All Rocketry Blogs

 Rocketry Product: MPC - Martian Patrol {Kit} (R-844) [1970-1978]

Model Rocket Building: MPC Martian Patrol Pre-Build Background (2010-09-09)

The MPC Martian Patrol was part of the 1970 MPC kit lineup. Retail price was $3.00. The MPC kits came boxed and shrink wrapped. This was the strangest of eight rocket kits in the Astro Line Series. ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: MPC Martian Patrol Build Part 1 (2010-09-09)

Here's all the parts laid out. I couldn't quite figure out the color picks on the plastic parts. Green fin parts, gray adapter and a yellow nose cone. If the model were left unpainted, it would be ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: MPC Martian Patrol Build Part 2 Fin Can (2010-09-09)

The engine mount was first up. The instructions showed a molded notch in the lower ring to allow movement of the engine hook. There wasn't a notch in the ring. I cut in a notch using one of my ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: MPC Martian Patrol Build Part 3 Fin Can (2010-09-12)

I decided to assemble the fins and rings then spray it red as one unit. It'd be impossible to mask and paint it after it was glued to the body tube. Here the fin is slid into the lower plastic ring. ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: MPC Martian Patrol Build Part 4 Nose Cone (2010-09-12)

There were some posts today on TRF about the Martian Patrol nose cone.   It is an old MPC design and was carried over to the early Quest kits, most notably on the Evader model. ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: MPC Martian Patrol Build Part 5 Engine Mount (2010-09-13)

This build is a little out of order, I have to backtrack a bit. I like to prep the parts before building, that's why I took the time to notch the lower fin ring and glue up the fin can. The motor ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: MPC Martian Patrol Part 6 Paint Prep (2010-09-13)

I started to prep the parts for their final color. Here's the body tubes after seam filling, gray primer and sanding. These reminded me of the old Competition Model Rockets (CMR) tubing. The CMR ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: MPC Martian Patrol Part 7 Paint Plan (2010-09-13)

Take a look at the box cover art. I usually don't paint the model like the catalog pictures. But on some repros or clones I will, in tribute to the original. This art shows from the top down: The ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: MPC Martian Patrol Build Part 8 Parachute (2010-09-14)

The MPC parachutes were a bit different. Like most models back then, you were supplied with six shroud lines, all were tied to the screw eye. Take a look at the reinforcements, these were the first ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: MPC Martian Patrol Build Part 9 Shock Cord Mount (2010-09-14)

Here's another MPC feature, simple but effective. Maybe this was their version of Estes "tea bag" shock cord mount. It's nothing more than a piece of card stock around 7/8 " wide x 1 1/4" long . 3 ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: MPC Martian Patrol Build Part 10 UFO Saucer (2010-09-14)

Here's how one of the UFO saucers looked coming right out of the box. It looks to be the same type of Styrofoam used in the cheap foam drinking cups. The center indent is for the lead weight and ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: MPC Martian Patrol Build Part 11 Saucer Mounts (2010-09-15)

The saucer mounts are glued into four small holes on the back, flat side of the saucer. TIP: Never use Super Glue on Styrofoam. It will eat a hole in the foam. I decided to go with 15 minute Epoxy. ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: MPC Martian Patrol Build Part 12 Odds and Ends (2010-09-15)

The center Trim Weights were set into a small pool of epoxy on the top side center indents. More epoxy was spread on the back of the saucer caps and post. The caps were pressed into the center of ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: MPC Martian Patrol Build Part 13 Assembly (2010-09-15)

Whenever possible, I won't glue parts together until after painting. It just saves time and gives cleaner color separations. Here I left off the (red) upper body tube and painted the nose cone and ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: MPC Martian Patrol Part 14 Decals (2010-09-16)

Here's the assembled model just prior to the decals. About those decals - I didn't get the same ones illustrated on the box, not a big deal. MPC actually had a good idea back then. They supplied ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: MPC Martian Patrol Part 15 FINISHED! (2010-09-16)

In keeping with the Martian theme, I left off any NASA or USA decals. The model had already been flown twice last Saturday at the NEFAR launch in Bunnell, FL. You can see the launch post HERE If you ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: MPC Martian Patrol Video (2016-05-18)

Jimmy Yawn got a great video of my MPC Martian Patrol launch at last Saturdays N.E.F.A.R. launch. http://nefar.net/gallery/2016-05/index.html Scroll down to "Mars Patrol" The engine was a C6-3 not a ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Upcoming Projects (2010-08-27)

I got 4 new rocket kits today! Along with a new rocket design for the Odd'l Rockets line, I'll be busy for the next few weeks. One of the kits is the new Dr. Zooch BT-50 based Mercury Redstone ... [Read More]

Rocket Dungeon: UFO pop 'gliders' (2010-09-10)

I've seen many, and built one, rocket with pop gliders.  Here's my Mirror Image featuring two Guillow's Shuttles. But, now I see the Model Rocket Building blog is featuring the OOP MPC Martian ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Other UFO Saucers (2020-08-27)

In addition to the Centuri Alien Encounter Flying Saucer, here's more of the kitted Saucers! I know there have been others, these are probably the better known LPR models. Semroc JUPITER B h ... [Read More]