The Mars Rover

All those non-military builds.
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John Everett
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The Mars Rover

Post by John Everett »

I started this one back at the beginning of the year with the idea of having it ready for the show this weekend.........Plans changed. :roll:

You may remember these:

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But I didn't really like the overall shape, too boxy. I wanted something more visually interesting, bigger windows, more lights, a vehicle more Hollywood, less real science. To do all that I needed something about twice the size of the original. I also discovered the cool options available from the world of model cars. :o

I bought a couple of 1/25 cars for $1.00 during a local club auction. At that price, chopping them up seems reasonable. :twisted:
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I'm going to use some new materials for the shaping of the final contours. Stay tuned!
"You used up all the glue...............ON PURPOSE!" - Darren McGavin

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Shaun Symonds
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Re: The Mars Rover

Post by Shaun Symonds »

Hi John
Glad to see this still on the bench. :D

Shaun
Completed Campaigns: ImageImageImage

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John Everett
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Re: The Mars Rover

Post by John Everett »

I spent much of the day working on the rear section of the rover. Among the parts here are cars, halftracks, jewelry, a battleship, a common school eraser and one lid from a fish food dispenser.

The vehicle will remain open top until all of the painting an lighting is complete. Then I will be ready to bond the two main sections.
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The front end stands to be considerably more complex, with exterior lighting, instrument panel and large windows.

No idea how I will do all that. :roll:

I just hope it doesn't end up looking like this.
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"You used up all the glue...............ON PURPOSE!" - Darren McGavin

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Matt Parvis
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Re: The Mars Rover

Post by Matt Parvis »

Looks great John, certainly an inventive use of various materials.

I referenced Spaceballs the other day myself in describing my stash, it has gone plaid. :lol:

Matt

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John Everett
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Re: The Mars Rover

Post by John Everett »

The rover is progressing at, "Ludicrous Speed!" The Schwartz is with me.

Work on the Space Winnebago moved into the the front end today. As expected, attempting to graft all those parts together with so much window area hasn't been easy.
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Extra gizmo detail added to the rear section.
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Transitions between parts is still pretty rough.
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Scratchbuilding causes insanity.
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Bondo and putty, lots and lots of putty to follow.
"You used up all the glue...............ON PURPOSE!" - Darren McGavin

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John Everett
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Re: The Mars Rover

Post by John Everett »

More paint, more parts, more adjustments to lighting.

It's progressing faster than I expected. Having the kids back in school has been good for my model building. :P
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"You used up all the glue...............ON PURPOSE!" - Darren McGavin

Completed Campaigns:
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Shaun Symonds
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Re: The Mars Rover

Post by Shaun Symonds »

Wow John
That looks Great the paint has really brought it to life.
Nice work

Shaun
Completed Campaigns: ImageImageImage

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Gary Boxall
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Re: The Mars Rover

Post by Gary Boxall »

The lighting certainly adds to the realism 8-)

Gary
Hi. My name is Gary and I'm an ex-Shermaholic....

Chris Smith
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Re: The Mars Rover

Post by Chris Smith »

Needs more leatherette :P :lol:

Looks fantastic with the painting and lighting.

Chris
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John Everett
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Re: The Mars Rover

Post by John Everett »

Thanks, guys,

The lighting gives a certain feeling, ambiance. I'm planning to add an Easter egg in the morning. Should be a fast sculpt. Stay tuned. ;)

Work on the front end, in particular the instrument panel. Getting this installed and working is a big step.
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Glued in place!
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Do-dads and gizmo things added. More of that to come. I need to hide the panel/window interface.
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"You used up all the glue...............ON PURPOSE!" - Darren McGavin

Completed Campaigns:
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