Hey Gang,

Just got my little box 'o goodies from Gil and I thought I'd share some pics

First I cleaned out the head light areas. I know Gil recommends drilling out the holes, but I prefer to start the hole with and x-acto blade then work up to the finished size by using a round file.

A) it's not as tramatic on the plastic and it allows me to file, test fit, file, test fit etc.. with less chance of overshooting the size and making the hole too big. and

B) me + power tools = trouble.

Once the bulbs are in place, I set might eye to the dash itself. Gil recommends sanding the detail off the stock part and putting his dash over it. Well, I've already demonstrated that I don't listen to what I'm told, and my plan is to back his dash with clear styrene sheet. My only nit is that if he ever decides to make a version 2.0, that he includes the square panel of dials on the driver side. as is, I'll cut that off of the stock part and put it in place after I see how Drew's new control box fits.

The clever part of Gil's design is that the backward light spill of the headlights is used to light up the dash.

The overall plan for this chariot is to include as many aftermarket add ons as one can for this kit. My painting templates, Gil's etch and headlights, Drew's figures, plus I want to add the sound chip from a B9 keychain and additional lights in the robot. I also want to do something about the curtains and steal...incorporate some of the best scratch details i've seen here. ( I'm definately doing the swivel chair...Thanks Ducttape)

I'll try to keep y'all updated
Cheers

Wow! Keep up posted on the progress.

Great work Lou, I purchased a second Chariot so I could re-do some areas and incorporate aftermarket goodies on mine as well. Had to put my build on hold as I've been hired by the local Navy recruiters to build a 1/350 Nimitz class aircraft carrier for them, and I only have untill March 2009 to complete it.

The clever part of Gil's design is that the backward light spill of the headlights is used to light up the dash.
A very nice touch!

It's looking great so far- I am inpired now...

.

2 Cool!

Neato !

Nice work there Lou. :thumbsup:

I can see how those add ons make it so much easier than what I did. :rolleyes: One question though... Where does one find one of these keychain B9's?? I like the idea of the sound chip n lights.

How did you "fold" the dashboard piece? Sorry for the noob question but I am only starting to learn how to use photo etch and this kit I would like to get.

Opus,
Gil has prescored the back of the dash piece to make folding cleaner, I recommend you get a metal ruler, not only are they great to cut styrene with, but they make a pretty good guide when folding etch materials. I just bent it with my meaty fingers using the straight edge to keep it even

as for the keychain, I just remember grabbing a couple back when they came out. It was back when the remake movie came out, they also released a bunch of "classic" LiS stuff. I'd see if the Evilbay has any left

If you can still find one, Hallmark makes one of those sound included birthday cards that features the robot on it and the sound chip says "Warning, Warning.." then goes into the first LiS theme for a bit.

How did you "fold" the dashboard piece? Sorry for the noob question but I am only starting to learn how to use photo etch and this kit I would like to get.

There are a couple of ways of doing it There are folding tools out there but if you don't use it a lot it can be expensive.

But you can buy a tile and glass scraper(Stanley 28-596) that you can put on the fold line on a piece of glass or flat hard plastic,and with a spare blade you use it to bend the dash. It is a lot cheaper and you can use it for other things around the house.

...Where does one find one of these keychain B9's?? I like the idea of the sound chip n lights.

From the header card, the brand is Basic Fun, item #831-0. There's also a sticker on the cardback, saying it's "Item # 980537-VIII". If you get one on the card, be aware that they come with batteries, which may have leaked.

Nice work there Lou. :thumbsup:

I can see how those add ons make it so much easier than what I did. :rolleyes: One question though... Where does one find one of these keychain B9's?? I like the idea of the sound chip n lights.

http://cgi.ebay.com/1997-Lost-in-Space-Talking-Robot-B-9-Key-Chain-UNUSED_W0QQitemZ380031768521QQcmdZViewItem

Hi AJ, here is the one I used, I got it years ago for just a few dollars, now look at the price:freak:

If you go to the,"Detailing the Chariot", thread page 9 close to the bottom. I have pictures from my "Robot Lobotomy". The LED looks great in the robot.

there is also a robot tree ornament, but it only says "Danger, Danger, Will Robinson!!" I may use that instead.

