The Dinky Thunderbird 2 was produced from 1967 to 1979. It was a popular die cast model and although
there were subtle changes through the years, there were two distinctively
different models – one numbered 101, and a later retooled edition numbered 106.
This is my Dinky 101 Thunderbird 2. Although it’s not a
first issue it is an early version example, probably first appearing around the
late sixties/early seventies, easily identified as this version still had
Century 21 toys Ltd on the base of the pod.
Unlike the previous versions which were painted a flat
green, mine is finished in a metallic green. The box and card display are slightly
different too. The main difference is the addition of the words ‘straight from
Gerry Anderson’s Thunderbirds’, whereas the earlier box and display card
omitted the name ‘Gerry Anderson’.
This version would be slightly altered in 1973 when Dinky
changed the packaging on their model range to bubble packs. This Thunderbird 2
101 third version omitted the now defunct Century 21 toys Ltd wording on the pod base.
(The display card base gives copyright to A.P. Films)
This version would have lasted more or less around a year
before Dinky redesigned the model giving it a new model number, 106. This
retooled version was slightly bigger, painted blue and had a plastic base.
This 106 version would have begun to appear around 1974/75.
Although the pod and top section of this version was blue,
the plastic base came in three colours, blue, black and white. (The flip down legs, which were much stronger
than the previous 101 version, came in either red or yellow)
This slightly
distressed one with yellow legs I picked up at this year’s Doncaster toy
fair is perfect for this flying shot.
My other 106 is this boxed example. The window box packaging,
which I'm assuming first appeared in 1978 based on the year given on the box,
would be the last, as the Thunderbird 2 die cast ceased production in 1979.
Comparing the two models, I think it’s fair to say that the
101 version does look a little more attractive than the robust looking 106, but
it is also quite delicate. The legs are far too thin to support the toy when
the pod is still attached to the main body. (The very early versions had riveted
bases which meant broken legs couldn’t easily be replaced.)
The 106 on the other hand is pretty tough. The thicker legs
spring out and the toy still retains a solid feel. Some might consider the
paint scheme and the plastic base a big let-down, but in other ways I think the
redesigned 106 has improved the durability of the toy.
So, to sum up while both the 101 and 106 have their draw
backs, they equally have their good points, and personally I’m glad to own
examples of both.
