Pulp Rocket Atomic Light-Up Diorama
Print Profile(1)
Bill of Materials
- STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-pin Cable - 100mm Long Product ID: 4210 x 1: https://www.adafruit.com/product/4210
- #2 x 3/8-in Brass Screws x 32: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-2-x-3-8-in-Gold-Brass-Round-Interior-Exterior-Wood-Screws-12-Count/3035730
- #2 x 1/2-in Brass Screws x 4: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-2-x-1-2-in-Gold-Brass-Round-Interior-Exterior-Wood-Screws-10-Count/3035731
- Adafruit QT Py RP2040 PID: 4900 x 1: https://www.adafruit.com/product/4900
- Adafruit NeoDriver - I2C to NeoPixel Driver Board - Stemma QT PID: 5766 x 1: https://www.adafruit.com/product/5766
- Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - White 60 LED 1m - WHITE PID: 2541 x 1: https://www.adafruit.com/product/2541
- USB Type A to Type C Cable - approx 1 meter / 3 ft long PID: 4474 x 1: https://www.adafruit.com/product/4474
Description
✨ Pulp Rocket: Atomic Light-Up Diorama
Description
🚀 Pulp Rocket: Atomic Light-Up Diorama
From the creators of The Great UFO Cow Abduction Lamp and 3DBenchy: Ten Years Afloat comes a new mission from the Atomic Age.
🌌 Forged in dreams.
Polished in chrome.
Fueled by neon and imagination.
This rocket didn’t just roll off a toy line—
—it launched from the pages of a 1950s pulp sci-fi serial.
And now, it’s ready to light up your desk, shelf, or control center in glorious RGB.
This isn’t just a rocket.
It’s a tribute to retro-futurism. A desktop diorama of interstellar wonder.
And when the lights flicker and the launchpad pulses...
you’ll swear it’s about to blast off.
This is…
Pulp Rocket: Atomic Light-Up Diorama
🧭 Highlights:
🛸 Retro Sci-Fi Rocket – Inspired by the pulp era, with smooth curves, teardrop fuselage, and mid-century fins
💡 20 NeoPixel Light Show – Animated launchpad ring and sine-wave flame flicker from the base
🔥 Smoke Diffuser Base – Translucent plumes capture and scatter the flame effect beneath the rocket
🔌 QT Py RP2040 Compatible – Easily powered with plug-and-play CircuitPython code and STEMMA QT I2C driver
🧱 Modular Assembly – Separate rocket, base, and flame layers designed for easy wiring and customization
🎨 Bold Color Blocking – Two-tone finish echoes the style of vintage raygun comics and atomic toys
🧠 IMPORTANT BUILD NOTE
This is an Intermediate-Level Electronics Build featuring modular components and smooth LED animation.
But don’t worry—if you’ve dabbled in LEDs or CircuitPython before, this rocket is a perfect next step. It’s drama without difficulty, spectacle without stress.
🛠️ A full assembly guide is included with the project files, complete with visuals, diagrams, and soldering tips.
🧰 Beginner Grid
| Section | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3D Printing Parts | 🟧 Medium | Multi-part with smooth contours—aim for quality surface finishes |
| Base Assembly | 🟧 Medium | Channels for wires & LEDs—keep your routing clean |
| Electronics | 🔴 Hard | Soldering required for QT Py, NeoPixel connections |
| Smoke Diffuser | 🟩 Easy | Translucent filament for best light diffusion |
| Code Integration | 🟩 Easy | Plug & play with included CircuitPython script |
🧪 Tips for New Makers
This rocket may look like it came from another galaxy, but its build process is firmly grounded in accessible maker skills.
If you’ve tackled a few multi-part prints and feel ready to explore NeoPixel lighting, you’re in for a treat.
This project introduces modular electronics, light diffusion, timed animations, and sine-flicker effects.
Just bring a soldering iron and a love of glowing gadgets—we’ll handle the rest in the guide.
🌠 READY FOR LAUNCH?
Grab your filament.
Prime your soldering station.
And prepare for a countdown 70 years in the making.
🧑🚀 CALLING ALL ATOMIC AGE ENGINEERS!
🖨️ Print the parts
⚡ Wire the pad
🔥 Ignite the flame
💡 Light the launch
📸 When your rocket lifts off, we want to see it!
Post your builds, remixes, upgrades, and display setups in the comments. We’d love to see what far-off galaxies you travel to.
🚀 Tag your build with #PulpRocket
...and show the MakerWorld:
The future never looked this retro.
Documentation (3)
License
You shall not share, sub-license, sell, rent, host, transfer, or distribute in any way the digital or 3D printed versions of this object, nor any other derivative work of this object in its digital or physical format (including - but not limited to - remixes of this object, and hosting on other digital platforms). The objects may not be used without permission in any way whatsoever in which you charge money, or collect fees.
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