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The Toys Return! (UPDATED 06.08.19)

Earlier this year it was confirmed that Hengxin Shambala Kids (Guangzhou) Cultural Industry Development (HSK) had been appointed by ITV Studios to be the new master toy partner for Thunderbirds Are Go. The deal involves new additions to the TAG toy range as well as some returning items - albeit in new packaging. 

This new range is to be distributed in the UK by Bandai, in Australia by Modern Brands and in New Zealand by Planet Fun (other territories tbc). The annual Toy Fair event in London was our first look at the new range - which included new action figures and vehicles (see Blast Process video on YouTube for more). 

Modern Brands now have all the items in the range listed on their website along with (rather small) photos and pack shots. 

Image above taken from a display at a Hengxin Shambala Kids event in China.   UK wholesale toy distributor A.B.Gee has listings for most of the items listed on Modern Brands Australia’s website including suggested retail price (SRP).  Here’s a list of the new products:

Rescue Mission Thunderbird 2 & Thunderbird 4 (SRP £19.99/£16.99, each sold separately)

“Pilot the vehicle with Virgil in the cockpit, and press the button for launch sounds as you recreate the take-off. Release the grappling hook and see Virgil slide down the zip line to the rescue! Pilot the vehicle with the Gordon action figure, and watch as Thunderbird 4 transforms into a Drill Pod to tackle even the most difficult rescue missions.”

Launch’n’Go Thunderbird 2, Thunderbird 4, Thunderbird S & FAB 1  (SRP £3.99, each sold separately)

12″ Battle-Ready Virgil Tracy & The Mechanic (SRP £19.99, each sold separately)

“Virgil Tracy is equipped to face any situation. Use the detachable Rescue Claw to assist with demolition, heavy lifting and clearing debris. Use the search-and-rescue light to see into any dark spaces or send out coded signals. Press the button to hear Virgil's voice as he communicates with International Rescue on his missions. Shoot from The Mechanic’s shoulder-mounted projection weapon and bring enemies out from hiding with the searchlight. Press the button to hear The Mechanic's voice, frightening his opponents with threats and taunts.“

Gordon Tracy Rescue Helmet (SRP unknown)

“Be prepared for any eventuality and save the day like Gordon Tracy with the Rescue Helmet. Put on the Helmet to hear your voice transformed as you speak through your radio transmitter.”

Image of Bandai display at London Toy Fair 2019 courtesy of Blast Process Action figures of the Tracy Brothers, Kayo and The Mechanic will also be re-released in new packaging along with Thunderbird 1, 2 (with 4) and 3. There are indications that the standard vehicles have been upgraded by removing the buttons (or twisting the waist in TB3′s case) to trigger sounds and replacing them with ‘motion-tech’ - simply fly the vehicle to hear the sounds.

Image of Bandai display at London Toy Fair 2019 courtesy of Blast Process The Bandai display at Toy Fair London also had a Scott Tracy Deluxe Figure (same scale as Virgil and The Mechanic above), a roleplay Virgil grabbing claw and a simplified version of the Vivid Tracy Island playset (above), but they are not currently being listed. However, if you look closely at the packshots for the Thunderbirds vehicles, the full-scale Tracy Island playset appears to be visible. Again - these packshots are not final, so this information could change before release. 

The description on Modern Brands website for the standard vehicles does also include this line of information: “This vehicle also fits inside the amazing Tracy Island Playset so you can recreate all of the International Rescue missions!“

*UPDATE: UK wholesale toy distributor A.B.Gee now has listings for a Tracy Island Playset (SRP £49.99) and a Motion Tech Vehicle Multipack (most probably the standard Thunderbirds 1 - 4 vehicles but together in a single unit, SRP £29.99). 

The toys are likely to be released in the UK towards the end of the summer along with reruns on ITV & CITV and in time for the final batch of episodes that rounds off Season 3 - and even perhaps the end of the series entirely.

