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Thunderbirds are GO!

One of the best kept secrets of the year can now be revealed. Meccano have a new licensed product and this time everybody will recognise the name. No obscure animals or computer game heroes. Thunderbirds must have been one of the most popular children's programmes to emerge fron the Gerry Anderson studio. As a kid I remember watching it and trying to spot parts from Airfix kits that had been used to build the models and scenery. So here is a first look at the box for Thunderbird 2 along with the Mole, one of International Rescue's most famous duo's. Even I have not got my hands on a set of parts yet but the box landed on the doorstep earlier today along with a lot of other new models that I will show you over the next few days.

Several prototypes were built of this model in its various reincarnations that have appeared over the years. The final model design was subject to the licensor's final approval and this is it. Trying to keep this sort of thing quiet is a real nightmare. Somehow, apart from a couple of press photographs that promoted a few awkward questions, the lid was kept on this one. One of the prototypes was smuggled in to the London Toy Fair and kept under lock and key only being shown to selective retail buyers. Now for the first time I have been given permission to post these pictures of the box.

Click on either picture to enlarge

I will give you more information as I get it but for now, take a look at the pictures and be happy that Meccano have been able to secure a household name that mums and dads, as well as children, will recognise...

Ralph.