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Author
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Topic: Demand for a 1:18 Curiosity rover model
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alexbaja
Member Posts: 448
From: Naxxar, Malta
Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 08-06-2012 02:26 PM
   
How many of you would like to see a 1:18 Curiosity rover.Now that NASA’s JPL Curiosity rover is a success I would love to see a very detailed model at this scale. Thanks to Hot Wheels they produced a small scale model to encourage young children. Now let’s hope that some manufacturer has this model in mind for us collectors. |
GoesTo11
Member Posts: 1309
From: Denver, CO
Registered: Jun 2004
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posted 08-06-2012 03:34 PM
I'd definitely buy a die-cast like the Sun Star Spirit/Opportunity model. 1:18 would be a perfect scale. |
Fezman92
Member Posts: 1031
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 08-06-2012 04:27 PM
I wouldn't mind one at all. They should just put a tiny amount of a very harmless radioactive mineral in the body that would be detectable by a Geiger counter. Nothing harmful just a little amount to mark the reactor that powers it. |
Ronpur
Member Posts: 1211
From: Brandon, Fl
Registered: May 2012
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posted 08-06-2012 06:11 PM
I would take one! |
Gilbert
Member Posts: 1328
From: Carrollton, GA USA
Registered: Jan 2003
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posted 08-07-2012 01:25 PM
I'd get one. |
the clocks running
Member Posts: 382
From: Rochester, NY
Registered: Jan 2012
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posted 08-07-2012 02:09 PM
I would buy one. It could be a fun kit.Maybe Hasegawa would create this kit? |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42982
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 08-07-2012 02:26 PM
All spacecraft designs managed by/built at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory are considered the property of CalTech. They cannot be reproduced in model or other form without a license from JPL.At this time, only Mattel has approached JPL about creating a model of Curiosity (the Hot Wheels toy as announced). |
the clocks running
Member Posts: 382
From: Rochester, NY
Registered: Jan 2012
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posted 08-07-2012 02:41 PM
That is cool. Mattel could potentially create a very good diecast model of Curiosity. |
alexbaja
Member Posts: 448
From: Naxxar, Malta
Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 08-07-2012 02:47 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Robert Pearlman:
They cannot be reproduced in model or other form without a license from JPL.
So let's hope that some model making company will see this and maybe they come to a deal with JPL. I think that there will be a market for this model at this scale as Curiosity is being given a lot of attention by all the world media. With all the equipment on board Curiosity should give scientists lots of hard work and fun for years to come. |
arjuna
unregistered
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posted 08-07-2012 06:40 PM
Agree, and it would also seem to me to be to CalTech/JPL's benefit to encourage this kind of interest in their vehicles.I'd buy one if it was reasonably accurate and not a toy. |
sev8n
Member Posts: 233
From: Dallas TX USA
Registered: Jul 2012
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posted 08-07-2012 06:58 PM
I could see this as a popular radio-controlled model, actually any of the rovers would make unique RC models. |
GACspaceguy
Member Posts: 2474
From: Guyton, GA
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 08-07-2012 08:08 PM
There was an RC for Sojourner Rover by company called Scientific. One sold here on eBay (note this eBay link will go away in a couple of months). If I have it right they had to stop producing them as they had not obtained the proper licenses from NASA. Can anyone confirm that I have this correct? Addition: Remember that Code 3 did Mars Exploration Rover and really well. While not an R/C it is a great model. One like that for Curiosity would be wonderful. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42982
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 08-07-2012 08:18 PM
Yes, it was pulled from the market as it infringed on JPL's intellectual property.(As an aside, its controls were connected to the rover by a wire, and the wheels did not have the rocker-bogie suspension like the real Sojourner.)
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Atlantis
Member Posts: 111
From: Cullman, AL
Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 08-07-2012 09:36 PM
The host of the Curiosity party I went to had one of these. It could only go forward and backwards, but was still pretty cool and made a handy beverage transporter.