There are a couple of ways of doing it There are folding tools out there but if you don't use it a lot it can be expensive.

But you can buy a tile and glass scraper(Stanley 28-596) that you can put on the fold line on a piece of glass or flat hard plastic,and with a spare blade you use it to bend the dash. It is a lot cheaper and you can use it for other things around the house.

Ooo ... I already have one of those. That would help greatly, thanks!

Nice work there Lou. :thumbsup:

I can see how those add ons make it so much easier than what I did. :rolleyes: One question though... Where does one find one of these keychain B9's?? I like the idea of the sound chip n lights.

http://apparel.drleonards.com/Apparel/Accessories/My-Lil-Reminder/38293.cfm

AJ, here is a less costly option. You could then have him say anything you
like just by recording it from the show.:thumbsup:

Hows the build going Lou?

Thanks Teslabe...

I'm pretty sure the ebay option is out :p Thats nearly what the chariot kit cost me!!

from the tips you guys said I'll check out some of the dollar n cents type of stores here and see what I can find over here.

Cheers,

Alec

Itstead of just the Robot you could record 'ambiant sound' from the show and loop it. Instrument chatter & beeping, motor hums, the Chariot would look like it was left idleing in the parking lot while Will grabs some smokes at the 7-Eleven (or something nice and G-rated wholesome snackfoods).

.

Yeah,
the cheapest way to go is to get a "record your own greeting" setup and make one. (after I saw what my keychain was selling for, I decided to keep it whole)

later,
Lou

Update time

I carved out the grill area of the front piece and test fit the etch peice behind it.

I put a light coat of orange on the rack and tested the etch with that too.

I'm loving the fact that Gil didn't use brass. It's gonna save me a ton of time, cuz there's no need to paint them. I'll put a wash on the grills, but the rack bottom stays clean.

Enjoy

That is so cool- I need to get a set next payday!

.

Man ... I gotta get me one of these myself. Just waiting until I can afford all the accurizing parts out there now.

Everytime I read the thread title, I expect to see styrene miniatures of Don and Judy in flagrante delicto. :lol:

Anyway, I'd go with the alternate sound idea, myself. With the show DVD's, and a sound editor program, you can have the Robot say anything you want.

Everytime I read the thread title, I expect to see styrene miniatures of Don and Judy in flagrante delicto. :lol:

Anyway, I'd go with the alternate sound idea, myself. With the show DVD's, and a sound editor program, you can have the Robot say anything you want.

that's a custom pose that I don't think Drew will be offering:(

I put a light coat of orange on the rack and tested the etch with that too.


Lou,

Please don't take this as a stupid question or any intimation of your abilities or knowledge, but you do know that the grating is supposed to be on the INSIDE of the luggage rack ... right ... ?

The "floor" bars of the luggage rack are supposed to support the grating ...

Dan

Dan,
I thought that, too. however, the way it's designed, it needs to go on the bottom. there are no "cutouts" to go around the posts.

I thought that that was a bit squirelly and looked for real life examples. I was surprised to find that it is as acceptable in the real world for similar racks to attach to the bottom. Seeing as how it would have been welded to the frame, (including along the center framework) the load really wouldn't have been that much more supported by having the grill on "top" of the framework.

now, what was or wasn't done on the studio prop or miniature, I can't say with authority, but from what I've seen (primarily on Landscaping trailers and the like) in the real world has convinced me that this is a viable solution.

thanks for bring it up, tho. It's a valid point

progress on the Chariot to report.

first, paint. I found a great Orange paint at Lowe's. the same product line as I used on the Seaview. Gives a good orange with only a couple coats.

