SPY SATELLITE - SP1 from ‘Thunderbirds’ (1965) created by Gerry Anderson

This unmanned spy satellite is seen in the episode ‘Cry Wolf’. Although a crucial part of the plot this ship doesn’t see any action.  This is imagined as a ‘What If…’ kit' because the vfx model was subsequently cannibalised in the later episode ‘Ricochet’ into the KLA satellite which looks great - and not a cheap ‘knock-off’ cobbled together. Although this was probably a budget driven decision, I like that this is another situation which suggests a commonality among the satellites seen in the show. Again, we can imagine it was built by the same company.

This kit would be a must for the silver-swirly plastic! In 1/144 scale this would be approximately 6 inches long.

The series is often criticized for continuity and scale issues, but this is an example of where they got it bang on. With Thunderbird 3 at 287 feet long we wee Alan next to Thunderbird 3 and the KLA and later the KLA next to Thunderbird 2 (at 250 feet).

Designed by Derek Meddings or Mike Trim

Check out the video ‘ What If .. Fantasy Model Kit Box Art #16’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVEoUS5xnaY&t=974s