A few basic photos of the Dinky UFO Interceptor.
A fairly accurate representation of Shado's first line of defence, however the colour is a constant bone of contention with a lot of fans.
Why is it that colour? Only the Lords of Dinky know for sure. I've heard theories that there was a surfeit of metallic green paint left over when Dinky produced their 'Johnston Road Sweeper' model, which appeared at the same time and continued production until 1977. It could just be that Dinky had an aversion to all-white toys and didn't think they were good sellers.
Like most of Dinky's models, the Interceptor went through a few subtle changes. Early versions used the Joe 90 figure from Dinky's Joe's Car before replacing it with a proper pilot. The missile started off in white with an orange tip, which changed to yellow with black tip, and combinations of the two. The legs went from orange to red. As a cost cutting exercise the chromed parts were dropped leaving just plain red plastic. The canopy went from plain clear to blue clear plastic, and the painted gold engine and grills were left as bare metal.
The Dinky Interceptor came out in 1971 and, in spite of it's dubious colour choice, remained popular, and continued production until 1979.
The original box and display. This was replaced with the less exciting bubble pack and display plinth, and finally the window box.
story i heard was that execs at dinky reckoned that because it was a "military" vehicle (in the loosest of terms lol) it looked better in "army" green and would open up sales to collectors of military models as well as scifi fans, same logic with the later Eagle model. Can't recall where I read it but it does sound like the kind of marketing department thinking from around that time.
ReplyDeleteCould well be true,Mike. A military green was initially used on Dinky's Shado 2 mobile for that very reason, as they considered it a type of armoured vehicle.
DeleteAs much as I love the much more accurate Product Enterprise version, the Dinky Interceptor still makes me smile every time I see one. A great toy. Wish the moulds were still available.
ReplyDeleteAn icon of an Anderson childhood Scoop for sure. I don't recall any kid I knew not having a UFO interceptor. They were so tough as well, being thrown around the garden and chucked in the sandpit! A staple of modern flea markets and car boots, the tough interceptor can always be found somewhere - minus the missile of course .. and maybe a landing ski too!
ReplyDeleteI love this model. I found one last year on Skegness market and just had to get it as a reminder of the day. Found a repro missile and Shado stickers and she now sits with an Eagle Transporter and a Shado 2 Mobile on top of a bookshelf in the conservatory... Every time I see it I am filled with happy childhood memories. Great post.
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