Enormous 1:72 scale model of the Soviet N1-L3 rocket, one of two examples produced by Energia Corporation, constructed of metal and resin, measuring 56″ tall and 13.5″ at its widest, raised slightly on a stand. In fine condition, with one tiny leg support for a fin absent and one detached but easily repairable. The USSR’s development on the N1 rocket began in 1959 with a view to delivering a payload beyond low Earth orbit. The N1-L3 was developed in direct competition to the American Saturn V and intended to carry a payload to the moon. It would carry the L3 lunar payload, consisting of an Earth departure stage and a lunar landing assist stage, in addition to a single-cosmonaut lunar lander and a two-cosmonaut lunar orbiter. Between insufficient funding and technical difficulties, the the N1 never successfully completed a test flight; all four unmanned test launches ended in failure before first-stage separation, none lasting more than two minutes. A rare, impressive model of this Soviet rocket.
