Since Frank Winspur has officially announced the Jupiter 2 model at WonderFest, I can tell you some details about the kit and show a few photos. A few factoids:

The studio set fit almost perfectly inside a 52 ft saucer, so that's what I used when I designed the model. The 1/35 scale saucer is a hair under 18" in diameter, which is the largest size that Moebius' budget could handle. (The price of tooling goes WAY up if you go any larger, and the kit would become too expensive for the mass market.)

I sent over 170 sheets of plans and more than 300 reference photos to Moebius.

Decals will be included.

I have a casting of the 4 ft hero model's hull, so I lofted its profile for the Moebius kit.

The entire upper half of the hull lifts off to reveal the interior. There's a lot of space between the interior walls and the edge of the saucer, so scratch-builders can have a field day adding the greebles & rooms we never saw.

The kit has TWO fusion cores - one with the fins extended, and one with the fins retracted.

The model has optional position landing gear, with landing gear wells, as well as outlines for the Chariot hatch and the Space Pod hatch.

The interior reflects the 3rd season version of the upper deck set, which didn't have lighted roof beams. Deleting the roof beams saves tooling costs and provides better access to the interior, but adding scratch-built roof beams should be very straightforward.

There's no lower deck, since it absolutely, positively won't fit inside the hull. Trust me!

The interior of the main airlock is represented, but Dave Metzner had to nix a sliding door for budgetary reasons, since the parts count was already way north of 200. Again, this shouldn't be hard to scratch-build, if you want.

There are a number of clear parts to facilitate lighting.

Dave and Frank allowed me to go absolutely crazy with interior detail, and the model is a near-perfect representation of the studio set. The elevator cage is a delicate work of art! I had help from several LIS experts, and I'll name names in a future article.

Here are a few early shots of the prototype model, which has undergone numerous changes since the photos were taken....


An overhead view of the prototype, with the ceiling soffit in place. The airlock floor hasn't been added yet.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv40/garykerr/Jupiter%202/Overheadview.jpg


The astrogator (the joystick controls will be in the deployed position on the final model)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv40/garykerr/Jupiter%202/Astrogator.jpg


One of the flight chairs. They can rotate, like the ones on the show, so the actors can talk to one another.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv40/garykerr/Jupiter%202/Chair.jpg


The circuit board panels will be cast in clear plastic, to simplify lighting
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv40/garykerr/Jupiter%202/Wallsection1.jpg



The elevator cage is a work of art. The clear floor panel is supported by crossed beams - just like the original
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv40/garykerr/Jupiter%202/Elevator.jpg


A few last words: while I was reviewing the LIS episodes on DVD, I noticed that details of the ship's interior would change seemingly from episode to episode. If the model doesn't have a certain feature you want, you can always scratchbuild the part or buy an aftermarket item. Don't criticize Dave Metzner too harshly if he didn't include every bell & whistle you wanted. Laying out all the kit's parts on a limited number of VERY expensive tools is way more complicated than I thought, and Dave did his best to provide the most bang for the buck. The J2 model ended up being far more detailed than first envisioned, and I commend Dave & Frank for allowing me to run hog wild. :)

That's it for now. I'll post more pics & answer questions later.

Cheers,

Gary

whimper....

Oh...my...God!

I'm speechless!...WOW, what an awesome work of art. I predict this will be Moebius' best selling kit by far. Thank you for the sneak peek Gary.

Holy crap. It's gonna' be just awesome! You did one killer job with the design details! I'm in awe, and can't wait to see that box arrive in the mail! The Polar Lights J2 has been the quintessential kit for quite a while, this just surpassed it bu HUGE strides. Thank you guys so much for doing it. This is why Moebius will be an even bigger success than it already is, and around for many years to come. What you've given us all in the last year with these LIS kits is for many of us a lifelong dream. Again, thank you!

I'm just speechless....... If this is just the prototype.:freak: I'm sheechless.
I need to now change my "Depends".:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

I'm not a big LIS fan but even I might be tempted by that. I might do it as a UFO and stick some aliens in there.

Wow! Either some of these photos weren't included in the slideshow at the booth, or I somehow missed them. I love the shot of the astrogator!

Wow! Either some of these photos weren't included in the slideshow at the booth, or I somehow missed them. I love the shot of the astrogator!

I think I had 62 slides in the show at WF, so not everything was in there. I don't think I had these anyways. Can't wait to get one myself!

Don't criticize Dave Metzner too harshly if he didn't include every bell & whistle you wanted.

Gary, I'm pretty sure this kit will result in the naming of firstborns, buying of drinks, and all-around hero worship for Dave. I don't think you gotta worry there!

And thank you as well, this looks more than amazing!

