In the final look at my Dinky die-cast toys based on those that featured in Gerry Anderson's TV series I come to the ever popular Thunderbird 2.
Dinky's Thunderbird 2 first appeared in 1967 as model number 101, and remarkably for Dinky the earliest issue was a nice shade of green just like in the series.
Unfortunately, the metal base was riveted to the top section which meant that if the thin, spindly legs snapped , they couldn't easily be replaced. However, later editions did have screws for easier accessibility.
Although that was a good idea, Dinky soon replaced the original colour with a metallic green, presumably to improve sales.
The model comes with a 'dinky' little Thunderbird 4 submarine which looks more or less to scale.
These versions of Dinky's 101 model would continue to be produced until 1973. The final edition omitted the Century 21 wording from the base of the pod.
Dinky produced a whole new retooled Thunderbird 2 which began to appear around 1974, and with it a new number -106. (the number which formally belonged to Dinky's Prisoner Mini Moke)
This was bigger and blue!
The legs were much more solid and a definite improvement. The first versions had die- cast bases which were painted blue.
Thunderbird 4 looks even more in scale.
However, further cost cutting measures at Dinky meant that later versions had die-cast tops and black or white plastic bases.
Production ended in 1979.
Comparing the two versions.
The early display boxes. Note the addition of Gerry Anderson's name on the later one.
The second version of the outer box along side the window box which appeared during the production's final year.
Gorgeous photos Mike. I had no idea that the Blue version was bigger. I had the earlier green one in the Sixties. I adored the way the legs sprung down and the pod slipped out when pushed, two of the most satisfying toy experiences of the decade! You really are the Dinky King!
ReplyDeleteThanks Woodsy. Yeah, it's a nice model alright.
DeleteI never saw the green version here in the states. I got the blue one but had no idea it was larger. Blue with yellow legs. Loved the TB4 in the pod and I also would put the timebomb from the early GI Joe Adventure Team set Demolition. It looked like some sort of truck and fit into the pod really well, even with TB4 in there.
ReplyDeleteSounds intriguing Lance, using a time bomb in the pod, the hood would be proud of you. ;D
DeleteThere was also a metallic blue version of the first model. I know 'cos I've got one. I've got two green smaller models (one with rivets, the other with screws), one metallic blue smaller model (with screws), and one larger metallic blue one (with metal base). A great toy, but not exactly a faithful reproduction of the TV TB2.
ReplyDeleteI had a suspicion that Dinky had used a metallic blue colour following the metallic green one on the first version now you've confirmed it, Kid.
DeleteOne other question regards the original green version. I wonder how long the riveted one was out before Dinky replaced the rivets with screws?
I couldn't say with any certainty, Scoop, but the Dinky Captain Scarlet vehicles all had base-screws, so I suspect the change-over in the TB2 would've happened around the same time or not long after.
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