The Mars Rover

[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.

You may remember these:










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.

I bought a couple of 1/25 cars for $1.00 during a local club auction. At that price, chopping them up seems reasonable.












I'm going to use some new materials for the shaping of the final contours. Stay tuned!

[Shaun Symonds]

Hi John
Glad to see this still on the bench.

Shaun

[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.






















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.

I just hope it doesn't end up looking like this.

[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.

Matt

[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.




Extra gizmo detail added to the rear section.


Transitions between parts is still pretty rough.




Scratchbuilding causes insanity.


Bondo and putty, lots and lots of putty to follow.

[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.

[Shaun Symonds]

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

Shaun

[Gary Boxall]

The lighting certainly adds to the realism

Gary

[Chris Smith]

Needs more leatherette

Looks fantastic with the painting and lighting.

Chris

[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.




Glued in place!




Do-dads and gizmo things added. More of that to come. I need to hide the panel/window interface.