QUESTION:
I desperately want a model of the rover and mother ship (Sojourner and
Pathfinder). Can I obtain these?

ANSWER from Mark Adler on July 10, 1997:
I recommend that you stake out your local Toys'R'Us or equivalent toy store.
Mattel is selling the Hot Wheels Pathfinder Action Pack with three very well
done little models of the Pathfinder entry vehicle, Pathfinder lander, and
Sojourner rover, all for about $5.  However, as soon as these things hit the
stores, they're gone.  Hot Wheels collectors snap them up.  So you'll have
to talk to the store, find out when they get shipments, and be there to get
one.

ANSWER from Cathy Davis on July 15, 1997:
Mattel has come out with a Hot Wheels version of the Mars Pathfinder which
is to be distributed to toy stores around the country.  You can call
800-524-TOYS for more information.  We are all anxiously awaiting their
arrival.

Thanks.
Cathy

ANSWER from Marc Siegel on July 14, 1997:
I'm not sure about any models, but I know that Mattel is making a Hot Wheels
Pathfinder toy.

Here is what I was told:
There are 2 Mars toy sets and they are just now hitting the market--
(a) Action Pac containing several spacecraft (MGS, MPF): no. 16145
(b) 24-carat gold-plated Sojourner rover: no. 17897

They are being sold as Hot Wheels models, according to the Mattel Consumer
Information Office.  (I didn't see them on the HotWheels web page, yet --
http://www.hotwheels.com/)

Both items sell for around $5 to $6.

You can find these at toy stores like Toys'R'Us, but I understand that they
are very hard to find.

ANSWER from Robert Manning on July 14, 1997:
The model of Mars Pathfinder I held in my hands during last week's press
conference had just arrived from a model maker the day before. Unfortunately
we only have six of these and though they are incredibly well built, they
were quite expensive. Caltech has licenced the model-making rights to
Pathfinder and sojourner to a private firm. Please call the Caltech business
office for details.

The small rover I held was a "Hot Wheels" model made by Mattel. It can be
found in toy stores across America. (Although they may be sold out!)