Magnificent 1:45 scale presentation model of a Soyuz TM-12 rocket. This custom handmade model, constructed of fiberglass, reinforced plastic, and metal, stands approximately 63″ tall and is set on an attractive 10″ x 10″ base with descriptive plaque: "Soyuz TM-12, Space Rocket Model, MIR Space Station Expedition, May 18, 1991, RKK Energia." The two-piece model separates at the second and third stage and is completed with the upper module and escape system engines, with the model featuring affixed Russian and British flags and several insignia logos. In fine condition. Soyuz TM-12 was the 12th expedition to Mir and it included the first Briton in space, Helen Sharman, who, along with Anatoli Artsebarski and Sergei Krikalev, spent 144 days docked to Mir. While it was in orbit, the failed coup d'état against Mikhail Gorbachev in August 1991 rocked the Soviet Union, setting in motion events that led to the end of the Soviet Union on December 26, 1991.
