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