*UPDATE: Listings for the products are now up on Argos (temporarily removed 6.8.19) and Amazon in the UK. Amazon has the products listed as available from September 1st.

Stay tuned to iRMG on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr for the latest Classic Thunderbirds and Thunderbirds Are Go news.

*Article updated June 15th, 21st, 24th and August 3rd & 6th 2019.

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The end is just the beginning! Part 2

Thunderbirds has always been unbelievably popular in Japan. In our second ‘round up’ post, we look at Takara Tomy’s product range including some items yet to be released.

The Takara Tomy range is essentially the same as the Vivid Toys & Games range in the UK. Thunderbird 1, 2, 3, 4, S & Fab 1, Supersize Thunderbird 2 Playset, the Interactive Tracy Island Playset and action figures of the Tracy Brothers & the Hood.

However Takara Tomy has begun releasing it’s own line of products in the Thunderbirds Are Go range. You can now purchase two additional modules that combine with the Supersize Thunderbird 2 Playset (that also trigger new electronic sounds with the Japanese release). One contains a remote control Mole, the other allows you to construct 4 different Pod vehicles in an opening module. 

In a first for iRMG, here’s an EXCLUSIVE unboxing video of the ‘Pod Mechanical Set’ or Pod Builder Set:

Another addition to their own produced range of products includes die-cast vehicles. To date, all 6 Thunderbird craft along with Fab 1 and the Mole have hit stores under the branding of the Tomica toy line. You can also purchase some of these vehicles in sets of 3 which come with a diorama. There are also variations including metallic paint finishes - one of Thunderbird 2 made available exclusively at a Japanese event (not in stores or online) and also a set of metallic variants containing Thunderbird 1, 5 and Fab 1. Just joining the range are a flying version of FAB 1, Thunderbird 4 with it’s grasping arms deployed, the Bulldozer pod vehicle, the Elevator Car pod vehicle and a metallic set of the Mole, Bulldozer and Elevator Car.

Most surprising of all are the two playsets coming in June - both for the use of the Tomica die-cast range. An ‘Auto Dispatch’ Tracy Island and a ‘Pod Maintenance Dock’. 

Each comes with a mini figure - one of Scott and one of Gordon. The sets also link together to form one giant playset! Interesting to note that unlike the larger Tracy Island toy, this miniature version has a launch pad for Thunderbird S, a stand for Thunderbird 5, a miniature version of the Tracy Villa living room and a sliding platform to raise Thunderbird 1 up to it’s launch position.

Takara Tomy have also released the very first Thunderbirds Are Go board game!

For the more creative collector, there are three model kits available for purchase from Takara Tomy under their ‘Real Kit’ line.

First up is the 1/48 scale motorised kit of The Mole...

Second, it’s the 1/144 scale kit of Thunderbirds 2 & 4 (which has cockpit detailing and allows access to the inside of Module 4)...

Finally, a 1/72 scale kit of Thunderbird S with LED jets and access to Kayo’s bike that’s built into the cockpit.

It’s already been confirmed that a lot of these products will not be distributed by Vivid Toys & Games here in the UK. They are currently developing their own version of the Pod Building playset, but it will differ greatly to Takara Tomy’s version. Some of the die-cast vehicles are available in the UK (in the more colourful packaging to match the rest of the line) but it’s not thought that any more will be made available other than those currently available.

As ever, iRMG will continue to bring you all the latest news on merchandising for this fantastic series. Keep checking iRMG for daily updates on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube - more unboxing videos are on their way!

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London Toy Fair 2016

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How much can change in 12 months... only last year was I scrawling through websites trying to find pictures of the all-new Thunderbirds Are Go toys. 52 weeks down the line and I’ve had the enormous pleasure of attending the 2016 London toy Fair at the Kensington Olympia on Sunday January 24th in person, getting up close with all the forthcoming toys and merchandise hitting retailers this year.

