Well, started on a chassis for what was going to me a Mech model. Started thinking about what inspired the military, to use that design, in that reality. A Mars explorer seemed like a good idea. This is the start, and advice would be welcomed on what doo dads it would need(antennas, other assorted fancy stuff, and of course, advice on the mesh itself).
Any advice is welcome.
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Now if you're more into the "Prototype walking tank" design, there's a lot of places you could look.
As far as equipment, what's the main goal for your design? Is it simply a testbed for a variety of equipment? Will it be a mobile gun platform, or more of an explorer? Will it do work (construction, mining, farming, etc.)? Since you put in what appears to be a cockpit, that shows it's piloted. So you'll want some sort of indication of environmental systems. Vents, access hatches, handles, rescue apparatus, and the like.
All in all, depending on the overall mission for this bit of equipment will dictate what's mounted on it.
The Explorer is designed to, basically its name, explore. Rock/soil/atmospheric samples, with ground search radar, cameras, whatever for observations. Also extends the time its pilot can search terrain, with basic living conditions.
It deploys from the mother ship. Which will be either from it landed, or from orbit. Whichever decided will influence the design.
Will have the basic ground transport style, of a Scout Walker, from Starwars fame. Designs for its feet are in limbo, not knowing consistency of Martian soil. Manipulator arms I am still wondering if to add.
Lol, basically, I created this WIP for 2 reasons. One is for the challenge, and two, let some of the modelers here, who are engineers at heart, to add to its finished design. Plus give the basic design that influenced the military of the Mech Warrior genre
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The height worries me, tried to set proportions for 2 meter clearance inside it, but normal height will be least 8.5 meters. Also excuse the missing legs and feet. Some crazed blue colored martian hunting a rabbit stole them.
The cylinder at the rear, is the entrance/airlock for passengers. Snagged that idea from Armegeddon. Retracts into the explorer, when not in use.
http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/home/SEV.html
I am wondering if I should include a manipulator arm beneath the cockpit, for a drill to take soil samples, for the occupants. Any suggestions for the feet? I am thinking along lines of 3 toes, with a look similar to a ducks foot. Also any suggestions for the cockpit material colors, specularity, would be appreciated