I thought that last years' Seaview and this years' Flying Sub were going to be "it", but this Jupiter 2 is going to be, without a doubt, the crowning touch of my model kit building "career".
THIS is the one I've been waiting for, for the past 44 YEARS!!!
Thank you, Gary, Frank, Dave, and everybody else involved in this MAGNIFICENT project!

Now,go forth and build something,until this wonderful model arrives..............thanks Frank and Dave and the rest............

Oh my....

I'm swooning.....! That is one beautiful prototype and we've only seen parts of it. I love hearing about and seeing details that people have dreamed about, or killed themselves trying to find ways to cobble it together.

I knew after seeing the detail quality of the Space Pod & Chariot kits, that when a new Jupiter 2 kit was announced, it would not disappoint.

Not spending another dollar on models or model supplies until this kit comes out. I don't need more, trust me. The next model I'm buying will be this one.

Really looking forward to this!

Bryan

:drunk:

I need some clean underwear.......

:thumbsup:

Gene

I think I had 62 slides in the show at WF, so not everything was in there. I don't think I had these anyways. Can't wait to get one myself!

I took some of the pictures when Dave & I reviewed the first prototype this past March. At this point, it hadn't been determined which parts will be solid colored or clear. Before I hit the sack, here are some more pictures of the prototype:



The flight controls. I *think* Dave said somebody at WonderFest nagged him into casting the control panel in clear plastic (FYI, the center screen was sometimes shown rotated 180-degrees from this orientation)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv40/garykerr/Jupiter%202/Flightcontrols.jpg



The communications station to the right of the flight controls
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv40/garykerr/Jupiter%202/Communicationsstation.jpg



Details of the wall behind the freezing tubes
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv40/garykerr/Jupiter%202/Freezingtubewalls.jpg



Dave Metzner reassembling the prototype last March. The excess flooring outboard of the inner walls has since been scaled back.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv40/garykerr/Jupiter%202/Dave.jpg



A look inside a landing gear well before the side walls were installed
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv40/garykerr/Jupiter%202/Landinggearwall.jpg



Sample plan of the ladder to the lower deck - one of 170+ similar plans
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv40/garykerr/Jupiter%202/Ladderplans.jpg



Floor plan of the area around the elevator & Space Pod door
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv40/garykerr/Jupiter%202/Elevatorplan.jpg


Hope these pictures will keep you satisfied for a while. If you want, I can post some more, but it'll have to wait till I finish drawing some more artwork for the J2 decals and critiquing the 2nd test shot of the baby Seaview.

Gary

Gary, thanks for posting these! Outstanding and stunning work! This kit will be a beauty!

(So much for the Lunar Models 16" Jupiter 2 plus interior I have in the stash!)

Okay, No more wish lists, no crying, whining or whimpering. Don't bug them, let the masters do their work...The Holy Grail of model kits is coming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After that last dose of pictures, I can sleep well tonight....... Thanks all of you.....

Why? Why are you tempting us with these photos. Why not just starve us all and then eat a big, juicy steak right in front of us! Seriously though, that's awesome stuff. Can't wait!! Always wanted a really good J2 and this is IT!

.........Before I hit the sack, here are some more pictures of the prototype.........

Dammit Gary - I'm running out of underwear!

Gene

PS - don't stop on my account...... :wave:

That is without doubt one of the most exciting prospective models I have seen in 20 years of model making. Heartfelt congratulations to all the team at Moebius Models. I will get one as soon as they are available

Onwards, Booby!

Okay, one more before I go to bed. Here's a shot of the interior airlock door & control panel. Keep in mind that the door is only 2.3" high on the model!

G'night!

Gary



http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv40/garykerr/Jupiter%202/Airlockdoor.jpg

OMG! Simply outstanding. And the door isn't upside down! :<)
Is it December yet?

WOW, is what comes to mind when I see this. How about the floor itself, will there be a circle of the correct diameter molded in the floor or a 2 piece floor to complete the circle ?

OMG!!!:eek:... STRUTH!!!:eek:... FLAMIN HECK!!!:

To be honest I was pleased about the J2 coming out of Moebius but not in the "I gotta get one now" way. However I'm gob smacked having just seen this thread :thumbsup: it has definatly put the boil on my wants now. :devil:

Could someone here please help me pick my jaw up off the floor......:thumbsup:

I had thought of not getting another J2, but Gary changed my mine!
Fantastic details! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/lloyd2/drooling.gif
Now to get screen grabs from Season 3.

This kit blows me away. A must have for me. And I thought the PL version was "good enough" It was really, but this kit is a few steps ahead of the PL version. Quite a few steps ahead.

Holeeeee POO!! :eek:

You've made many people verrrry happy!!

Now that's what I'm talking about! WOW! :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Any outside photos?

You guys are all freakin out about these pictures on the forum, what do you think I was doing as I stood at their table at Wonderfest?!?!? I was jumping up and down, pointing at the screen, and giggleing every time a new picture popped up! I must have looked a 60's teenager at a Beatles concert!