Let’s start with Vivid Toys & Games. Before we delve into this, I was told by the Vivid reps that the majority of the new releases are coming out in June of this year and that all the product on show here is all they currently have planned. So before you ask “Is there going to be a Supersize Thunderbird 1?” or “When can I get a figure of Parker” the answer quite simply (for now) is there are no other releases planned. That is not to say there wont be, Vivid are absolutely dedicated to Thunderbirds Are Go with a serious passion (especially given the historic relationship they’ve has had with Thunderbirds) but a lot of it depends on the success of this wave of products - so get buying!

This years stand (like last year) was completely enclosed with tight security -given how important the Thunderbirds brand is to the No.1 toy manufacturer in Britain. Now the show has completed it’s first run on television, there was great anticipation to see what products Vivid could come up with next to keep fans satisfied.

The wonderful reps at Vivid were very candid about forthcoming products, and were genuine fans of the show. We discussed the series finale, the popularity of the toy line, the success of Kayo and her importance to the series, which is reflected in the first item up for discussion.

Kayo Kyrano Action Figure

I’m so pleased to see that Vivid have finally released Kayo. The figure comes with detachable helmet and looks impressive next to the Tracy Brothers. She deserves her place in the toy line and I only hope girls take to the range as much as boys have.

Covert Operations Figures

All the Tracy brothers and Kayo get the dark treatment with this range of action figures that are a variant of the previous releases, each coming with the same accessories as before - only now the uniform is black and grey. Whether this is purely a toy line or a hint to content from Season 2 remains to be seen.

At this stage there are no plans for Lady Penelope, Parker, Colonel Casey or Sherbet to be released as figures - that doesn’t mean they won’t.

Combo Pack

Also on display was a Thunderbird 1 Combo Pack featuring the vehicle alongside a Scott Tracy action figure - identical to the standard release. An alternative way to build your Thunderbirds Are Go collection.

Thunderbird 5

Finally. Despite Vivid eventually releasing (albeit briefly) a classic Thunderbird 5 during the 00′s revival, you will finally be able to have a toy of every Thunderbird vehicle to complete your collection.

5 looks great, it has sounds (as per the other vehicles) and has a retractable space elevator.

It doesn’t appear able to dock with Thunderbird 3 (which was a given when you look at the tips of the arms for 3) but I was so pleased to see the prototype - given that apparently the demand isn’t that high for it, but it’s coming (honest) and looks brilliant! Personal favourite.

Vehicle Super Set 2.0

Yup - you guessed right, along with the recent releases of Fab 1 and Thunderbird S you can purchase Thunderbird 5 all together in a second wave Super Set. Nothing more to say here.

Pod Builder

Many of you will of seen sketches of the Pod Builder leaked from Japan - interestingly the Vivid rep informed me that this release is not the same as the Japan release, the most notable difference being the Japan one will not feature sounds.

This release does though, you’re able to construct 5 different pod vehicles and there’s sounds for each - which I was able to hear, and sound great.

Games & Puzzles

An electronic board game is on the way featuring lights and sound and miniature Thunderbird craft.

4 puzzles are also coming (one of which comes with 3D glasses) and a Game & Puzzle bundle will also be available.

Die-Cast Vehicles

Most of you will have already seen (and purchased) the die-cast releases. They look exactly the same as the Tomica releases by Takara Tomy in Japan but in jazzy packaging. Thunderbird 1, 2 & 3 also come in a collectors set - that’s the only one planned for now.

Supersize Thunderbird 3

The hero toy for 2016 is a real treat for fans - Supersize Thunderbird 3. It comes with 30 sounds, cockpit access with miniature Alan & Kayo figures (the same size as Supersize Thunderbird 2′s Virgil & Gordon so you can pop Alan into the third seat in Thunderbird 2!), drill nose cone that actually turns, retractable grasping arms (with the proper feet - yes it will stand upside down and hold it’s own weight!) and get this - smoketech!