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divemaster
Member Posts: 1376
From: ridgefield, ct
Registered: May 2002
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posted 08-08-2012 06:15 PM
Stupid question: Why 1:18? Not exactly a common scale. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42982
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 08-08-2012 06:45 PM
I would guess that the scale was inspired by the earlier-released 1:18 die-cast Mars Exploration Rover (Spirit and Opportunity) by Sun Star Models. Apparently, 1:18 scale is somewhat of a standard for die-cast model cars. |
GoesTo11
Member Posts: 1309
From: Denver, CO
Registered: Jun 2004
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posted 08-08-2012 08:21 PM
quote:
Originally posted by divemaster:
Stupid question: Why 1:18? Not exactly a common scale.
What Robert said. To most aerospace-centric modelers used to working with larger subjects and consequently smaller scale ratios, 1:18 might seem odd at first. But this is perhaps the most common automobile scale, and given Curiosity's actual size (so often likened to a compact/sports car), it would seem to offer the best balance between detail and market-friendly pricing. As an example, the one non-aerospace related model sitting on my shelf now is a UT Models die-cast 1:18 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta. As the article Robert linked mentions, it has opening doors and hood, highly detailed interior and engine compartments, and the steering wheel does in fact turn the front wheels. All this in a model that measures just over 9"/30 cm from front to back. A Curiosity rover in this scale by a quality-oriented manufacturer would be able to offer mechanical possibilities like rotating wheels, working rocker arms, and movable instrument platforms. I'm thinking about a die-cast/plastic release. I'll leave the kit possibilities to the actual builders here 
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alexbaja
Member Posts: 448
From: Naxxar, Malta
Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 08-09-2012 12:20 AM
quote:
Originally posted by divemaster:
Stupid question: Why 1:18? Not exactly a common scale.
I think Robert and Kevin said it all, the only thing I wanted to add is, the Code 3 Collectibles Lunar Roving Vehicle is at that scale, the detail is there so whoever takes up this project knows that collectors demand detail, so for success they have to deliver. On the other hand whoever wants to add some green man they are cute at that scale.  |
apolloprojeckt
Member Posts: 1447
From: Arnhem, Netherlands
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 08-09-2012 02:39 AM
I did a build theme in my country a few years ago, the theme must related to a commercial. I name it of the famous Dutch beer "Biertje"? I think you know the brand beer, the funny thing is that people from last week almost JPL are very happy as in the commercial from years ago. I did use the Spirit and Opportunity from brand Sun Star, make it a little more accurate and than we have something new!  
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alexbaja
Member Posts: 448
From: Naxxar, Malta
Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 08-09-2012 02:53 AM
Pascal that is a model that we haven't seen before, again a beauty. It is an insult to the little Green Man as you replaced them with a Green can of beer. |
Jay Chladek
Member Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007
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posted 08-09-2012 08:14 AM
The Caltech JPL licensing situation is a very strange one since JPL is both a NASA center (meaning taxpayer funding and typically no proprietary licensing for other vehicles, such as manned NASA craft) and a private one with its own proprietary stuff. It did put up a few roadblocks to companies like Realspace Models doing some of their probes as back during the Sojourner days, Mattel appearently had an exclusive license in play for a lot of JPL's stuff. Not long after that though, the license lapsed (after two of the Mars probes ended up failures) and Realspace was able to legally do some of the other unmanned probes. With Hasegawa also doing a model of Voyager now, I can only hope the trend continues as a model or a large scale diecast of Curiosity would be cool.And yes, 1/18 is a very common diecast car scale. Since Curiosity is about the size of a Mini Cooper, it would be a reasonable size on display and packed with a fair amount of detail. |
divemaster
Member Posts: 1376
From: ridgefield, ct
Registered: May 2002
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posted 08-10-2012 01:22 AM
And I'd rather work at 1:12 scale. Takes up a lot of room on the shelf, but it leaves more room for detailing. I'm not happy with the 1:72 scale that Dragon used for it's Apollo 17 model — but it would have been killer in 1:48. I didn't realize that 1:18 was standard for car models. With big models like the Saturn V, 1:144, 1:72 and 1:48 look awesome. You get to 1:400 and you start thinking "why bother"? I also like the 1:32 scale of the Revell CSM — though the 1:48 is a perfect size, too.I once asked why 1:72 seemed standard for aircraft models, and it seemed like the common answer was "shelf space".
