23m 'Thunderbolt' Racing Car (1938-1941)

You are probably aware,but I will clarify just to be sure,that the only version called the Thunderbolt was the first one,#23m, and only painted silver, with black trim, and the Union Jack on the tail fin. A short time later, the 23s was issued (the same casting), but in several solid colors with colored trim, then post war in solid colors and also silver again, but with red, green or blue trim and no Union Jack. This version was called the Streamlined Racing Car.

Some photos below, if you like. The early blue 25s was much darker blue indeed than the one shown here - compare Bruce's example in the 25s thread. Kind regards, Jan

Jan-Yes, you are quite right. Years ago, someone gave me a very dark blue, with silver trim 23s, that has the silver colored baseplate and white tires, but postwar thicker axles.....so likely from 1945-1946. Unfortunately it is quite scratched up, but an interesting piece. I would call the color midnight blue. Best regards, Terry

Here is my pre-war 23s Streamlined Racing Car with silver baseplate and white tyres. The colour is greenish-blue. It was first issued in February 1939, as announced in the Meccano Magazin from February 1939. Best regards from Thailand Walter

Here is a nice picture, showing the implant of my Thunderbolt onto a painting of the real thing. I like to do things like that! Best regards Walter

500 313One of the two engines of the Thunderbolt. The other one is in the Science Museum in London. Photographed at the R.A.F. Museum Hendon in August 2005.

... and here they are, as positioned inside the record car:

George Eyston's Thunderbolt - Land Speed's Missing Monster, A very nice documentary showing Eyston's land speed record efforts in the real Thunderbolt!

A nice drawing of 'Captain Eyston's Thunderbolt in action' below, the cover of the October 30th 1937 issue of The Modern Boy magazine.