There are 4 different launch modes for the vehicle, so you can set it to launch as Alan, Alan & Kayo, etc. By setting the lift off mode you’ll hear the countdown and then smoke will emit from the base of the craft along with flashing red lights at the base. As you tilt the craft it will play different sounds, and in drill mode (upside down) it’ll also know to play different sounds again so whatever way you move it the soundtech reacts.

It’s substantially larger than Supersize Thunderbird 2, has a lot more features and (although a prototype) the detail is incredible. I have no hesitation in saying that if the final product ends up as close to this prototype - it’s quite simply the best Thunderbirds toy ever produced. Absolutely. Brilliant.

Vivid also had on display the current range including Tracy Island, Supersize Thunderbird 2, the 6 original action figures, Brains & Max, the Thunderbird vehicles along with Fab 1 and the children’s costume. The monitor in the center of the display also showed footage from a Thunderbirds Are Go gaming app. This is apparently the game coming from Miniclip which launches in the spring and the footage looked like a lot of fun.

Vivid were extremely hospitable to me, and I’d like to thank all the reps for their time and efforts during my visit. They love the show - and it shows!

Of course Vivid aren’t the only licensee for Thunderbirds Are Go. Here’s a selection of the other products coming out later this year.

Posh Paws

Already available are 3 standard backpack releases of varying size (so children of every age have an option) and then two special releases shaped like Thunderbird craft are coming in February.

Thunderbird 2 and 4 are beautifully designed, with 3 pockets on top of the main storage pocket and lots of symbols and detail. Very high quality and look just awesome. Posh Paws showed a lot of enthusiasm and passion for Thunderbirds Are Go, and I only hope they get to make more products in the future.

Bladez Toyz

A radio control inflatable Thunderbird 2. No i’m afraid it doesn’t fly, but looked pretty snazzy. it comes with a white controller with the International Rescue logo in black and stays true to the design and detail of the craft as it appears in the programme. No release date for this.

Sambo Games

Thunderbirds Are Go versions of Super Pinball, Air Hockey and the Pop Up Game - all of which remain the same as has been released within other franchise licences.

There was only prototype packaging on show so I wasn’t able to see finished products for any of these - lovingly designed and retain the programme branding as per all other products. These will hit stores later in the year.

HGL

Pogo Stick? Dart Board? Snakes and Ladders? If you love your tie-in products... well... there you go. Again, branded as per.  Novelty products if your so inclined, also hitting stores later in the year.

MV

A bike, luggage trolly bag (designed as Thunderbird 2), scooter, light-up scooter, helmet and 3 skateboards - some of which is already available.

The helmet and Thunderbird 2 luggage bag were particularly striking whilst the scooter with flashing LED’s did look like a bit of fun.

That’s your lot for Thunderbirds Are Go - but there was also some Classic Thunderbirds merchandise on show too!

Tactic Games had on display their Classic Thunderbirds Trivia Game and Chess Set - they’ve confirmed they have no plans for further product.

Tobar are releasing these rather cute wooden flexi figures of Scott, Virgil, Brains and Parker along with paper construction versions of Thunderbird 1, 2 and Fab 1. They also had the Classic Thunderbirds paper masks on show which have been available for quite some time.

Corgi’s long announced 50th Anniversary range was on display - rereleased versions of Thunderbird 2, 4 and Fab 1 with newly created versions of Thunderbird 1 and 3. Due in April, I have to say these are disappointing. Whilst they are a huge improvement on the Matchbox releases of the 90′s (which were aimed at children as toys despite them being die-cast) the detailing let’s them down.

These are aimed directly at the collector, and asking fans to part with £19.99 for something that isn’t scaled correctly, lacks the correct detail and uses incorrect fonts is (in my eyes) simply not good enough. Such a shame. With a little tinkering these could be so much better. It pains me to say this. Disappointed. If Vivid can release highly detailed and show accurate plastic toys better than Corgi can produce die-cast collectables then there is most definitely a problem there. Even the packaging is questionable over what Matchbox produced twenty odd years ago. If you fancy do fancy these, they’ll be out in April.

