How popular have classic Thunderbirds toys been?
According to “Science Fiction and Fantasy Modeler” magazine correspondent Marc Frattasio, the popularity of “Thunderbirds” in the U.K. is best illustrated by at least one report in the London newspapers around 1990 that a sexual bribe was offered in return for the privilege of purchasing examples of the Matchbox “Thunderbirds” toys which were then in very limited availability in stores. In another case, Sylvia Anderson reported that she was accosted while shopping by a clerk who wanted to know why she couldn’t find a Tracy Island playset for her child! In past years, some of the best-selling Christmas holiday presents in the U.K. have been Tracy Island toy set and “Thunderbirds” toy rescue ships. During the Halloween season, “Thunderbirds” character costumes are readily available.
