Alias Mr. Hackenbacker
The moniker "Hiram K. Hackenbacker" is not, as is commonly assumed, Brains' real name. It is simply chosen here for its outlandish nature...and its just fun to say! His other well-known moniker is "Mr. X" from "Thunderbird 6."
Unfortunately, no one has managed to copy Monsieur Lemiere's formula for "Penelon" in reality, despite all of the espionage efforts in the story.
The footage of the D103 experiencing the undercart failure is from old footage (in the context of the story) and presumably predates the existence of International Rescue.
Either Brains' sunglasses are Polarized---a style popular around the time of the production of the show---or he's just really sold on those Elton John style frames!
The state-of-the-art advances which Brains brings to Skythrust help make a name for himself outside of the secrecy of International Rescue. This leads to the expectations of him seen in "Thunderbird 6."
To get the effect of tiles bolted onto the outside of the various Thunderbirds crafts, a #2 soft lead pencil was used to draw the tiles and then smudged to create the effects of wear.
Tin-Tin often acts as Brains' assistant in the lab, but on several occasions the two cooperate on field missions as well.
The puppeteers show a real sense of human qualities in these characters as they consider body language and how that communicates feeling to their viewers. Note Virgil's hand on Tin-Tin's shoulder...hmmmmmm!
Set designers took great pains to create the convincing-looking rooftops of Paris viewpoint, a luxury that was only affordable due to their expanded budget as the popularity of the series grew.
Interesting that a Frenchman---Francois Lemiere---mispronounces "ensemble" the first time it appears in the script!
The official International Rescue emblem features an outstretched hand over a view of the Earth with the initials "IR" featured in red.
The folding palms on the runway on Tracy Island were made from wood and paper, then painted for effect.
The two cannisters carried on the belts of each of the Tracy brothers are any of several types of interchangeable clips that fit onto their guns.
"Diedre" was last seen as the make-up girl on the set of "Martian Invasion."
Gold-colored telephone units left over from "Thunderbirds Are Go" are seen in use instead of the red video-phone units from earlier in the series.
Grandma's Blue Willow tea set turns up again, this time at the Cafe Atalante. Funny thing about that, too, because they switch tea pots on us: one with a traditional pattern for long shots, and then the fancier Royal Doulton pattern for the close-ups showing the concealed transmitter. And they thought we wouldn't notice...!
For further studies of all things Thunderbirds: "The Gerry Anderson Memorabilia Guide," by Dennis W. Nicholson, "FAB Facts," by Simon Archer, "The Complete Gerry Anderson Episode Guide" by Titan Books, "Thunderbirds Are Go," by John Marriott, "The Complete Book Of Thunderbirds" by Chris Bentley, "Lady Penelope's Secrets" by Carlton Books, "21st Century Visions" by Derek Meddings and "The Ultimate Thunderbirds Pop-Up Facts Book" by Boxtree.
Cannisters just like The Hood's auto-bomb can be seen in the control cabin during the inaugural flight of the Skythrust.
The fashion show, though set 100 years in the future, is perfect for the age of the "jet set" of the 1960s.
Each of the Tracy boys wears a matching International Rescue hat which sports piping with their unique sash color and an official "IR" logo patch that is silver lettering on a black oval.
Mr. Contradiction: Jeff has stated in the past that IR doesn't get involved with politics or police work...yet he sends Thunderbird 2 in after the two noted criminals, Ross and Collins. He just can't make up his mind...
At London Airport, the now familiar BAOC symbol on the building is reminiscent of the BOAC lettering commonly found at airports of the time. British Overseas Air was a popular carrier in and out of Britain in the '60s.
While Brains' ingenious method of removing the fuel tank from the plane obviously saves a disaster from happening, the fact that the undercart won't drop would just as likely still cause a major fire (as it did) and possible death and injuries to the plane's passengers. But he's getting there..
Curiouser And Curiouser: Brains seems to finally be acting on his feelings for Tin-Tin, yet after a year's worth of programs he still can't pronounce her last name. Maybe he thinks the champagne will help...!