Thunderbirds Mower Connection?

I have received an email from a Thunderbirds enthusiast who is researching some of the models used in the classic 1960s TV programme. In particular, he is looking at the model of a machine called the Crablogger which featured in the second series, broadcast in 1966. That means the model was probably made in late 1965 or early 1966.

The technical team working with Gerry Anderson to produce these programmes are well-known for using existing models and everyday items to create their futuristic designs, to save time and money. Our enquirer thinks the wheels of the Crablogger model may have been based on rear rollers from a 1960s lawnmower. He estimates that the diameter of these rollers would be around five or six inches and their length perhaps seven or eight inches. They were probably made from rubber or plastics and may have originally been white. Although whatever they used was probably modified or embellished as part of the design process, one of the distinctive features was the grooves running along the length of the rollers and these are likely to be original.

Our correspondent has sent an image which might help. As you will see from this, he has already considered the possibility that the rollers were from something like a Hayter Harrier 41 or the Hayter Spirit 41. The rollers are similar but not identical to those used on the Thunderbirds model.

It's possible that the diameter of these rollers would make them too small to have come from a mower. On top of which plastics were not widely used on mowers during the mid-1960s. And it is also unlikely that, if they were originally white but painted black for the model, they would have come from a mower.

But it's an intriguing possibility and I thought someone out there in our club or elsewhere might be able to shed a bit more light on it.