The Dinky Thunderbird 2 was produced from 1967 to 1979. It was a popular die cast model and although
there were subtle changes through the years, there were two distinctively
different models – one numbered 101, and a later retooled edition numbered 106.
This is my Dinky 101 Thunderbird 2. Although it’s not a
first issue it is an early version example, probably first appearing around the
late sixties/early seventies, easily identified as this version still had
Century 21 toys Ltd on the base of the pod.
Unlike the previous versions which were painted a flat
green, mine is finished in a metallic green. The box and card display are slightly
different too. The main difference is the addition of the words ‘straight from
Gerry Anderson’s Thunderbirds’, whereas the earlier box and display card
omitted the name ‘Gerry Anderson’.
This version would be slightly altered in 1973 when Dinky
changed the packaging on their model range to bubble packs. This Thunderbird 2
101 third version omitted the now defunct Century 21 toys Ltd wording on the pod base.
(The display card base gives copyright to A.P. Films)
This version would have lasted more or less around a year
before Dinky redesigned the model giving it a new model number, 106. This
retooled version was slightly bigger, painted blue and had a plastic base.
This 106 version would have begun to appear around 1974/75.
Although the pod and top section of this version was blue,
the plastic base came in three colours, blue, black and white. (The flip down legs, which were much stronger
than the previous 101 version, came in either red or yellow)
This slightly
distressed one with yellow legs I picked up at this year’s Doncaster toy
fair is perfect for this flying shot.
My other 106 is this boxed example. The window box packaging,
which I'm assuming first appeared in 1978 based on the year given on the box,
would be the last, as the Thunderbird 2 die cast ceased production in 1979.
Comparing the two models, I think it’s fair to say that the
101 version does look a little more attractive than the robust looking 106, but
it is also quite delicate. The legs are far too thin to support the toy when
the pod is still attached to the main body. (The very early versions had riveted
bases which meant broken legs couldn’t easily be replaced.)
The 106 on the other hand is pretty tough. The thicker legs
spring out and the toy still retains a solid feel. Some might consider the
paint scheme and the plastic base a big let-down, but in other ways I think the
redesigned 106 has improved the durability of the toy.
So, to sum up while both the 101 and 106 have their draw
backs, they equally have their good points, and personally I’m glad to own
examples of both.
Love the photos. Possibly the single most played with toy when I was a kid. I have one of the early, riveted green ones. Great toy.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kev, yeah, it was a favourite of mine. I had one of the early riveted green ones which lost a couple of legs. No chance of easily fixing it so that's when I replaced it with the metallic green one. I don't think they were out for long before Dinky replaced them with the repairable screw types.
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit confused. What do you mean by the plastic base?
ReplyDeleteThe lower secton of the 106 version is made of plastic, the upper section is metal.
ReplyDeleteLots of new information on different versions here, thanks Scoop. TB2 being easily my favourite TB design, the initial box design deserves a special mention. Beautiful, majestic and simple graphics worthy of Japanese masters.
ReplyDeleteThanks Arto. You're right about the box and display card, it is nice. To my mind all those early Dinky display cards like for the Anderson die casts look great. I particularly like the SPV one.
ReplyDeleteAnother favourite there, equally enthralling and very similar in design. I wonder who the artist was.
ReplyDeleteFab post Scoop! It was a favourite toy of mine too. I can still feel the recesses along the sides of the pod sliding down the guides on the main body. A thing of beauty. As for the box artist, contributor Jim thinks it was Peter Archer. See this blog post back in 2009, about half way down -http://projectswordtoys.blogspot.co.uk/2009/10/jr21-submarine-aircraft-carrier.html
ReplyDeleteThanks Woodsy. Yeah, the box artists still remain a mystery to me. I'm still not convinced it was Peter Archer but he certainly does have a connection having illustrated a couple of the early paperbacks so it is plausible.
ReplyDeletehi mate great imfo and pictures where would you find all the versions i would like to start collecting them but cant get imfo on all the versions for example different colour legs
ReplyDeleteCollectors fairs are best because you can examine them, failing that it's eBay.The only one to be wary of is the first issue green one as it's riveted and not so easy to change damaged legs.
DeleteGood luck
thanks scoop not many fairs around where i am i have tried to find imfo out bit confusing dont know if im buying right model with box thanks for your help ian
DeleteMy early 106 has a die cast base (not plastic) .... painted all over in metallic blue (with red legs). The plastic bases (white or black) came later on.
ReplyDeleteYes indeed. I have an all metal and all blue 106 (I did a blog on it not long back)I don't think Dinky did a blue plastic base did they? The two examples in the photos with black plastic bases, red and yellow legs.
ReplyDeleteI have two green 101s, one riveted, one with screws. I've also got one metallic blue 101, plus one metallic blue (with metal base) 106. I wonder if they ever did a green 106?
ReplyDeleteI don't think so Kid, I've certainly not seen one that was an original Dinky.
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