The Secret Service/UFO

An original van used in the production of The Secret Service and UFO both produced by Gerry Anderson of Thunderbirds fame.

This blue box van was made by Century 21 Productions and first used on screen in The Secret Service episode Last Train to Bufflers Halt as the getaway van, it was subsequently used as a Harlington Straker Studios van in UFO, it is these studios that the SHADO (Supreme Headquarters Alien Defense Organisation) headquarters are hidden below with the live action filming taking place at Elstree Studios, Borehamwood.

The filming miniature is constructed from mixed materials and is entirely hand made with the main structure of the model being wood and the cab section of heat formed acrylic. This incredibly detailed model has grills to the front with metal headlamps, bumpers and even a fuel cap. To the rear a piece of vinyl creates the impression of a door and the van also sports a number plate with the suffix letter being E dating the van to 1967, a true testament to the quality and accuracy of Anderson miniatures. The H.S STUDIOS graphic is applied on one side only, often a feature on Anderson models where they were only planned to be shot from a specific angle. The tyres are rubber and originate from a model, they are similar to tyres used on a number of filming miniatures produced in this period for Anderson productions.

The model miniature measures approximately 18" long and stands over 9" high, it remains in excellent condition for its age with some minor detailing missing such as part of the front grill and one headlamp. There is some minor paint flaking in areas which is to be expected after 45 years.

The miniature represents an incredibly rare example of a complete filming miniature of which very few remain from these groundbreaking Anderson series still today famed for the quality of its miniature effects work, much of which was supervised by the late, great Derek Meddings.