Retro Soviet-Style Address Sign (Illuminated)

Retro Soviet-Style Address Sign (Illuminated)

This project is inspired by classic street address signs widely used across the USSR and early post-Soviet Russia. These signs had a distinctive look — clean, functional, and softly illuminated at night. Now you can recreate that aesthetic with modern 3D printing.

Designed for installation on a house facade, fence, gate, or entrance, this sign combines nostalgic design with practical construction and modular assembly.

🧩 Project Structure

The model consists of several plates (modules), allowing flexibility depending on your preferred assembly method:

1. Canopy (Top Cover)
Includes a compartment for a round light module (Bambu Lab Light Kit, 59.4 mm).
→ Requires supports during printing.

2. Main Plate (Street Name + House Number)
Customizable text plate.
To create curved text:

• Use a hemisphere as a base
• Adjust its height so the text becomes slightly curved but remains mostly horizontal
  This is enough to merge it cleanly with the base surface.

Includes:

• 2 mounting holes
• 1 alignment slot for precise connection with the canopy

3. Number Inserts
Printed with transparent PETG
⚠️ Required thickness: 0.8 mm (important for proper fit)
These act as illuminated number elements.

4. Optional Back Plate
Used if the mounting surface is uneven.

• Attaches behind the canopy and main plate
• Mounting holes are fully aligned
  → Allows you to glue parts 1 and 2 into a single rigid unit before installation

5. Insert Holder (for Plate #3 elements)
Used with canopy from Plate #1

• Internal slots for number inserts
• After assembly, insert the numbers and secure them with a small bottom stopper

6. Integrated Canopy (Advanced Version)
Combines Plates #1 and #5 into a single part
⚠️ More complex and significantly longer print time
→ Alternative to printing Plates 1 + 5 separately

🔧 Build Options

You can choose between two assembly approaches:

• Option A (modular, easier print):
  Plates 1 + 2 + 3 + 5
• Option B (integrated, longer print):
  Plates 2 + 3 + 6

💡 Lighting

Designed specifically for the Bambu Lab Light Kit (59.4 mm)
This provides a soft, even glow — very close to the original vintage signs.

🖨️ Printing Notes

• Optimized for Bambu Lab P1S build volume
• Material: PETG recommended
• Transparent PETG required for number inserts
• Ironing can be used, but offers minimal visual benefit for this model

🎯 Design Philosophy

These address signs were once a common sight across cities and towns — simple, durable, and surprisingly elegant. The gentle illumination made them highly visible at night while adding a unique atmosphere to the streets.

This project is an attempt to preserve that design language and make it accessible with modern tools. With a bit of customization, you can create a fully personalized sign that feels both nostalgic and unique.

🛠️ Tips

• Use contrasting filament colors for better readability
• Light sanding or matte finish improves the vintage look
• Warm white LEDs give the most authentic result