Ending on a more positive note I actually missed these at the Toy Fair, but Titans Merchandise had on show their forthcoming Classic Thunderbird 1 & 2 which look fun - much alike the Thunderbird 2 that came with the Westco alarm clock! No release date for these yet.

...and that’s your lot! Special thanks to all the licence representatives who gave up their time to chat Thunderbirds with me - it was an absolute blast! So much product to look forward to so save your pennies. If you have any questions about anything in this blog post, feel free to comment below.

So until the next Toy Fair... F.A.B! R.A.D! T.T.F.N!

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The end is just the beginning! Part 1

Thunderbirds Are Go as been a roaring success and Season 1 is finally coming to an end in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. With confirmation already that Season 2 will hit our screens in the fourth quarter of 2016, we’ll have to wait patiently for a few months for more exciting adventures with International Rescue.

Merchandising however continues to thunder into stores. Here’s a roundup of all the items that have been released over the last few months plus some new items that are about to launch. First up let’s focus on the UK…

The second volume of episodes hits DVD shortly after the broadcast ends on ITV. There is also a listing for the complete season 1 set for release on February 1st.

If you’ve not already subscribed, DC Thomson’s Thunderbirds Are Go Magazine is in full swing. Now on Issue 4, each issue comes with a free Thunderbird mini model (with confirmation so far that free models come with the first 6 issues).

The Vivid Toys & Games range continues to grow with the upcoming additions of die-cast Thunderbirds vehicles (as previously released by Takara Tomy in Japan), new figures including Brains, Max & Kayo and most exciting of all - Fab 1 and Thunderbird S vehicles. All of which will be available over the next few weeks.

If there’s one item Thunderbirds fans aren’t short of - it’s pyjamas, with many variations available from Next, Very, Tesco, Asda, Mothercare, Marks & Spencer and more (and that’s just in the UK)!

A variety of stickers are also available from The Range and Amazon UK (other stores will be stocking them down the line.

An inflatable Thunderbird 2 pool and inflatable Thunderbird 3 are available from 24studio.co.uk courtesy of kids@play - great purchases for the summer.

Walltastic are rolling out their Thunderbirds Are Go panel wall mural featuring the five Tracy brothers and Thunderbirds 1, 2 & 3.

Coming soon to stores is this range of homeware from DreamTex ltd (who released the first Thunderbirds Are Go duvet set a few months back). Expect a new duvet set along with beanbag, towel, poncho and fleece.

GB Posters have revealed an all-new poster which is due in stores any time now.

May 5th brings us three new books from Simon & Schuster - ‘Under Pressure’ based on the TV episode, Sticker Activity 2 and ‘Pick Your Own Path - Scott’s Adventure’ where you’ll be able to change the direction of the story as you choose. ...and if THAT wasn’t enough - there’s still PLENTY more to come.

Get these updates instantly by following iRMG on Twitter (@irmguide) or search iRMG - Thunderbirds Are Go on Facebook.

Part 2 to follow.

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Classic Thunderbirds To Return!

Come in Thunderbird fans - this time... International Rescue needs YOUR help.

Many of you will be aware of the fantastic documentary ‘Filmed In Supermarionation’ which was released last year. It’s the definitive guide to all the Gerry & Sylvia Anderson productions made using marionette’s (puppets) and miniatures. The critically acclaimed film featured new scenes featuring Lady Penelope, Parker, Scott & Brains to link the various segments. They were created in the traditional style the original Thunderbirds episodes were made in (using a few modern techniques to recreate the classic look and feel) - and the success of this has lead director/producer/writer Stephen La Rivière to launch a Kickstarter campaign to fund 3 new episodes of Classic Thunderbirds.

The new episodes will be made using 3 original audio productions of Thunderbirds (that feature the original cast of Season 2) released back in 1966. The name of the project is ‘Thunderbirds 1965′ - and the kickstarter launches Thursday 9th July. 

