Lost In Space Diecast

Before Star Trek came along my favorite science fiction TV series was Lost In Space.

I especially liked the first season, which was a lot more realistic.  Seasons two and three got silly but I still turned in to see the latest exploits of Doctor Smith, Will Robinson and the Robot.

Johnny Lightning/Playing Mantis produced a series of four heavyweight metal and plastic miniatures of the Robot B-9, the Space Pod, the Jupiter2 and The Chariot.  

Duped the Lost In Space The Classic Series, Johnny Lightning /Playing Mantis did an outstanding job of recreating all four mechanisms in perfect miniature form.

Each vehicle and the robot come with film clips from the original series as an extra-added bonus.

By far the Robot B-9 is my favorite of the series.

Who can forget his most famous line, “Danger Will Robinson, danger!”?

The miniature Robot figure has his rubberized tread base (cleverly masqueraded as simple wheels underneath the tread mechanism) and his sectional rubber legs with knee plate.

The rounded chassis also has miniature dials and lights, a fluted voice section and swivel base.

Both red clawed arms are made of the same material as the legs and the clear plastic head bubble sits on its metal stalk atop a clear circular base.

The bubblehead of the robot is clear and has inner workings.

Twin sensor antenna of red and yellow are attached to the lower clear base.

I remember watching the first episode of the original Lost in Space TV series.

When the Robinson’s spacecraft the Jupiter 2 took off it blew my mind.  Suddenly it started to glow; the triple legs pulled up, the doom light began to glow and rotate spin and whoosh, off it went!

The Jupiter 2 diecast features the craft’s characteristic saucer shape.

The silver disk has a transparent dome at it center on its top, three landing legs, several circular ports for sensor extensions, a triple panel viewing window, double panel access door and a small porthole.  

Underneath the Jupiter 2 is a transparent circle in segments representing the unique propulsion system of the spacecraft.

Landing on an unknown planet is one thing but getting around on it is something else all together.

In order to traverse rough terrain the Robinsons had a vehicle called The Chariot.

Consisting out of a clear passenger compartment the vehicle road about on treads, (very much like a tank).  This allowed The Chariot to climb, slosh through or endure all sorts of travel conditions.

It’s clear passenger compartment allowed the riders to see 360 degrees around the vehicle thus alerting them to danger or obstacles of all sorts.

Inside was seating for six people on custom orange seats; some supplies were carried inside with the majority housed on a rack on the top.  A hoist hook was included for heavy objects.

The tiny miniature recreates all of this in perfect detail.

Also in the diecast are a driver's console and various instruments.

The outside of The Chariot had four high power headlights, twin reflectors in the back, along with two lights.

An orange ladder leads to the top where there is an observation bubble and radar and sensor antenna mounted on a heavy black reinforced metal strip.

To survey the surrounding landscape and for short trips into space the Robinsons had a Space Pod.

Configured much like the Lunar Lander the Space Pod has triple windows on its front, a series of small jet nozzles for maneuvering, sensor and radar equipment, an entry door, three landing pads and a large lower transparent propulsion unit mounted underneath.

The Space Pod also has twin lights, several detection devices and exterior equipment attachments.

The entire vehicle is silver save for the front panel, which is orange/brown.

Johnny Lightning/Playing Mantis did an outstanding job of recreating all four miniatures.

Sculpting is in scale and precise.  Coloring has sharp well-defined edges with no slopovers and the packaging not only protects each piece but also displays it to its best advantage.  

Matthew 5:16 (NKJV) “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”