Radar Colors The robot’s radar unit is commonly painted siver like the torso. In fact, this is the correct coloring for the first season of Lost in Space. However, a closer examination of the second and third season color scheme shows that the ears, fins, and band of the radar are approximately the same gray as the chest area and brain. This is noticeable in may photos and episodes, including the frame at the right from “The Android Machine.” Craig Reinbrecht was among the first to notice this detail, and after seeing his robot in person, I decided that approach was definitely the way to go. My radar had already been textured and finished as all Alfa Romeo silver. I needed to decide exactly what color to use, because my robot’s brain and chest area are two different colors. I used Dupli-Color engine enamel DE1651 cast coat iron for the chest area and neon backing. For the brain I used Plasti-Kote rebuilder’s cast finish #285 cast iron gray. The Plasti-Kote product is a few shades lighter than the Dupli-Color paint. In the end, I went with the lighter of the two colors, the Plasti-Kote #285. The other just seemed like it would be too dark. (Incidentally, I experimented with a gunmetal gray first but quickly rejected it. Gunmetal has a blueish cast that just doesn’t look right on the robot. I’ve tried it on the chest area and other parts and hated it every time.) Taping off the upper radar was not as hard as I feard it would be. I used 1" painter’s tape and cut it lengthwise to 1/2" wide strips. Using a dull pencil, I pushed the tape into each groove and worked my way up each level and around the whole thing. Note: the photo at right shows the ring at the top of the radar taped off. I painted this ring gray by hand afterwards. After a few coats of paint (and some inevitable touchups) it’s done, and it came out just as I’d hoped. Anybody who is giving his robot a second or third season paint job should definitely include this detail on the radar. Back to the B9 Robot Resources home page