Here is my version of a one-man short-range lunar exploration vehicle from the 2001 universe. This would be used when larger vehicles like the Moon Bus or Aries transports are not practical. The upper section is a modified E.V.A. Pod. For longer duration missions, an optional set of solar panels can be outfitted as shown to resupply it's onboard batteries. The lower section features fixed position landing gear and a set of manipulator arms for lunar sampling. The arms may be controlled manually or remotely via the onboard HAL 9000 computer. Both upper and lower sections of the Moon Taxi are intended to work in unison. However, in an emergency, the upper section can detach and return to base via it's own onboard propulsion system.

This vehicle was created using Wilco's 2001 E.V.A. Pod kit for the upper section, and Revell™s Lunar Lander kit for the lower. Both have been modified substantially. In addition, parts were also scavenged from a Revell Mir kit and various Gundam kits. The landing pads are buttons. The base was made from plaster poured over top of a standard craft store wooden plaque. This project was actually completed some time ago. Since then, I have painted it at least three different times trying to get something I liked. The Taxi went from yellow to white to gray and blue. It also went from a pristine to a dirtied-down finish. The Astronaut was silver, yellow, blue and now red.

Image: Backside

Image: Left side

Image: From above

Image: One last look