My question, who's doing a fusion core and how are lights in the dome going to be handled? Yeah, this is going to be great!!!!!!

I know what Santa's bringing me this year!

Bert, how many are you buying?:wave:

:thumbsup:AWESOME!!!!!!

Thanks Gary for taking the time to post the pics..It is truly a work of art!!

I can safely say, as good as the Flying sub and Seaview are this model will surpass them!!!

Finally!!!!For this lifelong Irwin Allen, Fan A near perfect Jupiter 2!!!!

Many Thanks to Frank And Dave and Gary!!!!!!!!


:hat::hat::hat:

What size was this going to be... 1/35th scale...how big is that? I guess Dave described it as closer to 18 inches...

This looks to be an AMAZING kit...WOW! such details! Who cares that there is no lower deck...there is enough on the upper deck to keep us very happy!

Thanks Frank, Dave and the rest from Moebius!...and Gary for posting the pics for us to drool over!

MMM

This thread is the reason I only wear brown underwear now....

Put me down for at LEAST two!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Larry
:woohoo:

"The interior reflects the 3rd season version of the upper deck set, which didn't have lighted roof beams. Deleting the roof beams saves tooling costs and provides better access to the interior, but adding scratch-built roof beams should be very straightforward."

Gary, the interior detail shots you posted are just spectacular. Relative to the above issue with the roof beams, it seems like it might be possible for the scratch builder to attach the extensions directly to to ceiling. They would still be difficult to light because of the general detachment, but this design would also maintain the desired "open" effect when the top is removed.

Building a false ceiling into the top of the model shouldn't be a problem. Then use the light strips that are being used on the FS-1 floor in a few models.

Since Frank Winspur has officially announced the Jupiter 2 model at WonderFest, I can tell you some details about the kit and show a few photos. A few factoids:

The studio set fit almost perfectly inside a 52 ft saucer, so that's what I used when I designed the model. The 1/35 scale saucer is a hair under 18" in diameter, which is the largest size that Moebius' budget could handle. (The price of tooling goes WAY up if you go any larger, and the kit would become too expensive for the mass market.)

I sent over 170 sheets of plans and more than 300 reference photos to Moebius.

Decals will be included.

I have a casting of the 4 ft hero model's hull, so I lofted its profile for the Moebius kit.

The entire upper half of the hull lifts off to reveal the interior. There's a lot of space between the interior walls and the edge of the saucer, so scratch-builders can have a field day adding the greebles & rooms we never saw.

The kit has TWO fusion cores - one with the fins extended, and one with the fins retracted.

The model has optional position landing gear, with landing gear wells, as well as outlines for the Chariot hatch and the Space Pod hatch.

The interior reflects the 3rd season version of the upper deck set, which didn't have lighted roof beams. Deleting the roof beams saves tooling costs and provides better access to the interior, but adding scratch-built roof beams should be very straightforward.

There's no lower deck, since it absolutely, positively won't fit inside the hull. Trust me!

The interior of the main airlock is represented, but Dave Metzner had to nix a sliding door for budgetary reasons, since the parts count was already way north of 200. Again, this shouldn't be hard to scratch-build, if you want.

There are a number of clear parts to facilitate lighting.

Dave and Frank allowed me to go absolutely crazy with interior detail, and the model is a near-perfect representation of the studio set. The elevator cage is a delicate work of art! I had help from several LIS experts, and I'll name names in a future article.

Here are a few early shots of the prototype model, which has undergone numerous changes since the photos were taken....


An overhead view of the prototype, with the ceiling soffitt in place. The airlock floor hasn't been added yet.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv40/garykerr/Jupiter%202/Overheadview.jpg


The astrogator (the joystick controls will be in the deployed position on the final model)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv40/garykerr/Jupiter%202/Astrogator.jpg


One of the flight chairs. They can rotate, like the ones on the show, so the actors can talk to one another.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv40/garykerr/Jupiter%202/Chair.jpg


The circuit board panels will be cast in clear plastic, to simplify lighting
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv40/garykerr/Jupiter%202/Wallsection1.jpg



The elevator cage is a work of art. The clear floor panel is supported by crossed beams - just like the original
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv40/garykerr/Jupiter%202/Elevator.jpg


A few last words: while I was reviewing the LIS episodes on DVD, I noticed that details of the ship's interior would change seemingly from episode to episode. If the model doesn't have a certain feature you want, you can always scratchbuild the part or buy an aftermarket item. Don't criticize Dave Metzner too harshly if he didn't include every bell & whistle you wanted. Laying out all the kit's parts on a limited number of VERY expensive tools is way more complicated than I thought, and Dave did his best to provide the most bang for the buck. The J2 model ended up being far more detailed than first envisioned, and I commend Dave & Frank for allowing me to run hog wild. :)

That's it for now. I'll post more pics & answer questions later.

