3X Mars Lander by Colossus Rockets - test build nearly complete

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Ben Awes

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Hey folks, last fall I released the first ever 3X Mars Lander Kit - an exact replica of the Estes Mars Lander. I got a LOT of feedback, mostly positive and some slightly ornery that I would do such a thing! - it was all great feedback and I worked hard at listening. A consistent theme was that people wanted to see it built and flown before considering such a kit. Well, and I have been working on it this winter/spring and the build is nearly complete. I do have a couple other beta kits out there being built but they are a bit behind me in the building phase. It's been great fun, but a challenging build for sure - a lot of parts on a Mars Lander as you can imagine. I've taken lots and lots of build photos, but did not want to bore you all with too much progress info, so I've waited till now. I have posted a number that i took yesterday on my Colossus Rockets Facebook page. I've tried to post them in this post but the link is below to for the Facebook page if it does not work here. Would love to hear what you think.

Thanks,
Ben
Colossus Rockets

https://www.facebook.com/pages/3X-M....288308161266394.62661.122541217843090&type=1



IMG_8647.jpgIMG_8648.jpgIMG_8650.jpgIMG_8651.jpgIMG_8652.jpg
 
I got to see one of these fly this past Saturday in Maine at the MMMS club launch. I wish I had a pic to share.
 
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The folks I have sold to are not yet complete with their kits so it could not be this kit. Was it a 3X upscale or a 2X? Either way I wish you had a pic too! no matter the size i love to see Mars Landers Kits. There are some folks who have scratch built 3X Mars Landers - just not from kits that i am aware of.

Thanks,
Ben
 
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Good call building one and sharing pics. I remember the discussion last year (onery, heh heh!) and it seemed strange not to have a pic then of the finished product. I'll be keeping my eye out for the final finished product! Looks cool. Great work.
 
The kit is from Papa-Tango. I have a pic but it won't upload. I'll keep on trying.
 
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Thanks Scottydog! I have a pic of you and the builder of the three Mars Landers. It just won't load!
 
Great photos! Love seeing those Mars Landers - there's just someth'n about those fat rockets! Thanks for posting those - hopefully this guy will want an even bigger kit!

Ben
Colossus Rockets
 
I can not wait to see a 3x flight report. What motor is suggested?
 
The flight profiles in Rocksim suggest J's and K's. Final weight of the rocket is not yet know but it will be in the 22-24lb range I imagine (without motor). I'm at 16.5 pounds right now without recovery and without nose cone weight. Getting the CP/CG right might need more nose weight than I first projected. The slow lift-off is great BUT this thing has to get stable quick! The internal lug means that tall launch towers are not an option - have to go with the 1/2" rod and those can only be so long.
 
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I got to see one of these fly this past Saturday in Maine at the MMMS club launch. I wish I had a pic to share.

That would be My Papa Tango 2X Mars Lander.
Alas, the 1.6X is no more, it failed to deploy the parachute last fall and is totalled.
As is the Clone from Semroc, the Aerotech 18mm D engines I flew it with burned through the motor tube with excess ejection charges.
I will replace it and treat/protect the new one so that will not happen again.

LOVE the MMMSC field, Best I've found in my life.
 
Great photos! Love seeing those Mars Landers - there's just someth'n about those fat rockets! Thanks for posting those - hopefully this guy will want an even bigger kit!

Ben
Colossus Rockets

Actually Ben, you are making me cringe.
I just built a 3X with Solidworks 3D modeling software last month. I was working on making my own.
I'll be looking for yours now.
Parts were working out so I'd end up with 4 at a time. And not cheap.
 
Those are some nice Mars Landers.I love the 3X upscale very cool.

I recently started a Semroc ML after wanting one for 30 years.

Always wanted this as a kid...now I want a BIG one:D
 
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Hey Guys, nice to see these comments. Ramjet - very nice work on the Mars Lander collection (and i take it that your phrase "making me cringe" is meant in a positive way? ;). You absolutely need my kit! I hear you on the production cost, holy cow, with over 340 parts, the costs seem to never end! As you know these parts just don't exist out there. Everything is custom (expect the body tubes). It's been great fun though. I love this rocket (as you obviously do) and there is nothing better than to make a kit of a rocket you love.

