Lost: Dharma Jeep

Season 5 of the classic noughties TV show LOST saw the introduction of a vehicle belonging to the mysterious Dharma Initiative; the Dharma Jeep. The type of Jeep is a CJ-7, a precursor to the Jeep Wrangler, produced in either '76 or '77. The most notable appearance was in the episode LaFleur, in the scene set in 1977 where Sawyer (as Jim LaFleur) drives out into the valley to re-unite with Kate, Jack and Hurley; an iconic scene for fans of the show and the one I decided to use as a reference. CJ-7 Dharma Jeeps also appear in the episodes The Variable - with Jack, Kate and Daniel escaping - and The Incident Part 1, where a different CJ-7 is driven by Radzinsky and his men.

It's a small build, at just over 200 pieces, that I would envisage being similar to set 20004 (Indiana Jones Jungle Cruiser) or maybe a Gift With Purchase, if a full-scale LOST set ever got made!

While it's a technically an 8-stud wide vehicle, because of the protruding wheels and mudguards, the majority is actually 6-studs wide. The trickiest thing to get right was the windscreen, as there aren't really any suitable 'off the shelf' windscreen pieces (they all have sides) and using a standard window would have meant using a frame, which looked too clunky. In the end, I used two flags in Trans Clear, mounted on opposing 2L bars with stop rings. There is a bit of SNOT work at the rear of the vehicle, which was necessary in order to get the rear lights in the correct position, i.e. not visible in a profile shot. It also includes a functioning hood, and a tiny engine, where I did what I could working with a 2x4 stud bay!

The set includes one minifigure, which is of course, Sawyer, as his 1977 LaFleur persona, in Dharma Initiative overalls. As fans will know, Sawyer was one of the most physically imposing and confrontational characters on the show, but he also had one of the most interesting arcs.

I think it's high time this highly influential and still popular show had its own set! I hope you'll agree and lend your support :-)

Part Count: 207

Approx Dimensions: W 7cm x L 12cm x H 6cm