I finally got around to finishing my Semroc Mars Lander. I started it last year, but had to stop last winter because I couldn't paint the components. I just got around to working on it again these last few weeks.

I used rubber bands after not finding any springs that I felt suitable. I made the rear shroud removable so that I can access the rubber bands through holes in the rear bulkhead. I've made little wire hooks for them to attach to the lander legs instead of trying to loop them through when it comes time to replace them.

I used Semroc's decals except I wanted to keep the old look and feel with the ML 4, Martin Marietta, and round Estes ML decal. The Semroc oval looked really good with a colored lander, and I almost decided to morph the two together, but decided to stick with the classic decal instead.

This is right after decal application, no clearcoat yet.

SWEET!!!!

Nice Job Tim.

Suhweet, Tim. It inspires me. Maybe, if I can get a few cleared off my bench, I'll get out my Tango Papa 3.9" ML and finish it.

Doug

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YORF member #11

Very nice! I just received mine last week, and I've opened the bag to gawk at its coolness.


I've got a lot of otherr unfinished projects, but I'm going to weave this one into the mix so it might be ready come Springtime.

Funny, I thought about using Estes decals too, and just may do the same.

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Lee Reep
NAR 55948

Projects: Semroc Saturn 1B, Ken Foss Designs Mini Satellite Interceptor
In the Paint Shop: Nothing! Too cold!
Launch-Ready: Farside-X, Maxi Honest John, Super Scamp

Thanks guys.

LOL! I know what you mean, Doug. With all the sub assemblies, it's like working on three or four different rockets at the same time.

I can think of no better praise than "you do good work."

Some folks on TRF wanted to see how I did the mods. I thought I'd post it here also.

The bell nozzle is friction fitted so that it can easily be removed. I'm going to have to put some CA on the end of the motor mount tube to keep it from fuzzing up, but otherwise it's good to go. The two metal screws are temporary until I get around to getting some less noticeable white nylon screws, which I may never get around to, knowing me. I figured I'd need four, but the two of them hold it flush to the bulkhead quite well. The bottom didn't get much effort, so it doesn't look too good. The paint has even worn off the bottom edge of the main body tube from sitting around so long before finishing the project.



I drew the straight lines where the triangular supports are glued to the bulkhead. I've roughly colored in the areas that can be cut away to access the legs. I will cut away the minimum needed for access. I can add reinforcement later if it starts to warp, but I don't think it will as long as the rubber band load is spread with a fairly long dowel. I obviously didn't glue the dowels down. They will stay put just fine without it.



Here is a very poor mockup of the way I rigged the rubber bands. The paper clip represents the little hooks I made and the pencil is the dowel. I used two rubber bands for each leg, but the photo just shows one for clarity.

Very very nice Mona Lisa build!

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Leo

My rocket fleet and more @ Leo's Leisure Site and on YouTube - My latest project: ALTDuino

Great job! I've got two Semroc ML's laying around and I think I just may be been convinced to start one.

I can't wait to hear the flight report.

I like your red/gold color combo for the dish antennas.
I used black(shaft)/grey(dish)/silver (point&ball) on mine.
I think your scheme on this detail looks better and may have to do that on my 5th ML I'm building now.

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When in doubt, WHACK the GAS and DITCH the brake !!!

Yes, there is such a thing as NORMAL, if you have to ask what is "NORMAL" , you probably aren't !
Failure may not be an OPTION, but it is ALWAYS a POSSIBILITY.
ALL systems are GO for MAYHEM, CHAOS, and HAVOC !