Piloted by Jimbo Steel, 3-time winner of the Jupiter Rally.

The Jupiter Rally consists of a pre-determined course between Io and Europa with target drones strategically placed along the course. Pilots get bonus points for destroying the target drones. Unfortunately sometimes a careless pilot and their craft are destroyed, being mistaken for target drones.

The Python is a craft built for speed. It contains 4 hyperfusion engines with vectored thrust, propelling the craft with speed and manuverability. The two inner engines are also capable of breathing air. On the bottom of the racer are two fusion anti-grav generators. The Python can carry up to six target drone missiles. The two sets of vanes on the bottom front of the Python serve to bleed off the massive amounts of heat and static electricity the racer gives off.

The Model

When I first heard about the space racer contest, I tried to imagine a space-based version of an indy car. I didn't really want to spend much money on the project, and I figured it was a good way to use up some of the spare parts I had. After going through the spare parts box, and a few sketches, I went to my computer and came up with a design which I thought was cool.

I built the racer from sheet styrene, scribing the panel lines in before assembly. I scratchbuilt a decently detailed cockpit starting with the seat from the Ertl podracer model. The canopy is from the Naboo fighter kit. The engines were salvaged from two podracer kits. Other details were drop tanks from an F4 Wildcat, bits and pieces leftover from a Tiger I tank, Merkava tank, and extra photo-etched parts. Some parts came from a Tamiya U.S. Modern armor accessory set.

I painted the python with automotive paint, Testors and Humbrol enamels, artists' oils, and Tamiya acrylics. Decals came from a variety of kits.

Image: Top view

Image: Side view

Image: Front view

Image: Bottom view