It's FAB FRIDAY as we launch Thunderbirds-style into the friendly skies of the weekend with this beautiful shot of two of the most iconic mechanical designs to ever grace pop culture in Thunderbird 1 and Thunderbird 2.The imaginative rescue ships come compliments of all things fabulous from the wicked imaginations of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and the remarkable talents that surrounded them like wonderful effects designer Derek Meddings who was largely responsible for the creation of these memorable machines. You can learn more about Derek Meddings in my analysis of Series 1, Episode 2, Pit Of Peril.
These two aesthetically pleasing craft are two of my absolute favorites in the world of mech design.
I found this image to be absolutely beautiful with the sun glistening in the distance. There's a striking grace to it.
The massive tank that is T2 remains a gorgeous green classic with T1 coming in a very close second. These two gems form the core of International Rescue and fortunately for me are two of my favorites apart from some of the POD vehicles, because we get a generous portion of air time seeing each of them throughout the wonderful Gerry Anderson series, Thunderbirds.
4 comments:
That’s a beautiful shot of Thunderbirds 1 and 2, Sci Fi Fanatic! However, it doesn’t look like a screenshot, but a digital painting. Do you know the source of the photo? I’m just curious.
Thunderbird 2 was always my favorite craft! It not only looked more aerodynamic than the other ships, but the cool green color really made its appearance more distinctive as well. Plus, it carried Thunderbird 4 as well as other cool things, thus making the most practical craft as well.
I was re-watching Steel Metal Jacket the other day and it struck me that the helicopters in the film looked a lot like Thunderbird 2. I looked them up and discovered they were the Sikorsky H-34. The Sikorsky H-34 was redesigned and christened the Choctaw-34. The CH-34 was built and developed under license from 1958 in the United Kingdom by Westland Aircraft as the turbine engined Wessex, which was used by the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. The RN Wessex was fitted out with weapons and ASW equipment for use in an antisubmarine role. The RAF used the Wessex, with turboshaft engines, as an air/sea rescue helicopter and as troop transporter. I wonder if designer Derek Meddings was inspired by this helicopter.
Thuderbirds are go!
Good morning Doc.
It's definitely not a screenshot. It looks digital to me too. There was no evidence of the creator otherwise I would have mentioned it. It is a beautiful rendering of the two birds.
I completely concur with your thoughts on T2. It was the gorgeous amalgamation of color, practicality and design. Just perfect. Not a fast vehicle and it had that sense of realism about it too.
Great observations on the copters. I wonder things like that as well. Derek Meddings, the genius that he was, had to draw inspiration from something, as most do. I wouldn't be surprised.
Have a great Sunday.
sff
If I'm allowed to link to another page, here are more examples of that type of artwork. http://www.scifiairshow.com/index.html
Thanks very much. I absolutely welcome that link. I will be checking it out myself. Much appreciated. All the best, sff
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