I have had this Estes Mars Lander for over 25 years, I bought in 1984, off the shelf of Carl's Clear Track Hobbies in Fort Myers Florida. It was awhile before I built the kit. The picture on the Launch pad is the Lander's maiden lunch in 1990. I flew the Lander when good weather permitted and for special occasions. then in 1999 my Family lost our home to a fire. The Mars Lander was one
of 50+ Rockets that were damaged by heat or smoke,

So with new parts from Semroc: I Will Rebuild Her Better Than She Was.

Neal Miller / Master Blaster

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The pictures of the box are very cool. Are the rubber bands for the legs toast?

Carbons, one landing gear is a little weak but they all still have spring action and support the weight of the lander, I will build a support that fits into the engine mount so that the bands will have the weight off them well on display after the rebuild.
These rocket that went through the fire were some of my oldest and most collectable, my kits, engines and other rockets were at my office.

Please post photos of your progress..............rebuilds and restorations are a particular favorite of mine.

Joe

I'm looking forward to following the re-build.
This could be one of the more interesting projects.

__________________
Hans "Chris" Michielssen
Old/New NAR # 19086 SR

www.oddlrockets.com
www.modelrocketbuilding.blogspot.com
http://www.nar.org/educational-reso...ing-techniques/
Your results may vary
"Nose cones roll, be careful with that."
Every spaceman needs a ray gun.
Look out - I'm the Meister Shyster!

Did you paint it silver, or is that just from the smoke? The one on the box art does look silver. Kinda cool.

__________________
Bill Eichelberger
NAR 79563

http://wallyum.blogspot.com/

I miss being SAM 0058

Build floor: Centuri Mini Dactyl Estes - Low Boom SST Semroc - Marauder, Shrike, SST Shuttle

In paint: Canaroc Starfighter Scorpion Estes F-22 Air Superiority Fighter, Multi-Roc, Solar Sailer II Semroc Cyber III

Ready to fly: Estes - Solar Sailer II Semroc - Earmark, Groonie Der V 1/2

I have an original ML that I really never completed.

It will likely need new rubber bands and tubing.

I will probably build my Semroc version and then work on the old one.

Sorry if the pictures are not real clear. I worked with a very cheap 35mm camera for years.
The original paint on the Lander was White, the remaining paint after the fire was soot brownish/gray. I will take some more pic's after I finish sanding and priming, I have the new
Semroc wraps sitting curved into shape so they will conform to the sub- structure. This is a good thing to do as after a few days the light card stock will take-on the required shape you need and make it a lot easier to fit the part.

Neal

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Today I had some time and I was able to work on the lander.
I fit and installed the two new Semroc body wraps, I don't know if it was me or the Semroc parts, but I had a hard time getting the cones to fit each other. I also fabricated and installed
the 4 launch lugs that simulate the hydraulic cylinders on the landing gear, the 2 microwave
dish antennas and there mounting brackets, then I gave the Lander It's first full coat of primer.

Oh buy to way if you have a Kmart near you go and see if their closing out spray paint,
I bought Krylon ( Primer and several colors) for $ 1.00 a can, they are changing to a different
brand.

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HI All, today the weather is very blustery with a lot of wind and rain here in South Florida.
That made it prefect to stay home and work on the Mars Lander.
I was able to paint the base coat white paint early this morning and started painting the landing gear this afternoon. I will do some touch-up tonight, and then decal to morrow when the paint is fully dry. I was able to preserve one of the original Mars Lander Medallions that was on the original build of the rocket. I think it gives the restoration character when you can
keep as many of the original parts and some of the finish and detail.

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