COPTER WATCHDOG from ‘Thunderbirds’ (1965) created by Gerry Anderson

‘Pit of Peril’ is classic episodes, which features the magnificent Sidewinder undergoing trials in Africa. the aptly named Copter Watchdog is constantly overhead monitoring the unique machine. the aircraft is a rarity in ‘Thunderbirds’ in that it is a helicopter. I wanted to create a distinct image that not only showed off the helicopter, but also it’s role in the classic episode pit of peril.

As a child I thought the copter was made from a Bristol Belvedere (Airfix did a 1/72nd scale kit of one of those), but this is not the case. It is in fact made from a toy of a US Chinook. ‘Even  More Kit Bashing in Thunderbirds’ outlines the construction of the vfx model.

Designed by Mike Trim or Derek Meddings

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

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