DEAGOSTINI TRANSMITTER TRUCK

The Transmitter Truck by DeAgostini, based on the Thunderbird Pod vehicle seen in the episode, Sun Probe.

Like the Firefly seen on my previous DeAgostini post I’ve given the Transmitter Truck a little light dirtying down to take away its toy-like showroom look.  

In the episode it’s pretty much obscured by snow, but for obvious reasons I decided against giving it that look.

In the episode the truck uses its antenna dish to transmit a powerful radio beam from the high snowy peak of Mount Arkan, to fire the Sun Probe’s retro rockets which have jammed due to its close proximity of the Sun.  In a two pronged rescue mission Thunderbird 3 manages to get close enough with its own transmitter to save the Sun Probe. However,  because of the intense heat, the crew of Scott, Alan and Tin-Tin pass out before they can save themselves leaving the beam of the Earthbound Transmitter Truck to turn off TB 3’s transmitter and remotely fire the retro – rockets, and save the day.

According to a photo article the 1966 Thunderbirds TV21 Extra, the Transmitter Truck is called ‘The Jodrell 6, and a recent addition to the fleet.  Designed to aid space rescue, the Jodrell 6’s beam is directed to any distressed ship, and immediately takes over full control of the craft. Ground control  can then bring the stricken ship in to a safe landing.’