When the package arrived, I was quite shocked at the size! Although the photos did not show much, it is quite bulky and well, has a lot of heft. Anyway, this page is to show you the runners. Randy’s original model was taken apart and scanned in order to create this kit.
Brad Hair wasn’t kidding when he said the Box was huge. The Mars Hopper easily outsizes even the biggest model kit that I have. I used a can of Kickapoo to show you how big it is.
(Sorry, my youngest daughter wanted Kickapoo and not Coca Cola
)
And here is the Special Bonus from Randy Cooper, some signed photos!
There are two Airlock doors and this first one is removeable. It was the details of this door which pushed me to make me want the kit. The lighting and all is nice but the details on the door could not be ignored.
On the top right part is where the second Airlock door would be. This would be located at the rear of the Unit and unless I want to make a diorama of someone getting in or out, I do not plan to cut it out.
This is just two runners out of four. I am thinking of not using them but to keep as parts. There are a lot of other parts in the model which to me, are candidates for kit-bashing.
See the circular part on the left? That is the ceiling and also, the main interest point for me.
The part on the right is the floor, where a short pin on its top left is missing (its not in the plastic bag either). The main stumbling block here is how to paint it so that I can show the effects of the ceiling lights….
Yes, the ‘ball’ is huge.
(Clockwise from top)
The BIG clear piece which is the main viewing port, black cables to serve as Hose for the landing gears, two 1/32 scale figures, 9 reflectors (for lighting)
(Clockwise from top left)
Decal sheet, photo-etch and more clear parts.
Is the asking price worth it? At 1USD = MYR4.3, you can definitely feel the pain.
However, bear in mind, this is the first Randy Cooper design which comes in styrene plastic. Not only was the Mars Hopper huge, there are a minimum of 16 plastic sprues, photo-etch, decals, etc. And yes, the model was designed for lighting too. So, for me, being a proud owner of an original Randy Cooper design, its worth it. You won’t see this design anywhere else.
