I was asked by someone what I consider my favourite. It was a tough one; I love the Dinky toy and the JR21 versions. The big Takara toy is certainly up there too, but for me I'd have to say the large Aoshima Thunderbird 2 is best for me.
I'll still hear people complain that it's still not quite right shape-wise. Well whatever, it still looks good to me. The Elevator Car in the photo is a Hotwheels.
It might not have the gimmicks and gadgets of the Takara, or the nostalgia attached to the JR21 or Dinky examples, but it makes a great and serious looking display item.
Aoshima released two versions - a 'clean' version and a 'weathered' version.
The clean version came with a Thunderbird 4, and a pod with a launch ramp attachment. The photo of the Thunderbird 4 model above is another that came with one of the seperate Hotwheels sets which complimented the model.
The weathered version came with a detailed Mole.
A rescue set featuring a Recovery vehicle and a Elevator car was also available, along with spare pods.
These were more detailed and better made than the Hotwheels sets that were produced to complement them. However, in spite of their shortfalls, some of the Hotwheels models didn't look half bad, and do give another dimension to the Aoshima Thunderbird 2.
I always felt that the Matchbox Playset TB2 got the shape just right. True, the pod, when removed, was not as long as it should've been (on account of a section of it remaining on the main body to incorporate the sound technology), but overall (and with the pod in place), it resembles the TV version better than any other I've seen. The Matchbox and Corgi diecast take joint second place. (The Corgi is copied from the Matchbox to such an extent that the pods are almost interchangeable. By 'almost', I mean that the pod from one fits in the other, but not in reverse for some odd reason.)
ReplyDeleteYou might well have a point Kid, I think its always a matter of 'if it looks right, it is right'. I'm happy with most TB2 toys and models, although I think the Taito and Konami ones are exceptionally bad, However the Konami and Taito Thunderbird 3 versions, aren't the right shape at all but I think they both look great.
ReplyDeleteHave you seen the F-Toys Thunderbirds range, Scoop? Extremely nice. You can see them on my 'Thunderbirds Are Go...' post.
ReplyDeleteI do have a full set Kid, and yes they are excellent. I must do a post on them at some point.
DeleteI've got 'em too, Scoop. Not exactly cheap, but extremely accurate.
DeleteYes indeed :D
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