Meet Tom Pfrogner: Inside the Collection
Take a closer look inside this out-of-this-world collection!
Apr. 3, 2022
Tom Pfrogner is not your average Lost in Space fan. This high school band teacher has outfitted his basement with an incredible life-sized reproduction of the Jupiter Two Flight Deck and talking B9 Robot which accompanies his impressive collection of screen-used and screen-worn props and costumes from the cult-classic TV shows. Joining Lisa is Doug Hines, a fellow Lost in Space fan and builder of movie and television prop recreations. Doug appraises this out-of-this-world collection and offers Tom a trade for one of his beloved items for another rare piece of Lost in Space history.
1. The Jupiter Two flight deck
A former air force base electrician who worked on flight simulators helped Tom build this recreation of the Jupiter Two flight deck, based off of blueprints and pictures of the TV show to ensure accuracy.
2. B9 Robot
Tom was at a comic-con when he learned of the B9 Robot Builders Club. After joining, he bought this robot from a member and restored it himself!
3. Screen-used helmet
When Tom bought this helmet from Planet Hollywood, it was badly in need of repair. This helmet, worn by June Lockhart in the first two episodes of Lost in Space, is now the crowl jewel of Tom's collection.
4. "The Promised Planet" alien costumes
"The Promised Planet" was a memorable episode with go-go boot-wearing psychadelic aliens. Tom bought these both for $3,000, but with the paperwork that certifies authenticity, they're worth over three times that - each!
5. Jonathan Harris' Roman helmet
While Jonathan Harris wore this on an episode where he dressed up in Roman garb, it may be in even more TV history. This was from the 20th Century Fox Department, which means it could have been in Cleopatra, Ben-Hur, or even Star Trek.
6. Remco 1966 B9 robot toy
This toy was Tom's very first Lost in Space toy. Originally purchased for $7.95, now our expert values a mint-in-box version at $1,000.
7. Signed robot panel
Our expert has brought this out-of-this-world item to trade. This side robot panel has been signed by the full Lost in Space cast, including some who have since passed away. It's an impressive item for sure. But in exchange, our expert wants...
8. Japanese Lost in Space toys
These rare Japanese toys are hard to come by. Tom has three of the characters, including a mint Dr. Smith, who's the rare get in the set. Will he make the trade?
9 Comments
original cast member Marta Kristen who went above and beyond for her cameo appearance. And finally the builder and
his crew that took my dreams and made them a reality: Brian Miller and Rudy Chapski the electronics wizard.
Filming on the Jupiter Flight Deck was just like being back in 1965 on the original set of “Lost In Space”. Late during the afternoon, I assembled the crew and Lisa to recreate a tradition that Jonathan Harris (Dr. Smith) did during a long day of filming. To honor his memory and his tradition, I passed out to each crew member and Lisa a "Tootsie Roll Pop" just as Jonathan would as a treat.
To commemorate this “historic” event in our house, we dedicated our green office and named it “The Lisa Whelchel Green Room”. This was Lisa’s dressing room during her stay.
It’s now famous! Again, thank you all. The adventure continues………………..