This is such an incredible venture - and we urge you ALL to contribute whatever you can so the dream that so many have had for 50 years can FINALLY come true - all new Classic Thunderbirds! Good luck Stephen & the team!

Here’s the press release:

This September marks 50 years since Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s ground-breaking Thunderbirds series blasted onto TV screens in the UK. To celebrate this special anniversary, the iconic puppets will be making a spectacular return in three brand new episodes in Thunderbirds 1965, a project created by director Stephen La Rivière.

In addition to the much-loved television series, three Thunderbirds audio episodes were recorded and launched in 1966, with music and dialogue from the show’s original voice cast. Thunderbirds 1965 will see La Rivière film the Thunderbirds puppets and sets he faithfully recreated for the Filmed in Supermarionation documentary, using all of the classic Supermarionation techniques, and combine this with the original audio footage to create three brand new video episodes in the distinctive Thunderbirds style.

The Thunderbirds 1965 project will launch on crowdfunding website Kickstarter on Thursday 9th July at 9am, and backing the project is the only way that fans from around the globe will be able to watch these new episodes. In addition to a DVD / Blu-ray of the finished production, project backers have the opportunity to receive other exclusive rewards including a commemorative photo-book featuring rare and previously unpublished stills from the original series and an exclusive ‘Thunderbirds Experience’. This experience will give backers the chance to visit the Thunderbirds 1965 production studio and experience first-hand the classic model and puppet filmmaking techniques first developed fifty years ago. The recreated marionette stars will also be around for meet and greets.

The Thunderbirds 1965 Kickstarter campaign is aiming to raise £75,000 to fund the first of the three special episodes. If the project surpasses this initial target, the remaining episodes will be also produced.

Thunderbirds 1965 will be produced by the team behind the critically acclaimed Filmed in Supermarionation documentary, which tells the story of the pioneering production of Thunderbirds, Stingray, Captain Scarlet and other memorable marionette television shows. Sylvia Anderson and the estate of the late Gerry Anderson have welcomed the initiative.

Stephen La Rivière says: "For Filmed In Supermarionation, we shot new sequences with the puppets using the old fashioned techniques. Whilst many of the methods used seem a little archaic and time-consuming by today's standards, we thought that it would be very special to do a one-off project bringing Thunderbirds back to life 1960s style. Sadly, many of the original voice cast have passed away since 1965. However, thanks to these original audio recordings, we have new, authentic stories that have never been adapted for screen. This means that these old-new episodes should be the most authentic recreation of the 1960s experience as it's possible to get."

Further information can be found at www.thunderbirds1965.co.uk or via Kickstarter from the end of this week.

Facebook: /thunderbirds65 Twitter: @thunderbirds65 Hashtag: ‪#‎thunderbirds1965‬ Website: www.thunderbirds1965.co.uk

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Merchandise Round Up: DVDs, Books, Music, Japan!

As the series takes a hiatus in the UK, the merchandise starts to roll out all over the world.

First up - today marks the release of all 13 episodes of the series on Region 2 DVD, titled ‘Volume 1′. It’s already the #1 best seller in Animation TV on Amazon.co.uk.

Australia and New Zealand will release the 13 episodes in 2 Volumes over the next few days.

Simon & Schuster have revealed the covers for their collection of books due out later this year. The 2016 UK Annual has no confirmed release date, but it’s expected mid August, ‘The Official Guide’ and ‘Sticker Activity Book’ will be available in the UK from August 27th and ‘Crosscut’ in the UK on September 10th.

Silva Screen Music will release the ‘Thunderbirds March’ by Ben Foster & Nick Foster through iTunes on June 29th, expect a soundtrack to follow in time.

Australia and New Zealand have been the first to buy Vivid’s Thunderbirds Are Go toys including all 4 vehicles (no 5 as yet), the supersize Thunderbird 2 and the action figures - not to mention the uniform costume (which has allegedly been released in some UK stores).

