This
is an original scratchbuilt model based on one of the many design
concepts for a manned Mars lander. The body was built from .015
sheet styrene and rolled into three sections: A truncated cone (topped with
Miliput) that makes up the upper capsule; a cylinder for the main body and
a second truncated cone making up the propulsion section. Inside the
propulsion section, I added yet another truncated cone for the recessed
"well" that the nozzle sits in.
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images below to see larger images
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The
model's surface was detailed with half-round styrene strip, styrene rod and
tubing and other bits and pieces. The main engine nozzle was scavenged
from an old “Space:1999” Eagle and was cut and sanded to shape. The
egress hatch was made from the bottom of a plastic pill bottle, cut to shape and
faired in with Super Glue. The landing legs and footpads were made from strip
styrene, and the landing gear fairings were made from sheet styrene that was
heat-formed over a carved wooden mold.
All decals,
including cockpit windows and thermal protection system tiles, were
homemade on my computer and printed out onto white decal stock. Except for the
NASA “meatball” and the American flag (which I cut and pasted from the
Internet onto my homemade decal sheet) all decals and markings were
designed and printed on my computer.
The
base is a piece of foam-core poster board covered with spackling paste, unused
cat litter and rocks from the backyard. It was painted a rusty red, then
weathered and set in an old picture frame.
David
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images below to see larger images
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