Thunderbirds (Matchbox)

Thunderbirds
Matchbox
1994

Thunderbirds is a cult classic television series which was aired between September 1965 to December 1966. The series utilized a form of electronic marionette puppetry combined with scale model special effects sequences - Dubbed Supermarionation. Created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, the series would become their most popular and commercially successful project throughout their careers.

Though there has been numerous merchandise produced based on the Thunderbirds, many fans seek out the 1994 Matchbox line. This is mainly due to the readily available pieces on secondary markets, and for now, the relatively "low" costs.

The line featured numerous action figures, a couple of playsets, a handful of die-cast items and dolls. All and all, it's a fairly rounded out series, providing something for everyone in terms of collector preference.

We'll start with the figures; Ten in all were produced, each featuring your basic five points of articulation. Packed in with each figure was a small accessory pertinent to the character.

 Alan Tracy*Gordon Tracy*Jeff Tracy

 John Tracy*Scott Tracy*Virgil Tracy

 Brains*Lady Penelope

 Parker*The Hood

Matchbox produced two playsets for the series. However, don't be fooled. The scale is in line to incorporate the die-cast vehicles with them, and not the figures. There were sadly no vehicles or playsets produced that accommodate the scale of the figures.

 Tracy Island*Thunderbird 2

Out of everything, the die-cast items feel like the heart and soul of the series. Die-cast vehicles are Matchbox's specialty after all, so it would make sense that these would turn out far superior to the figures - Not that the figures are bad by any means.

 Lady Penelope's Fab 1*Thunderbird 3*Thunderbird 1

Thunderbird 2 and Thunderbird 4

 Thunderbirds Rescue Pack

The last items produced were dolls in the fashion of Mego. These particular items are actually reproductions of a prior set of Thunderbirds dolls produced by Bandai.

Alan Tracy*Scott Tracy*Virgil Tracy

Like we said above, Matchbox really provided a style of collectible for pretty much every type of collector out there. If you're a fan of the Thunderbirds, check this line out.

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