Meccano’s first Thunderbirds Are Go set has been revealed by Ralph & Sue’s Meccano News, starting with arguably the most popular craft - Thunderbird 2. No release date as yet.

Last but not least - the show is about to launch in Japan, and it had a huge introduction at the recent Takara Tomy Event. Whilst the majority of the merchandise revealed was the same as Vivid’s toy line, they also announced some additions to the Thunderbirds Are Go range.

Miniature models of Thunderbird 1,2,3,4,5, S, The Mole and Fab 1 will be available, along with a board game and a remote control ‘Mole’ that appears to fit the supersize Thunderbird 2 playset. 

See more pictures from the event at 829 Japan and Dengeki Hobby.

[irmguide]

Thunderbooks Are Go!

With the series well and truly underway, the merchandising is steadily making an appearance. Posters are available from GB Eye, and now you can pre-order a selection of books from Simon & Schuster U.K.

Three books have been announced - A sticker book, an official guide and ‘Crosscut’ which contains a pop-up model of one of the Thunderbirds!

The books are available on the 27th of August.

Covers have yet to be released.

http://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/search/books/_/N-/Ntt-thunderbirds+are+go

[irmguide]

ITV Studios Global Entertainment has added more product lines for the Classic Thunderbirds 50th anniversary celebration. Some of the products are already available, but the new additions are to be showcased at Spring Fair 2015 - a retail product convention which runs from 1st to 5th February.

Bunkerbound - Alarm Clocks, Travel Gift Sets, Cufflinks, Wallets, Gadget Cases, Baggage & Car Gift Sets.

Paladone - Stationary, Desktop Accessories, Mugs, Dial Purpose Key Rings, Magnets and more.

Danilo - Diaries, Calendars, Greeting / Sound Cards, Gift Wrap, Boxes, Bags.

Demand Media - Wooden / Card Jigsaw Puzzles.

Plastic Head Distribution - T-Shirts, Hoodies, Vests, Sweaters, Hats, Bags, Phone Cases and Homewares.

GB Eye - Posters.

Tactic Games - Trivia Game with 400 question cards & 1,000 questions & answers.

Keep an eye on the Classic section for updates - and new product images will be posted accross iRMG's social media platforms.

Read the full article at Licensing.biz.

[irmguide]

New Thunderbirds Vault Book on the way!

  Fans of writer Marcus Hearn will know all too well his knowledge in British Film and Television. His previous works include 'The Cinema of George Lucas', 'The Hammer Story' and a series of 'Vault' titles covering Hammer Horror and Doctor Who. He also penned an authorised biography of Gerry Anderson alongside Simon Archer titled 'What Made Thunderbirds Go!: The Authorized Biography of Gerry Anderson'.  

Now for it's 50th Anniversary, Marcus is adding Thunderbirds to the vault with his new release 'Thunderbirds: The Vault'* from Virgin Books. Here's the books description: "On 30th September 1965, International Rescue successfully completed their first assignment, and the Tracy brothers imprinted themselves on a generation of captivated children. Thirty-two episodes, many repeats, sixty territories, two feature films, three albums, numerous comics, books, toys, videos and DVDs and five decades later, Thunderbirds are still saving the world from the brink of peril. Thunderbirds: The Complete Archives will be the first ever lavishly illustrated, definitive, beautifully packaged, presentation hardback telling the story of this enduring cult phenomenon. Packed with previously unpublished material, including prop photos, design sketches, production memos and other collectible memorabilia, plus specially commissioned photography of original 60s merchandise, and new interviews with cast and crew, it’s going to be a collectors’ dream and a fantastic piece of British TV history."

  A listing for the Virgin publication is up on ebury, amazon.co.uk and Waterstones - keep an eye on iRMG for more information as and when it's released.

  *The description puts the title of the book as 'Thunderbirds: The Complete Archives'

[irmguide]

POTENTIAL SPOILER WARNING - Up to now there has been no discussion as to the casting of Jeff Tracy for the itv remake Thunderbirds Are Go. Many have suggested that the casting of a 'big star' in the role was being kept hidden from the public until nearer the broadcast, others have suggested the character of Jeff has been omitted from the series altogether.