You guys do know that the kit is available at my Etsy shop? https://www.etsy.com/listing/85413715/3x-mars-lander-high-power-model-rocket

Also, have you been tracking the build thread of the 3X by another member on this site - David Holloway? He is doing a great job - can't wait to see his fly!

https://www.rocketryforum.com/showt...nder-3X-Build-Thread&highlight=3x+mars+lander

I am working on the second build, plan to fly is late spring, early summer.

Stay in touch,

Ben
Colossus Rockets
 
Hey Guys, nice to see these comments. Ramjet - very nice work on the Mars Lander collection (and i take it that your phrase "making me cringe" is meant in a positive way? ;). You absolutely need my kit! I hear you on the production cost, holy cow, with over 340 parts, the costs seem to never end! As you know these parts just don't exist out there. Everything is custom (expect the body tubes). It's been great fun though. I love this rocket (as you obviously do) and there is nothing better than to make a kit of a rocket you love.

You guys do know that the kit is available at my Etsy shop? https://www.etsy.com/listing/85413715/3x-mars-lander-high-power-model-rocket

Also, have you been tracking the build thread of the 3X by another member on this site - David Holloway? He is doing a great job - can't wait to see his fly!

https://www.rocketryforum.com/showt...nder-3X-Build-Thread&highlight=3x+mars+lander

I am working on the second build, plan to fly is late spring, early summer.

Stay in touch,

Ben
Colossus Rockets

It`s a shame this build gets buried so fast ,as I totally forgot about it and now that you make mention of it I shall have to check it out.

This build is in the HP section ? It needs to be bumped up a few notches so more can see it !

Absolutely awesome kit Ben ,I hope to buy one soon!

I could almost pick it up ,as I`m in Winnipeg but also go to Grand Forks ND all the time ;)

Hope to order from you soon !

Cheers

Paul T
 
Thanks Paul! David's thread is a great one to follow. I always have to search 3X Mars Lander. It is in the High Power section.

Stay in touch!

Ben


It`s a shame this build gets buried so fast ,as I totally forgot about it and now that you make mention of it I shall have to check it out.

This build is in the HP section ? It needs to be bumped up a few notches so more can see it !

Absolutely awesome kit Ben ,I hope to buy one soon!

I could almost pick it up ,as I`m in Winnipeg but also go to Grand Forks ND all the time ;)

Hope to order from you soon !

Cheers

Paul T
 
Thanks Paul! David's thread is a great one to follow. I always have to search 3X Mars Lander. It is in the High Power section.

Stay in touch!

Ben

I agree ,it`s a fantastic build....plenty of well machined parts.....THAT you can never have too many off !!

Thanks for bringing it to my attention !

Regards


Paul T
 
Great photos! Love seeing those Mars Landers - there's just someth'n about those fat rockets! Thanks for posting those - hopefully this guy will want an even bigger kit!

Ben
Colossus Rockets

Greetings Ben;
Actually I looked at your bird with interest.
I had already done my own 3D Cad workup of a 3X Mars Lander and am working on a scratch build.
I'll let you know how it turns out.
 
Greetings Ben;
Actually I looked at your bird with interest.
I had already done my own 3D Cad workup of a 3X Mars Lander and am working on a scratch build.
I'll let you know how it turns out.

Hi Ramjet - sorry for my delay in commenting back! Certainly don't want to come across as a Mars Lander snob! I am very interested in your build, please stay in touch. I would love to hear how it goes. Clearly you know the rocket well so I am sure it will go great. Are you planning on posting a build thread about it? Do you have a weight goal in mind, or a motor range?

Ben
Colossus Rockets.
 
That is 3x the kewl. I'd love to see that thing in operation. Try not to keep us waiting too long.
 
That is 3x the kewl. I'd love to see that thing in operation. Try not to keep us waiting too long.

Thanks for the comment! The rocket has been in action. Search this site for 3X Mars Lander and you'll see other threads on that. You can also search YouTube for 3X Mars Lander to see video of the flight.

Ben
Colossus Rockets
 
You'll have to look around but in a early High Power Rocketry there's a Mars Lander made from a cardboard packing drum, about 24" in diameter. It may be smaller but not by much.
 

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