiling. However, as I wanted to show this feature once the outer body panel is removed, I decided to fix it to the ‘floor’ instead of the ceiling.
There are 4 seats in total in this model, each seat can be adjusted separately (incline/recline and spin around the x-axis) as I tried to replicate their movement as per the real ones (e.g. the seats are lowered and facing the entry hatch when the spacecraft is on the ground to help astronauts get in/out with ease. Before lift-off, these seats are tilted backward and also raised upwards closer to the monitor).
I would like to give my special thanks to Steve Cox for designing these new seats for the MJ model – they look so much better and more accurate than those on the MS model
Unpressurised Cargo Section (aka. Trunk)
I designed the Trunk (unpressurised cargo section) from scratch based on the photos/videos of the spacecraft available on the SpaceX’s website (see LINK). I tried to replicate the exterior of the Trunk as much as I can, including the number of radiators, solar panels and their locations around the Trunk. I also added my personal touch by designing a secret compartment hidden inside the Trunk. From the outside, the Trunk looks like it was printed as a solid block – however, if you spin the bottom of the Trunk slightly to disengage its simple locking mechanism, the bottom part of the Trunk will slide out very smoothly, revealing its secret compartment – where you can keep some of your precious treasure inside. The other way to open the Trunk is to use the magnets on the bottom of the Heat Shield of the Pressurised Crew Section (for more detail – see assembly instructions below)
The DRAGON-MJ is a 1:20 scale model, which is significantly larger than the 1:27 scale DRAGON-MS model. Also, the DRAGON-MJ model has plenty of new features compared to the previous DRAGON-MS model.
- The Body of the pressurised module is more accurate to the real vehicle
- A new Heat Shield design with a pattern on the bottom representing the tiles on the real vehicle. Also, magnet holes are hidden on this new design
- A removable interior lighting unit for the cabin. This is an optional upgrade that you’ll need to purchase separately.
- New Soft Capture System design, which allows you to extend and lock in place by turning
- New seat design which is more accurate to the real vehicle
- New screen design with more details
- Better trunk design. The ‘Claw’ can now be attached to the trunk with magnets
- 4 seated astronauts
- Due to its large size, the DRAGON-MJ model doesn’t come with a horizonal stand like the DRAGON-MS model.
i was wondering how i could hook the LED so that it comes on if the door opens. any thoughts. ps. the body is a lovely 56 hour print job on my Guider IIs. it’s going to be awesome. thanks.
How can I pay?
i want to bly model specx