But look at how much we all enjoyed the Atomic City 1:12 Mercury [and the Pod from 2001]. I'd love to do a 1:12 Apollo CM. Imagine the detail you could do of the control panel in that scale! On edit: And why they picked 1:96 for the original Saturn V is anyone's guess — though it's a great size for display. However, put it next to the current Dragon version, and the 1:72 really pops. And, once again, it gives you so much room for added detail (which they left out). I obviously love the small things that no one really sees. It makes the whole model. Anyone who has seen the 1:48 Saturn V from Nick Proach as got to be in awe — even at 8 feet tall. |
alexbaja
Member Posts: 448
From: Naxxar, Malta
Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 08-10-2012 01:32 AM
A 1:12 scale would look cool but you would need a City Hall to display models at that scale.In my opinion the 1:12 scale for certain models should be left to museums and not private collectors especially a CM. |
divemaster
Member Posts: 1376
From: ridgefield, ct
Registered: May 2002
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posted 08-10-2012 03:44 AM
1:12 for a CM would be very big - but think of all of the super detailing that could be done. You could actually look in the hatch and SEE something. All you need is talent. |
GACspaceguy
Member Posts: 2474
From: Guyton, GA
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 08-10-2012 04:43 AM
quote:
Originally posted by alexbaja:
In my opinion the 1:12 scale for certain models should be left to museums and not private collectors especially a CM.
1/12 scale is large but you don't need a museum or a shelf, just a good display and a free corner in a room. Take a look at this page for a 1/12 CSM and LM (with a 1/100 Saturn V as well). |
alexbaja
Member Posts: 448
From: Naxxar, Malta
Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 08-10-2012 10:00 AM
Well said Fred, but remember that not a lot of us collectors are as lucky as you are. You have a very reasonable wife helping you collecting. If I had to tell my wife that I am getting an LM 1:12 scale to seat under our coffee table I would have to sleep in my son's room. That said, I think that you have a beautiful large house that can fit a large collection of big scale models so keep it up. |
GACspaceguy
Member Posts: 2474
From: Guyton, GA
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 08-10-2012 10:24 AM
quote:
Originally posted by alexbaja:
If I had to tell my wife that I am getting an LM 1:12 scale to seat under our coffee table I would have to sleep in my son's room.
Fully understand, I am blessed. However, just call it an art piece, have you seen what people call art these days. |
alexbaja
Member Posts: 448
From: Naxxar, Malta
Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 08-10-2012 10:36 AM
That's a great idea, I will tell my wife that it's an art piece, maybe I will get away with it.  |
Philip
Member Posts: 5952
From: Brussels, Belgium
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 08-10-2012 10:51 AM
In any case, the scale model the engineers use during the NASA-JPL press conferences must be at about 1/10 scale. It looks very solid and could be a "one off" made especially for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.But a model at 1/18th scale will also be large as compared to the well-known MER models by Sun Star Toys. |
GACspaceguy
Member Posts: 2474
From: Guyton, GA
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 08-10-2012 01:03 PM
Just looked up the dimensions of Curiosity and a 1/18 scale model would be about 6.5" long, 6" wide and 5" tall. I do not see that as a large model but one that could show the detail that this amazing scientific vehicle deserves. Now, if only some one would build it so that we can discuss the accuracy of the offering. |
jutrased
Member Posts: 65
From: North Smithfield, RI USA
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 08-11-2012 08:50 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Robert Pearlman:
As an aside, its controls were connected to the rover by a wire, and the wheels did not have the rocker-bogie suspension like the real Sojourner.
Actually there were two versions of the Mars Rover Sojourner by Scientific, one with a wired remote and another with a wireless remote: The company did make an attempt at a disclaimer:  |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42982
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 08-11-2012 09:04 PM
quote:
Originally posted by jutrased:
The company did make an attempt at a disclaimer...
That disclaimer seems to work against them. Given Mattel's exclusive with JPL for the mission, any toy "based on the NASA Sojourner Mars Rover" would have been in violation...
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alexbaja
Member Posts: 448
From: Naxxar, Malta
Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 08-12-2012 03:09 PM
We might get a LEGO version. Mechanical engineer Stephen Pakbaz's LEGO version of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory rover, Curiosity.Let's hope it is done, I would still prefer a 1:18 detailed model but I am sure that this will help our demand. |
garymilgrom
Member Posts: 1966
From: Atlanta, GA
Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 08-12-2012 04:43 PM
I also would like a 1/18 model to display against similar scale automotive models (as Robert suggests). |
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