  This afternoon actor David Graham who reprises the role of Parker in the series gave an interview with Andy Comfort for BBC Radio Humberside. When asked about the show, he had this to say on the subject: "I think the father is... I don't think he's in it anymore - to the best of my knowledge"

  Can it really be true? Has Jeff counted down for the last time? Will International Rescue be run by Colonel Casey? OR is David hiding something?

  Listen to the full interview on Soundcloud.

[irmguide]

Vivid are hoping for a very Happy Christmas in 2015 with the launch of the all new Tracy Island playset. Hopefully they'll avoid the disaster that met Matchbox in the 90's where supply outstripped demand. Tracy Island was nothing short of a phenomenon - with parents queing for hours outside Toys'R'Us branches up and down the country just to get their hands on the one toy at the top of every child's Christmas wish list (and no-doubt quite a few Dad's too!). 

  Let's remind ourselves of how the product developed momentum with this commercial created by MTP.

The big difference this time around of course is that the popularity will depend on the success of the new series - a remake rather than a reairing of the original. The new set clearly has more playability with the interior of the Island replicating that of the show - for the first time! (if you exclude Vivid's Powertech miniature edition).  The new Tracy Island is rumoured to retail at £79.99 - almost twice as much as the original set, but is that a deciding factor for Thunderbirds fans? 

[irmguide]

Vivid Unveils Thunderbirds Toy Line at Toy Fair 2015

Visitors to today's London Toy Fair 2015 were in for a treat! Vivid Toys & Games unveiled its product line for the new 'Thunderbirds Are Go' series. 

The Mirror's Alex Hudson and Sophie Gadd got up close and personal witht the all new Tracy Island playset.

PHOTO CREDIT: ALEX HUDSON/THE MIRROR

The all new set includes the Tracy Villa with retracting pool for Thunderbird 1 to launch from (by the way... it launches itself!).

PHOTO CREDIT: ALEX HUDSON/THE MIRROR

 Yes don't worry -  the palm trees still line Thunderbird 2's launch ramp and of course fall back (notice the cliff house above Thunderbird 2's runway is gone).

PHOTO CREDIT: ALEX HUDSON/THE MIRROR

 The round house has also been given a facelift - but Thunderbird 3 still rises through the center.

PHOTO CREDIT: ALEX HUDSON/THE MIRROR

 A more prominent cave for Thunderbird 4 to emerge from on this set compared to the previous releases.

One of the most impressive addidtions is the ability to access the interior of the island. The launch bays are fully accessible with functional launch pads.

PHOTO CREDIT: ALEX HUDSON/THE MIRROR

 AND it's now possible for the action figures to participate in the action - in Brain's lab.

PHOTO CREDIT: ALEX HUDSON/THE MIRROR

 It's a mightily impressive release that also includes a wrist watch that allows the wearer to give instruction to the island. More information on that when it's released. 

 The set is rumoured to retail at £79.99, with a 3rd quarter release in stores and online.

 Photos have appeared on Getty Images of the action figures too.

PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES 461820158 

Were you at the toy fair? Did you take any amazing pictures of the products? Get in touch via twitter or Facebook and share your thoughts.

 All the latest from the Vivid range will appear on the Toys page.

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Countdown To Launch...

Welcome to IRMG - a merchandise guide for all things related to the brand new itv television series 'Thunderbirds Are Go'.

  No doubt your excited to see what Vivid and the other merchandise companys have come up with to support and promote the series, and this website aims to cover it all. This blog will keep you up to date not only on merchandising, but ALL aspects of the remake. There's a timline outlining significant events since the show was announced back in 2013. There's also a section covering new 'Classic' merchandise which is already up and running so do check it out.

  So while we wait... let's enjoy the very first glimpse of the show in itv's teaser trailer - as screened on itv over Christmas.