A few photos of the Dinky Secret Service ‘Gabriel’ Model T Ford (109)
This version of the
Dinky model was produced between 1969 and 1971 and was just a repainted version
of their existing Model T Ford die-cast (475) which was produced between 1964 and
1966.
It features a Father Unwin figure at the wheel and a ‘Gabriel
sticker either side.
The only variation I can find is the ‘brass’ radiator, lamps
and windscreen surround are replaced at some point during its production with plain
silver metal.
I admit I do have a soft spot for the series which has an
uneasy mix of live action and puppets.
Stanley Unwin was the star, although apart from the opening titles he
only appeared in long shot.
He plays a country vicar who leads a double life as a secret government agent working for B.I.S.H.O.P. (British Intelligence Service Headquarters Operation Priest). He possesses a fantastical device called The Minimiser which is capable of shrinking anything to 1/3 size, conveniently the same size as a supermarionation puppet.
A photo of the original puppet size model made by Space Models Limited.
The actual 'Gabriel' Model T Ford on display at Andercon.
Only 13 episodes were made, and was the last supermarionation series produced by Gerry & Sylvia Anderson.
I recall this series, as it screened in New Zealand. The mix of puppets in close up, and the real world in long shot simply did not work. Even when I first saw it I found the mix of models and full size objects jarring. The preceding puppet shows were made entirely with puppets (apart from close-ups of actual human hands) and worked, as everything matched. Here that was simply not the case. Apart from that, I enjoyed the show, and now have it on DVD. There were also a couple of paperbacks published by Armada, only one of which I had at the time, but I later acquired the other one as well.
ReplyDeleteYes, the series didn't do much for the willing suspension of disbelief, but like you I still enjoy the series overall.
DeleteI've got both the paperbacks and couple of sweet cigarette cards that were released at the time.
Fanderson have come up with some interesting items of merchandise. They do a soundtrack album and a facsimile of the original press specification sheet. They have also recently done some Secret Service tea towels!
Tea towels - good grief !
ReplyDelete