Once the landers had sent back the data, the first explorers had been and seen, the backslapping finished, it was time for the Corporations. Mars was to be opened up for development and the MegaCorporations who could see the future “benefits” stepped in, ensuring that the sponsorships and mineral rights were “properly” allocated.

In 2090 the Mars Terraforming Corporation set about making Mars a more hospitable place by sending in Survey Teams to take the samples, map the terrain and plan how to extract the water from frozen deposits, deep under the surface.

For the task the FAS (Ford Asukawa Simplikov) All Terrain Vehicle was chosen to move the teams around. The ATV performed admirably as the rugged, modular design proved its mega-million price tag well worth the investment. Each ATV is powered by Komatsu SlowCold Fusion Power Cube, driving the 8 wheels as individual units, on their rugged, fully articulated suspension. Each ATV can be self-sustaining for up to 8 weeks, with full (if cramped) accommodation for a maximum of 4 crew. It has a modular but complete sensor package that can uplink to the orbiting satellites for Mars-wide communications with the MTC Base Station located near the Pyramid Mountain.

The crews go off to set the beacons that will locate the position of mineral deposits or possible locations of the Terraforming Process Stations.

Breathable air on Mars is coming…. Thanks to MTC !

• · Hull created from plastic card over formers, with lots of evergreen section. Windows were sandwiched between card walls with other card pieces as storm shutters.
• · Rod/Card suspension Units. The suspension is fully articulated and uses real springs from the hardware shop, and even works !
• · Scratchbuilt/spares box interior of operating and science compartment plus the airlock area was left in the open state.
• Removable roof from rear to reveal living quarters.
• · Spares Box 'greeblies' and detail from various aircraft and AFV Kits.
• · Wheels from MAZ Scud Launcher
• · Bits of old robot and half a table tennis ball.
• · Decals home made using a laser printer and sealed with a clear coat

Finish

So what would a civilian vehicle look like on Mars? I went for a gloss blue to contrast with the Martian red, with a cream roof for both insulation and visibility. All transparencies and the airlock were masked off and all painting done, including early weathering. Some ink was used for a wash over the model to flow down into recesses. A final dry brush with either a very light blue (main hull) or white (roof) was completed. Final weathering was done with a light brown over spray with masks removed. Mars' famous dust was created using Terracotta tile grout. Firstly the model had water painted on using a brush and then the tile grout sprinkled on. Where the water was the grout set, the rest was brushed off, leaving a nice haze of dust over the model. This gave a satisfying look of dust settling and building up in areas where you would expect dust to settle and build up.

Figure

The figure is based on Verlinden Modern Pilot with helmet and belt detail added from Milliput. Visor is an old Aircraft windscreen and air supply from a Military Flame Thrower tank. The figure was finished in acrylics.

Base

Image: Front/right view

Image: Right/rear

Image: Crew compartment

Image: Master of all he surveys