Lost in Space Model Replicas: Steve's Chariot

Lost in Space, along with other Irwin Allen shows exemplified what creativity was all about. The Jupiter II, Space Pod, Robot and the chariot were props that only the production team and actors could see and touch. The rest of us had to settle for what we saw on television and wonder what it was really like. Although a little smaller and a bit slower, my chariot is something that I can touch. From individual pieces of luggage to the "Hydro Jets" that were used for sea travel, this chariot has it all. It is very similar in size to the miniature that was used on the show. The scenes with the "Cyclops" and the ones with the chariot traveling "The Hungry Sea" will always be imbedded in my mind.

The following photos will show you the different parts of the chariot. It took 9 months to complete.

The chariot was built using a Japanese toy from Kyosho called a Blizzard Snow Cat. This toy was used to make the tread section. Blueprints by Shane Johnson were used to form the lower body and upper canopy. The chassis is wired for the remote control as well as all the lighting. The tread section has 5 wheels and a drive wheel. The 5 wheels each have separate axles and are not stationary but are floating. This allows the treads to stay in contact with whatever terrain it is on.

The main body is cast from fiberglass and slides over the chassis. It is held in place by 2 cotter pins located at the lower rear of the body just above the treads. The body has 6 swivel chairs individually cast from resin. Seatbelts were also added to each chair. Just to the left of the driver's seat is a switch that turns on the dash lights. The dash lights randomly blink on and off. The steering area has 2 long handles that move back and forth. The radar scope between the 2 front seats moves up and down.

The canopy is made of individual lexand pieces held together with brass. Brass was used because of it's pliability and strength. The curved areas were heated and formed to fit. The side ladders and luggage rack, along with the front and back bumpers are screwed directly into the canopy and main body. The bubble on top was made to slide back and forth. On the inside there are 2 rods that go from the front to the back. They are there to hold the curtains in place. The doors have miniature hinges and handles. You have to turn the handles to unlock the doors. The 4 side doors and the back hatch all open. The side step up ladders are removable and can be stored in the back of the chariot. The 2 main lights in front and the 6 flood lights (2 on top in front, 2 below in front and 2 in back) all turn on by a small switch located underneath the front driver's area.

The chariot is about 21 inches long and weighs around 25 lbs. It has a rechargeable battery and will run for approximately 1 hour between charges. It will travel forward, backward, left and right. The speed is about 5 mph.

I hope you enjoy looking at the chariot.

Best Regards,

Steve Dixon