In 1965, at age 8, I fell in love with Lost In Space.  Of course, who wouldn't like the family orientated storylines or even the goofy aliens, but it was not the Robot or Will Robinson or Dr. Smith that I adored, but the mighty Jupiter 2 herself.

I immediately started to make models out of aluminum pie pans by stapling them together and drawing in the windows.  What follows is a result of over 40 years of dreaming and a little building!  Enjoy!

For years, I searched in vain for a model, of any type, of the Jupiter 2.  I had to settle for  the Mattel "Switch n Go" Styrofoam model that my parents bought for me in 1966.  As models go, this was not that great but was my favorite toy until a flood destroyed it in 1972.  Damn, I could send my kids to college on what it's worth today!  :)

Then in 1986, quite by accident, I picked up a StarLog magazine, which I almost never read, and saw a small classified ad in the back for an 16" model of the Jupiter 2!  I nearly died.  After 20 years, I was going to find a kit of the Jupiter!  

Enter Lunar Models into my life.  I called them immediately and I ordered it on the spot.  And when it arrived, I was completely amazed at the lack of detail and instructions!  I had never built a garage kit before and didn't have a clue how to build it!  Back to Lunar!  After much talking long distance to Texas from Chicago, I finally gained a small shred of information on how to build the thing!  At long last, I had a model of the Jupiter 2!  This started my "career" at building Jupiter 2 kits.

"Okay, everyone listen to me because I'm a rich guy who loves expensive props and doesn't care about storylines one damn bit... You there!  Listen to me!"  Is how I imagine working for Irwin Allen must have been like in 1964 when they shot the pilot for "Lost in Space"

I will have models of all types on here from Lunar Models, Polar Lights and AMT/Ertl mostly, but a few other garage kits have crept into my collection here and there.  At last count, I have 8 different models of the classic Jupiter 2, ranging from 1" inch (yes, inch) to 24" inches.  I have three models of the movie Jupiter 2, which unlike many die-hard LIS fans, I really liked the new Jupiter a lot.  I have countless Robots in toy versions and model alike.  And, I've actually started to run out of room in my home and office for these kits.  Oh, the pain!

True Trivia (Look it up if you don't believe me...):
The LOWEST rated episode of "Lost in Space" was still HIGHER than the HIGHEST rated episode of "Star Trek."
Argument over.  Source: Nielson TV ratings for the 1960's.  Google it.

Site design by Byron Wilkins.  Contact me at kt@one.com