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ORIGINAL JUPITER-2 FLIGHT STATION SET |
Updated: November 20, 2005
Original Jupiter-2 electronic flight control station from
Lost in Space. (CBS-TV, 1965-68) In 1965, Irwin Allen gave the
American television audience his greatest and most cherished
creation, Lost in Space. Colorful sets, creative scripts, and
cliffhanger endings set Lost in Space apart from other prime
time fare. Of course, there cannot be a great science fiction
show with out great special effects - or a great space ship,
which Irwin Allen gave us with the Jupiter-2.
Presented here is one of the most spectacular Lost in Space
props surviving today, the complete Electronic Flight Control
Station from the interior set of the Jupiter-2. It is
comprised of six modules:
Three flashing light modules which were mounted on the top of
the Control Station. Constructed of metal housings with
extensive internal wiring, the modules are in full working
order and are still connected to the original internal
transformers and timing switches. When plugged in and switched
on, the panels illuminate and flash just as they did on the
series. These each measure 34 in. x 15 in. x 9 in.
Two rotating "radar sweep" modules, each of which are backlit
with two incandescent light bulbs and are designed to rotate
with an electric motor, fixed to the back side. These each
measure 19 in. x 18 in. x 12 in. These are also in good
working condition, but are in need of minor re-alignment to
work smoothly.
Large central "star map" module with rotating disc. The
central spinning "map" measures 17 in. diameter. It is
currently missing the belt which attaches to the motor and
drives the disc, but is easily replaced. The unit measures 31
in. x 25 in. x 18 in. overall.
Also included is a small box of miscellaneous electrical
switch panels, which accompany the modules.
Some of the modules of the Flight Control Station originally
began their lives as control panels used by the Jet Propulsion
Laboratory in Pasadena, California as well as Vandenberg Air
Force Base for the minuteman missile systems. Called the
Electodata 220c, they were manufactured by Electodata
Corporation (later called Burroughs Corporation) in Pasadena
in 1954. When they were retired from active service in 1960 or
so, Twentieth Century-Fox bought these and a number of other
surplus computer equipment which would later grace the Lost in
Space soundstage as well as other Fox productions, including
the Batman series (starring Adam West and Burt Ward) as part
of the Batcomputer.
This Flight Control Station can be seen in nearly every
episode of the classic Irwin Allen television series, and
played a key part in the original storyline, from the pilot
through the final episode. An exceptional, highly visible set
of props, the Flight Control Station is a wonderful part of
television history from the 1960's, and was an inspiration to
countless youngsters who went on to pursue careers in
aerospace technology! As an entire set piece, the Jupiter-2
Flight Control Station is, without question, the largest and
most significant piece to have survived - intact! - from a
sci-fi television production of this time period.
(*) Photos and info courtsey of Profiles in History!
Value: $60,000 - $80,000
(*) Update: Here's some more pictures of the flight station that's up for auction
on Dec. 16. The owner said I could send these pictures to you if you want to use
them on your site. Some show the panels from behind which show how the radar screens
were just lit by ordinary light bulbs. After fourty years the consoles still light up
and flash. Not seen at the Profiles in History auction site is a picture of the center
console still mounted in it's original wood base. Although the 3 Burroughs consoles
were actual computer equipment at one time, all the other panels including the radars
were constructed just for Lost in Space. The two side radar panels were made of metal
and the center panel was made of plywood. Most of the radar knobs either said audio or
lights on the front but were all painted over with gray. The Burroughs consoles
originally had neon lights, but they were replaced for the show by incandescent bulbs
so they would show up brighter under studio lights.
Many thanks to, Bill Hedges for the additional photos and info!
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