Custom Mego Lost In Space

[Mitch]

I'm selling custom mego Lost In Space right now. I needed advice on how to build a JUPITER2 FOR 8 inch Megos?
Does anyone have any ideas they can throw at me....STUCK.
Thanks, Mitch

[megocrazy]

The shape isn't difficult but an 8" to scale would be huge. Basically it's a plate cover like they serve your meals in a hospital. Foam core would be my first guess. This has johnmiic written all over it. Ask him. He is a master at making ships from foam core. I would make the shell then use postal tape to sheet it, for strength. Then if you can find a hobby shop, get some silver shrink cote. They use it to wrap the wings on radio controlled airplanes when you scratch build. It sticks on then you hit it with a hairdryer and it shrinks tight. The base needs to be sturdy because it will crush it if it's not. The stuff is strong. The base looks a lot like a rubbermaid garbage can cover.

[Mitch]

Thanks for that. Do you have that persons contact info?
I was thinking of trash can lids, but..that just didn't seem to work.
I know it would have been cool to make the jupiter2 with the custom megos I just made, but I had no time. I still want to work on the project.

[megoknight]

I'm thinking Tennis ball tubes for freezing chambers?

[megocrazy]

Thanks for that. Do you have that persons contact info?

Look under "J" in the members list. johnmiic is his MM user name. Just drop him a PM.

[johnmiic]

Thanks for the kind words Chuck!

So you wouldn't be happy with just a Space Pod or Chariot instead? A Jupiter 2 playset/vehicle can be made for the 8 inch scale but it depends how big you want it and what should be inside it. I'll have to do some sketches and scan them to explain how to make this. In the mean time I can direct you to 2 of my albums to show you some of the things you can do with foam-board. Simple and compound curves can be made. It's a question of scoring it correctly on one side. There are also a couple of options in the Silver color available. You'll see in the albums. More to come.

That cone is foam-board and wrapped around a structure. In some ways similar to the Jupiter 2. This is 3 & 3/4 inch scaled for Micronauts figures:

Endeavor | Facebook



Foam Board Models | Facebook

The curved parts of the ANSA POTA capsule are foam-board. I'd like to build it bigger. The silver foam board on the Logan's Run Solar Car is like brushed metallic. I hope they still make it. I haven't bought it in 2 years:

[johnmiic]

You probably have to alter the shape of it for the 8" figures. You won't get a real J2 shape. It will have to be adjusted for the scale you are working in.

Most important tho, is how big you want the J2. A 16 inch floor base would be cozy for 8 inch figures. A 20 inch base would be roomier. You also have to figure out what to put inside it. You have to make the pilot and co-pilot seats and control panels. Do you want an Astrogator? Hibernation tubes? Elevator cage? Where you want to display it and store it? That will affect the size of it too.


Then you build a structure and wrap it with oaktag. A good idea is to build triangular braces to go around the circle as the real J2 walls lean inwards. Figures won't be able to stand up straight at the edge but closer in towards the center.



Once the oaktag is trimmed you can trace that pattern onto foam board. Then score & wrap the foam board around the structure itself. Leave some parts permanent and some that can open so you can get inside.

[bagmonster]

Amazing detail!

[Mitch]

Thank you so much for all that. Sounds like I have to become familiar with FOAM BOARD first. Is it expensive to get? Where do I get some..and the other stuff you mentioned?

Thanks again.
p.s. my ebay Lost In Space sold already. DARN! Now I have to make more to sell with J2!

[megocrazy]

Told ya this had Johnny written all over it.

If CTVT still has their white Trek remake chairs those would work well for the pilot/co-pilot chairs and be more durable than the foam board for placing/removing figures. Add some custom stickers and they already have that retro sci-fi look. they have em in black too, but the white would be easier to paint silver.