Specimen 0005 · Matchbox 1992 range & Tracy Island
Matchbox Tracy Island Electronic Playset
The playset that sold out at Christmas 1992 and inspired Blue Peter’s famous make-your-own version.
About this item
Matchbox’s Tracy Island had sounds and moveable palm trees (Wikipedia, citing Chris Bentley). The Independent reported in December 1992 that it was “like gold dust” — Hamleys sold out as soon as stock arrived and Matchbox was rationing retailers — and the Toy Retailers Association recorded “an acute shortage” with people queueing all night outside toy shops. Shortages cost it the 1992 Toy of the Year award, which went to Hasbro’s WWF Wrestlers; Thunderbirds won Toy of the Year in 1993.
The shortage led to Blue Peter’s most famous make: Anthea Turner showed viewers how to build their own Tracy Island in an item first broadcast on 7 January 1993. The V&A’s Young V&A collection holds a 1992 Matchbox Tracy Island.
How to identify it
- The V&A’s example is marked “Matchbox. 1992. ITC ENT GRP LTD. Made in China.”
- Vivid Imaginations made new Tracy Islands for later revivals (from 2000) — check the maker’s name and date on the base and box.
- Check the electronics: look inside the battery compartment for corrosion.
Matchbox 1992 range & Tracy Island
On the same shelf
- Matchbox die-cast Thunderbird 1 (TB-001) The die-cast Thunderbird 1 from the 1992 range, sold in a bubble pack on a card. Vintage
- Matchbox die-cast Thunderbirds 2, 3, 4 and FAB 1 The rest of Matchbox’s small die-cast range for the 1992 revival — also sold as a Radio Times exclusive set. Vintage
- Matchbox Electronic Thunderbird 2 An electronic Thunderbird 2 with sound effects and a miniature Thunderbird 4, from the 1992 range. Vintage
- Matchbox Thunderbirds action figures Action figures of the Tracy family, Brains, Lady Penelope, Parker and the Hood from the 1992 range. Vintage