Jupiter 2

from "Lost in Space: The Movie" (1998)

Scale: Unknown
Initial Release: 1998
Medium: Polystyrene
Kit Rarity: 3

About the Design

The original Jupiter 2 was little more than a variation on a classic 1950's-era flying saucer.  This 1990's "update" was anything but.  Resembling a giant flying bacterium, the ship boasted a unique asymmetric shape built from compound curves and other organic influences.  The craft's two recessed side panels extended to reveal its "hyperdrive" engines when faster-than-light travel was engaged.

The ship itself launched from Earth via the Jupiter 1 "shell" that closely resembled the original TV series ship (sans windows).  In fact, the Jupiter 2 wasn't even revealed until the Jupiter 1 reached orbit than blew apart to reveal, in dramatic fashion, the Jupiter 2 within.

About the Kit

Although AMT/Ertl had been routinely criticized for the inaccuracy and fit problems of their "Star Trek" model line, the company came through like gangbusters with this "Lost in Space" kit.  Its accuracy was never challenged, it went together very well and the final display piece was nothing if not impressive.

Unfortunately, although the "LIS" movie was a big hit, the kit came out at the same time the market for models overall was beginning to implode.  As a result, the kit was vastly overproduced and copies ended up in discount bins for years afterward.  It's still readily available on the collector's market.

This model was built from an original issue.