Cheers,

Gary

Looks like they're using the same method of pegs like the FS-1 to attach the hull halves. Makes for a good snug fit.

Holy Crap - Usually I'm a lurker but I've been stunned into speech. I built a 16" Lunar Models years ago. Full interior with the rotating fusion core lights. Sadly it was a casualty of a nasty divorce. I won't miss it even a little bit now!

Gary, the interior detail shots you posted are just spectacular. Relative to the above issue with the roof beams, it seems like it might be possible for the scratch builder to attach the extensions directly to to ceiling. They would still be difficult to light because of the general detachment, but this design would also maintain the desired "open" effect when the top is removed.

Ron - thanks for the kind words.

As you can see in the cutaway plan below, there's enough room to add a false ceiling to the model. All you'd have to do is cut a fat "C" shape out of sheet styrene, form it into a low cone, and attach ceiling beams to its underside.

I'd also consider the option of keeping the soffitt between the wall and the ceiling removable, so you can see the inner detail better. FYI, on the Moebius kit, I've included the lighted ceiling panel in the soffit above the main airlock door, so there's something else to light up!

I'll post some additional pics of the prototype later today, after I get some work done.

Gary

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv40/garykerr/Jupiter%202/J2cutaway-large.jpg

Wow just wow!:thumbsup:

The interior of the main airlock is represented, but Dave Metzner had to nix a sliding door for budgetary reasons, since the parts count was already way north of 200. Again, this shouldn't be hard to scratch-build, if you want.



Point of clarification requested; a sliding airlock door is not going to happen, and more than likely the Space Pod door and the "hallway" door aren't going to open. But what about the hull hatch itself? :confused:

Gary:

Thanks so much for the update of the upcoming Mobius Jupiter2 kit. Can't remember how many times I entered my e-mail address at Mobius' contact list this morning; I definitely don't want to miss out on one of these!

I never cared much for the Polar Lights kit. With its removable upper hull, seemed more like a toy. And even when opened up, detail doesn't seem convincing. At least here, all the parts shown have incredible detail. If the paints were applied, I thought it was so real that I could sit right in one of those chairs! On typical kits, usually I'd be interested only on the hull. Even on deep interior parts like the Circuit Board Panel which I had no past interest, looking at these photos made me look again. On my model, I'd still seal the upper and lower hulls, though. It turns me off to see even the slightest slit on the outside of the saucer. I'll just install real glass on all port windows.

Two details I'm looking forward to in this kit:

1. Fusion Core Fins.

2. A turning radar inside the upper hull bubble, not just a series of sequenced LEDs. I'm sure the turning will have to be done by the model-maker, but at least if the radar part is provided, it would be a big plus.

Very good! The 18" size is good, too. Count me in for a model, maybe two.

Mike

No operating doors interior or exterior will be included in the kit

Dave

No operating doors interior or exterior will be included in the kit

Dave

That's why I usually buy two kits. In the event I need to destroy one to pick out a particular function like a door, I'd re-attach that door on the final product.

Simply AWSOME! I can't wait for this baby to be released:)I love my Polar lights J2, But will be adding this beauty to my collection as well.I'll make room for it:DThanks for the proto pix, & please post more as they are available.Thanks again, All at MOEBIUS!!!!!:thumbsup:

Point of clarification requested; a sliding airlock door is not going to happen, and more than likely the Space Pod door and the "hallway" door aren't going to open. But what about the hull hatch itself? :confused:
I lobbied for a sliding hull hatch, but that fell victim to budgetary considerations, too. Only a certain number of parts can fit on a specified number of tools, and if you add an additional tool, the costs rapidly escalate beyond the budget, and the price of the already-expensive kit would increase, too. The parts layout/count is an art form, and I'm glad that it's Dave Metzner's job, not mine!

At least, a sliding door is scratch-buildable - or an enterprising aftermarket guy will probably offer one. Ditto for the rear hallway door. An operable Space Pod door is more problematic, since it would pop through the ceiling!

Gary

No operating doors interior or exterior will be included in the kit

Dave

That might not stop some of the more "inclined" people on this bord not to try! ;)

I do have to say, this is a tremendous upgrade to the PL kit issued over a decade ago (as incredible as that kit was at the time).

I got June Lockhardt's autograph on my J2 PL model. She loved seeing it!

I thought that last years' Seaview and this years' Flying Sub were going to be "it", but this Jupiter 2 is going to be, without a doubt, the crowning touch of my model kit building "career".
THIS is the one I've been waiting for, for the past 44 YEARS!!!
Thank you, Gary, Frank, Dave, and everybody else involved in this MAGNIFICENT project!

Ditto. I'm farklempt.

WOW.............What amazing detail! And more gorgeous box art from Mr. Ron Gross!!Thank you Guys for making our dreams come true!