I ask because virtually all the Code 3 toys I see online are from Dinky toys associated with just these two Gerry Anderson TV shows.
Code 3 is a hobby whereby original Gerry Anderson Dinky toys are re-made into something new but in-keeping with the spirit of the shows.
We've covered Code 3's many times on the blog as its a phenomenon that spans interesting areas like Gerry Anderson, custom toys, knockoffs and fan creations.
I have seen Code 3's for non-Gerry Anderson shows like The Invaders but the GA 3's tend to be UFO or Investigator based in particular Dinky's UFO SHADO 2 and The Investigator Coast Amphibious Missile Launch but not exclusively.
I would be interested to know if you have seen any other of Gerry A's shows given a Code 3 make-over readers.
Here are a few more Code 3's I've noticed online this year. What do you think of them and Code 3 in general?
UFO: Silver-plated SHADO 2 Mobile
[this was described online as Code 3. Is it?]
UFO: SHADO Porsche 911:
Based on the episode The Responsibility Seat
With Jane Merrow box art
The Investigator: Red Armoured Command Vehicle
I really like that chrome Shado mobile. I've got one of the old Comet minimetals that has been gold-effect plated. It looks like a monopoly piece! I think they were promotional pieces? It's the Shado Lunar Module.
ReplyDeleteFascinating Kev. Did Dinky give it away to certain marketing people then?
DeleteThe comet ones were I think. I don't know about Dinky.
DeleteYeah, that chrome version looks great but the green sticker on it sticks out like a sore thumb and ruins the overall look. They should have either cut out the lettering and applied it or went with a clear sticker with white or probably better choice of black letters.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean Lance. I like your clear sticker idea.
DeleteAt least in the world of diecast models these terms have established meanings. Code 1 are factory made and finished models, intended for general sale. Cole 2 can be either models produced by a company, often as a special order for a sales promotion; or factory models that are supplied to another company to be modified or refinished, again usually to a special order or for some kind of promotion. Generally, Code 3 refers to any model that is modified or repainted after it leaves the factory, without the knowledge or involvement of the original manufacturer. This would not include a restoration, where the intention is to bring the model back to its original condition. Code 3 therefore applies to any model, and is not restricted to a small group, or a single subject. It is the models, not the hobby, that is Code 3. Just a word of caution, there is, or at least was, an American company called Code 3 which produced factory-made models of emergency vehicles - mostly fire fighting equipment if I recall correctly.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that Paul. Very informative and makes the three codes very clear.
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