Specimen 0002 · Dinky Toys (1966–1979)
Dinky Toys No. 101 Thunderbird 2 (green)
The original Dinky Thunderbird 2, with spring-loaded landing legs and a detachable pod carrying a little Thunderbird 4.
About this item
Released in 1967 as No. 101, Dinky’s Thunderbird 2 had spring-loaded landing legs and a detachable pod containing a smaller Thunderbird 4. The Science Museum Group’s example is described as having a “push button undercarriage release, detachable pod, with opening ramp door, containing Thunderbird 4”.
The official Gerry Anderson blog says Thunderbird 2 may have stayed in the shops until 1979. In 1973 the 101 was reissued in a darker green-blue, and in 1974 Dinky replaced it with the larger No. 106.
How to identify it
- Original-issue 101s are green; a darker green-blue finish points to the 1973 reissue.
- Check the pod, the ramp door and Thunderbird 4 — they are easily lost.
Dinky Toys (1966–1979)
On the same shelf
- Dinky Toys No. 100 Lady Penelope’s FAB 1 Lady Penelope’s FAB 1, complete with figures of Parker and her ladyship — one of Dinky’s best-selling toys of the era. Vintage
- Dinky Toys No. 101 Thunderbird 2 (1973 green-blue reissue) The 1973 reissue of the 101 in a darker green-blue — the first of Dinky’s “blue” Thunderbird 2s. Vintage
- Dinky Toys No. 106 Thunderbird 2 (1974, larger) An entirely new, larger Thunderbird 2 in powder blue with different packaging, sold until the late 1970s. Vintage