From the archives for 18716.128 Barsoom standard (July 1997 Earth calendar)
News flash from Ares Vallis. A large, rubbery object fell from the sky today, squashing several culturally important sand paintings. Shortly after landing, the object shed its outer skin to reveal two alien robots inside. Recalling the events from 11 (Martian) years ago, authorities cordoned off the area. Reports from Marvin, our martian on the scene indicate at least one of the alien robots is moving. So far it has done little other than to get disturbingly familiar with a couple of rocks.
We'll provide regular updates - meanwhile, we return you to your regular program on Mars Mystery Theater ...
So, after 21 (Earth) years we made a third successful landing. Pathfinder proved out a radically simpler method of landing. While the Viking landers came down on rockets (rearranging and contaminating the soil under the landers), the Pathfinder mission used a big ball of airbags around the probe to cushion its landing. It literally bounced and rolled to a stop after being released from the descent parachute.
Yogi
Build notes - this one in 1:12 scale is in the downloads here and at Lower Hudson Valley. This particular build is another teacher workshop door prize. It has the same durable plywood base, but the lander is glued directly to 1/4" plywood shims that raise it slightly above the base. I figured the shape of the model does not encourage someone to pick it up so did not need to make a detachable arrangement.
The deflated air bags are not modelled since I figured they were adequately shown on the graphic under the model.
Nowhere near the artistic merit of P_K's diorama, but should make a good visual aid.