Friday, September 7, 2012

International Rescue Thunderbirds Agents’ Technical Manual



I am in awe of those individuals who can draw anything mechanical or architectural-especially in perspective and even more so using cutaways.

As a young boy I loved to watch Gerry Anderson’s Thunderbirds-the story of an international team of rescuers who deployed in behemoth rescue vehicles that were super advanced.

Thunderbirds was a show far ahead of its time both with its technical and production values.  Special visual effects, models and settings looked and felt as if they actually existed.  The cast of characters were both diverse and interesting-not bad considering they were marionettes!

Haynes Publishing out of the UK has put together a full color technical manual that not only delves into the history and mission of the Thunderbirds but provides 3D cutaway schematics by Graham Bleathman of all of Thunderbirds vehicles and facilities.

Highly-detailed schematics are accompanied by color photos of the objects they represent along with technical notes, numbered parts that coincide with a numbered list detailing the function and name of each component and there are even detailed schematics of the smaller utilitarian vehicles and equipment.

Included in the book are schematics of Lady Penelope’s vehicles and headquarters along with a full history and mission analysis of Global Operatives.

Each key character’s background and history are also examined.  This is the ultimate Thunderbirds reference manual written by Sam Denham.  It’s detailed, thorough and just plain fun to look at.  Get your copy ASAP!