ATLAS EDITIONS THUNDERBIRD 2

Most people in the UK who applied to Atlas Editions last month for their Thunderbird 2 trial offer, have begun to receive their die-cast model this week.

I got mine, and I have to say it’s a pretty good addition to my Thunderbird collection. It’s painted in a flat green, and is very nicely detailed.

It’s about the same size as the Dinky Thunderbird 2, and comes with a removable pod 4 which even has some detail inside.

There’s also a tiny detailed Thunderbird 4, which looks perfectly in scale, being much smaller than the one that came with the Dinky toy.

The only downside is there are no legs supplied so it can’t be displayed with the pod below and the ramp open.

It does come with its own ‘in flight’ display stand though.

I’ve noted a couple of people who have complained that the shape isn’t quite right, and the nose lettering is too large. They might have a point, getting the exact lines for TB2 was, and is always notoriously difficult, even the studio models didn’t all look the same.  I reckon it’s  just  be a simple case of nit- picking, either way, considering it comes free if you subscribe, or just three quid if you don’t,  I think it’s just a case of you can’t please everybody.

The model comes in a classy looking collector’s box, and a certificate of authenticity collector card, which contains info about Thunderbird 2. There’s also an International Rescue metal lapel badge.

As this is an introductory trial offer it might not necessarily continue into a series, similar to the Gerry Anderson Comic Collection set which only lasted around five issues before it was put on hiatus.

However, I’m speculating that if it’s deemed a success there might possibly be a re-launch with more effective advertising, in the same way that Eaglemoss did with their Batman Automobillia range. As yet, Atlas is not advertising the Thunderbird 2, or a proposed Thunderbird range on their website, and any models will not be available in shops.

For those who opt to subscribe the next die-cast model to be released will be a 160mm Thunderbird 1 which will be available for a discounted price of just under a tenner.   Assuming the trail continues, this will be followed by slightly more expensive Thunderbirds 3, 4, and 5. Then the Mole followed by Fab 1. The final model in the advertisement flyer is the Hood’s Submarine, from the episode, ‘Desperate Intruder’. However, I have heard unconfirmed reports that there may be plans to produce up to twenty models in all.