Precise Lost in Space B-9 Robot Recreation Built by Greg Jein from Studio Molds Screen Used in The Fantasy W...

Description

Precise Lost in Space B-9 Robot Recreation Built by Greg Jein from Studio Molds Screen Used in The Fantasy Worlds of Irwin Allen (TCF TV, 1995). In the early 1990s, producer/writer/director Kevin Burns, who owned the original hero B-9 Robot from the 1960s Lost in Space series, needed a robot that could be used in some of the TV projects he was planning on producing. He commissioned Academy-nominated visual effects model builder Greg Jein to do the job, and Greg faithfully and meticulously crafted this recreation of the legendary B-9 Robot from original studio molds for the torso, legs, arms and the clear bubble. After Kevin received the completed duplicate robot, Kevin asked friend Ron Hamill to install the correct lighting, electronics and wiring, as Ron had recently re-wired the hero robot. In addition, Ron strengthened the bottom half of the duplicate robot with steel reinforcement supports and solid aluminum wheels. The duplicate robot was finished with a semi rough surface to better handle the reflections of studio lights and used some of the same materials and mechanics as the original hero robot. In fact, some of the 1960s technology from the hero was used in creating the duplicate robot including a few hidden gems contained in this robot that have never been shared with the general public. They include a scrim inside the collar and copies of the original claw operating mechanisms among a few other things. Bob May, the original actor inside the Lost in Space B-9, was asked to revisit his role as the "guy in the suit" on shows like Studs, Fantasy Worlds of Irwin Allen, Lost in Space Forever and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, among many others. It was about this time when the duplicate robot was renamed "The Fantasy World's Robot". One of the last times it was used was in late 2014 for a cameo appearance in the Seth McFarlane film Ted 2 which was the first time a Lost in Space Robot had been filmed on a soundstage at 20th Century Fox in 46 years. A frontal photograph of this Fantasy Worlds B-9 Robot was used by Star Cutouts for the Lost in Space Robot standee.

Measuring approximately 75" x 28" x 26" assembled, the robot is in three sections: the head/bubble, the torso, and the legs/treads. It uses two 12-volt power supplies (one for the neon) along with a prop tape reel, radar antennas and various other cables used with the robot costume. The robot does not move on its own and would have to be pulled by a cable, as in the original show. The fingers above the brain and mirror assembly above are static as are the two radar scanners above the collar to reflect how the robot functioned after the first season of the show. The robot is worn as a costume and the arms and claws do not move unless there is an operator inside. Included are electronics that provided the ambient noise and voice of the robot in a display configuration. Included is an older "boom box" cassette unit (not working), speakers and a vox unit to sync the tape to the neon. The audio electronics have not been updated in several years and are included unconnected. This robot is sold in "as is" condition and can only be used for private display purposes. No character or display rights are given or implied. Licensing for public display may be available for conventions and exhibits using the name "Lost in Space Fantasy Worlds Robot B9". Exhibits age and production wear with some latex separation in the lower portion of the legs. Electronics untested. Special shipping arrangements will apply. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions.

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