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The Polar Lights Jupiter 2 model kit has inspired a number of aftermarket parts in the modeling hobby. These include
lighting kits, detail parts, and decals. About all that was missing was the memorable launch pad from the first episode of Lost in Space.
If you recall, the first episode depicts the
departure of Robinson family from Earth in their saucer, the Jupiter 2.
The scenes showing the Jupiter 2 sitting on the launch pad are very impressive. The effects in this first show were well done for a sixties television series. Shot from a low angle, you really get a good feeling for the size of the ship.
This new garage kit makes a good attempt to recreate that launch platform. It comes with 10 resin parts for building the legs and circular platform, along with lengths of wire for scratch
building the railing on the platform. Instructions are minimal, lacking any diagrams or reference photos. Out of the box the model looks pretty good, but a closer examination of the kit reveals
some flaws.
The resin castings are a little rough.
Each of the six leg supports has rough seams on the exposed outside edge that will require quite a bit of putty and sanding to clean up. Additionally, there were some spots where large bubbles in the casting process left some gaps to fill, particularly on the top of each leg.
Wire is provided to build the railings, but this is difficult. To do this correctly, you'll need to solder the rails together. It may be easier to use brass photo-etched rails that
you can find in a catalog from Plastruct.
Close observation will also reveal some accuracy issues. As depicted in the series, the leg supports
had rivets all the way around the edge of each leg. There also should be a plate on top of each leg that supports the ship. Finally, the resin staircases that run up the inside of each support leg don't exactly look like steps. They give you a good impression of stairs, but leave a lot to be desired.
All of these issues are fixable by an experienced model builder. But there is one problem that you'll have to live with. The launch pad is too short. The assembled kit stands about
5.5 inches tall. Referencing photos of the studio model shows the launch pad should be taller when compared to the Jupiter 2. I estimate it should be about 7 inches tall.
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