Also I'm stealing the idea I saw to use really thin craft foam to make cushions for the benches and chairs. I also found a gray that I'm going to use on the floor. Neat thing about that, It allows me to run wiring under it, If I keep it flat or use a ribbon cable. here you see the new dash in place, but not attached

did some photo etch work, using Gil's set...I worked on the radar dish. I had to cut it off of the base because the bend in the piece interferes plus it's just easier to work on. after I sand it a bit and primer, it's easy enough to remake the bent angle piece and reattach it.

the last pic shows the lower grill in rough position, but not glued in yet

Enjoy

WOW.. that dash looks awesome. I usually don't buy many hop up kits, but I might have to make an exception with this one!

progress on the Chariot to report.

first, paint. I found a great Orange paint at Lowe's. the same product line as I used on the Seaview. Gives a good orange with only a couple coats.

Also I'm stealing the idea I saw to use really thin craft foam to make cushions for the benches and chairs. I also found a gray that I'm going to use on the floor. Neat thing about that, It allows me to run wiring under it, If I keep it flat or use a ribbon cable. here you see the new dash in place, but not attached

did some photo etch work, using Gil's set...I worked on the radar dish. I had to cut it off of the base because the bend in the piece interferes plus it's just easier to work on. after I sand it a bit and primer, it's easy enough to remake the bent angle piece and reattach it.

the last pic shows the lower grill in rough position, but not glued in yet

Enjoy

Lou, the work looks very very nice.:thumbsup: I love the dish, you did a great
job on that, the dash looks sweet, I just orders my etch sheet from Gil.
Can't wait to get it.:woohoo:

Very nice job so far mate :thumbsup:

cheers,

Alec:wave:

here's a pic that everyone has seen

http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/attachment.php?attachmentid=69658&d=1227035137

two things I've noticed from this (other than the fact that kids in California get all the sweet toys..)

1) the radar dish is slightly rotated so that the supports are not straight up and down (12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock position)

2) proof that the chairs did swivel. (I was gonna do that anyway, but here you go)

make that three!

3) there is another set of curtains to cover the panel where the rungs to the roof go! (I don't think these are the inside wall curtains. There are two sets of those..One behind the drivers and one set in the rear- about where the robot goes)

I shall build accordingly

Thanks for the reference image!

.

Lou,

Please don't take this as a stupid question or any intimation of your abilities or knowledge, but you do know that the grating is supposed to be on the INSIDE of the luggage rack ... right ... ?

The "floor" bars of the luggage rack are supposed to support the grating ...

Dan
Hi Thor, I think it should look like this, but I could be wrong.:wave:

Hi Thor, I think it should look like this, but I could be wrong.:wave:

This looks good Kent.

Lou is right though, the edge of the grating should overlap the lower rails and there should be cutouts for the verticle members.

Dan

This looks good Kent.

Lou is right though, the edge of the grating should overlap the lower rails and there should be cutouts for the verticle members.

Dan

I agree also with Lou, there was alot of work done to get this to fit. I was
not trying to make it look like it was just a "drop-in" fit. I'm so very sorry if Lou takes any offense. I have alot of respect for his talent.:thumbsup:
Thank you Dan for the nice words.....

tes, got the bezels this weekend. They're fantastic! they are going to look so good when I get them in place.

Kinda slow getting back into building after the holiday, I've been concentrating on the scanner. added bits of brass and styrene tubing
After finding out the scanner was more mobile than I thought, I re-did the pivot so the scanner could have more movement.

I plan on lighting the consol using Gils etch as a lightblock and needed to seal up the rest of it by putting bits of strip over the slots

I decided to keep the stock dash as the foundation and cut out for the lighting and overlay Gil's dash.

lastly, i'm preparing the Robot for an single 5mm LED in the torso

tes, got the bezels this weekend. They're fantastic! they are going to look so good when I get them in place.

Kinda slow getting back into building after the holiday, I've been concentrating on the scanner. added bits of brass and styrene tubing
After finding out the scanner was more mobile than I thought, I re-did the pivot so the scanner could have more movement.

