Hi my name is Ike and I'm a newbie to Model Space and hope I am welcomed as I do arrive with something daring to be different. On the month marking the 50th Anniversary of Thunderbirds I have decided to share this work as my humble tribute to the master and inspiration that was Gerry Anderson. I have been working on this project for the last two years (since 18th May 2013 to be precise) Not sure how it will be received following the recent 2015 reboot (of which the Jury is still undecided) but hope it will appeal to those of you that still hold dear the original 1960s Thunderbirds series and movies.

Stick with me...this is a video post...honest!

Early 2013 was when I saw this Graham Bleathman picture of Tracy Island. I was intrigued by the intricate layout and arrangement


I soon found an even better version by Graham but with more clarity and detail


I remember thinking, "Ah...that is how the island is laid out", not having had a full perspective prior to that. Filled with inspiration I thought to myself, "I'm gonna build that", and so crazily set out to attempt this herculean task. I have tried to keep to the original layout but improvised in places where necessary. In fact, the two Bleathman pictures are quite different in parts anyway to justify some degree of my artistic licence.

As my humble tribute to 50 years, I will display this as a series of videos to hopefully capture the spirit and essence of Tracy Island and give it life.

This first part starts with the Tracy Island Villa and shows how it was all put together.
Here's a still Villa shot in its 1960s Black & White glory


Click here to enjoy part 1 of the series
PART 1- THE TRACY ISLAND VILLA:

If Part 1 whets your appetite the second part focusses on Thunderbird 1



There is much we never see in the original series/movies- the TB1 hangar bay under the Villa for instance- so I generously employ artistic licence as required.
The idea of the elevated Pad I observed in the 1966 Thunderbirds Are Go movie. Blink and you'd miss it in the movie.


Whilst not claiming to be an exact replica model of the Master I do provide my perspective of the original masterpiece.

Click here to Enjoy Part 2 of the series

PART 2- THUNDERBIRD 1 HANGAR & LAUNCH BAY:

More to follow shortly on the anniversary date of 30th September.

Hi Ike, welcome aboard.

There's some fantastic work on show there and what a great idea.

Does the pool open up ready for launch?

I havent seen the new Thunderbirds butnloved the original when I was a kid.

Look forward to seeing more of this

Welcome to Modelspace Ike Some very nice work there, look forward to more.

Steve

First of all a very warm welcome to the forum, hope you enjoy your time with us and I can assure you you are very welcome as a member.... .. Seeing your devotion and skill to this has brought back some very fond childhood memories, I loved the series and it still holds a place with me..... Looking forward to the next instalment.....

Regards

Alan

First off, welcome to the forum.
I was a big fan of the original series, and have the full set on dvd and watch them quite often, no interest in any of the new stuff!! All I can say is Wow!! Fantastic skills on display, and what better way to do that than with Tracey Island and Thunderbirds!! You have captured the spirit of the original series perfectly, and I think its FAB!!!!! Looking forward to your next posts, cant wait to see TB2 hangar, was my favorite!!

P.S Going to watch the dvd now!!

Fantastic!!!!

Love it ... More please....

Regards

Alan

Okay so big thanks to all for the encouraging comments and the views! As the 50th year draws to a close so does my tribute. But it would be wrong to depart without honouring that big Orange space workhorse that is Thunderbird 3.
This is the penultimate instalment of the series and here I focus mainly on TB3 but there are also a few other island locations we rarely, if ever, get to see. I generously improvise using creative licence for this one even within the TB3 hangar so begging your pardon in advance with regards to some of the detailing. However, I hope, as ever, that the essence and spirit of the island is captured and appreciated in full.

The final instalment will be published in two weeks just before Christmas so do please keep an eye out.





Part 4- Thunderbird 3: Hangar & Roundhouse

Stunning piece of work, love it.....

Regards

Alan

Great stuff and brill work