Within this confined volume of corrugated cardboard rests all of the basic parts to build what promises to be the largest and heaviest space structure ever attempted, the International Space Station. The reviewed version of this kit has been many months in the making and is a fourth possible way the model is being marketed. It is only by dint of some of us respectfully pleading with IMR's CEO Frank Angstead that IMR is releasing a totally unbuilt, unpainted, and undecaled kit. The first two modes are intended primarily for schools, museums, and similar facilities.
Details are crisp, and the parts fit snugly.
While neither the intricate micrometeoroid shields and conduits are molded into Unity, nor are similar features on Zarya, the basic masses look very good. Dedicated space modelers will certainly be able to add these bits based on published photos and videos. The sprues are a bit tight up to some parts, and it may be a challenge to wedge in a sprue cutter, but an X-acto knife will work about as well. Zarya and Unity are only the beginning. The Russian service module is equally well molded, with details protruding all around.