I plan on lighting the consol using Gils etch as a lightblock and needed to seal up the rest of it by putting bits of strip over the slots

I decided to keep the stock dash as the foundation and cut out for the lighting and overlay Gil's dash.

lastly, i'm preparing the Robot for an single 5mm LED in the torso

Hi Lou, Love the scanner, it look sweet.:thumbsup: And the dash is coming along very nice, along with a nice looking robot, who put these Holidays right in the middle of our builds?:rolleyes: I've only done a little work on my Seaview. The others will have to wait til I get back from Christmas vacation. Have a very Merry Christmas and a safe New Years.....:wave:

I got one as a gift,and started to do some work on it.I will leave it in the clubhouse where we hold our monthly meets.This is just a stock build with some little tweaks,lighting the headlights and maybe the robot.I chose the anthrocite grey metallic,which to my eyes looks like the photos I've seen.

I like what colors you chose. After the Christmas fun I paln on starting mine and I also will go stock on the first build. I tend to bog down all my projects with super detail and accuracy- it becomes more work than fun at times. I may add some photoetch (the top equipment rack) and make aluminum foil curtains, but I an not going to make this one for show- just getting some revenge on a childhood frustration of only having the stupid little Chariot with decal windows that came with the Cyclops.

I got one as a gift,and started to do some work on it.I will leave it in the clubhouse where we hold our monthly meets.This is just a stock build with some little tweaks,lighting the headlights and maybe the robot.I chose the anthrocite grey metallic,which to my eyes looks like the photos I've seen.


That's comming along Nicely Alex.:thumbsup:

I'm starting to put the electronicles in.

Here is the lighting test.

This is some very great work I am seeing here. Hats off to all! :thumbsup:

I look foward to seeing more.

Since some other very good pics have started showing up of the painted figures, I thought I show y'all my Johnny.

The hardest part about these figures is knowing when you're done. Eveytime I look at them, I think I can do it a little better.

The John is the first paintjob, I'm approaching being happy with.

in other news,
the dashboard lights finally go into place

http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/attachment.php?attachmentid=72726&d=1230936240

Cool! Nice paint job on John!! I am envious...I did a basic paint job, but I knew it wouldn't be long before I saw this kind of expert work -- it's a lot tougher than most people think, making clothing look good at this scale -- both from a sculpting perspective AND painting. It looks like you also used a light wash on the skin tones.

Please post pics of your other figs as you get them done.

yes, the wash is the thing.

I started with a flat base color and then went nuts with both washes of darker color then drybrushes of a lighter color.

on the clothing, all those layers of paint aren't such a minus, cuz it fills in some of the rough detail and smooths out the surfaces that would be smoother naturally. Where great care is needed is on the skin as you don't want to cake anything on that would rob the faces of any detail

I'll post more as i have the fortitude to do so

got more dash work done.

I started by sanding down all of the detail on the stock dash then cutting out the areas I wanted to light.

Then I filled those areas back in with clear styrene sheet sanding the pieces down to fit into the holes in the stock dash. I sanded those in real good to frost them and give a good light diffusion

the last pic shows Gil (just an Illusion)'s dashover layed on the stock park. The beauty of Gil's system is that the headlight led's also lite up the dash.

put a microthin piece of sheet styrene on the backside of the metal etched part and I will paint the colors of the lights on that so when the lites are on, you will see the colors, but when they are off you wont.

Mate, that's looking really good. :thumbsup: I especially like the sanded clear sheet idea. :thumbsup: It all seems to be going nicely for you. Can't wait to see the finished job.

Cheers,

Alec.

boxed in the bottom of the dash area to keep the light where I want it.

added some extra detail to the center consol and sat the mostly finished family in their seats for a family portrait

boxed in the bottom of the dash area to keep the light where I want it.

added some extra detail to the center consol and sat the mostly finished family in their seats for a family portrait

Hi Lou, your build looks great.... And the painting of the figures brings it all to
life....:thumbsup:

Nice Job on Penny's Parka, Lou!