Thunderbird 2 (Normal Version)

One of my first reviews was the Thunderbird 2 (weathering version). I had sold it, missed it, and then bought the “normal version” to replace it, so I figured why not do a review of it? It makes for a nice comparison of my review evolution, and I always like to showcase Gerry Anderson vehicles.

The Thunderbird’s Chogokin are strictly from Aoshima and have no simultaneous release by Product Enterprise like all the other Gerry Anderson craft(s).

The TB 2 comes in a large powder blue box, the only difference from the weathering and normal version boxes are the ship’s paint touches and the vehicle in the windows. In the weathering release it is the mole drill and it this one it is TB4, the submarine.

The normal version also has a pod that can be normal or convert to slide the sub.

The metal legs don’t retract, you slide them in place, and while the static nature is a minus, the high strength die-cast and stable feel are a plus.

The pod holds in place ok, has rollers on bottom that work, and slides out nicely, mirroring the show.

The cockpit can not be accessed and there are no little figures like many of the other reviews I have done. However, they are not painted windows and that is something nice.

The rear engine is die-cast with cool red cylinders.

As with too many Aoshima items there are paint flaws and chips. Mine has a chip around the jet intake and a weird rubbing imperfections (from the plastic wrap maybe?) in certain areas.

Like I said, I sold it and then bought back… it originally went for 150 USD, then fell into clearance pages for around 90 and now is getting scarce and can get all the way into the 200 range (ouch).

The thing has such nice lines and while bulky, is a very graceful looking craft.

In landed mode, pod down, and ready to launch the sub, it shines in a collection.

I complained four years ago that it is too simple and more of a display piece, now I like that about it. I say if you see one (reasonably priced) grab it…THUNDERBIRD’S are GO!!!!