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A huge hidden archive of models, props, scenery and scripts linked to Thunderbirds genius Gerry Anderson has come to light after more than 30 years and will go under the hammer n a dedicated auction expected to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds this November at Ewbank’s Auctions in Surrey this November.

Cleared from Bray Studios after Anderson’s production company wrapped up its final series of Terrahawks in the mid 1980s, the archive became the property of Julian Bell, a driver and handyman at the studios who was gifted it by one of the senior directors acting under Anderson’s authority because they had no storage facilities for it and wanted it cleared out.

Production puppets, models of aircraft and other machinery, sets, Gerry Anderson’s personally annotated scripts and even storyboards for a series of Thunderbirds that was never filmed are included in the consignment.

Much of the consignment is linked to the 1980s Terrahawks series, but Captain Scarlet,  a potential remake of Thunderbirds and other hit programmes from the Anderson stable are represented in the auction, which will present one of the greatest collections of material from the master of Supermarionation ever put up for sale at one time.

Collector and writer David Sisson notes: “It’s unique. There’ll be a lot of interest. Terrahawks has a growing appreciation from the younger generation of Anderson fans. When I do my public displays, a lot of these people recognise Terrahawks even when they don’t recognise Thunderbirds…

“It’s like travelling back in time. I expect the hero craft to be the big sellers. The Battlehawk is the prize piece, along with Hawkwing and Treehawk, but this is really completely untested ground. What makes this auction so special is that there will never be another chance to see everything together in one place. Once it’s sold it will be spread around the world and never be together again. You really can’t overstate how special this is going to be.”

Ewbank’s expect to attract bidders from all over the world.

“The fan clubs have been running for 40 years or more in places like Britain and Japan,” says Ewbank’s specialist Alastair McCrea. “This is the biggest news to break for some time and the buzz around the auction is already growing.”

Initial highlights announced from the consignment include:

Captain Ochre puppet head. This was used on screen in the classic 1967 series Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons made by the Century 21 productions company of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, John Read and Reg Hill.

Battlehawk used in the production of Terrahawks, the 1980s British science fiction television series produced by Thunderbirds creator Gerry Anderson in conjunction with Christopher Burr. This Battlehawk would have been used in various filming scenes throughout the series. Constructed from fibreglass, it features a distinctive silver and orange paint finish with highly detailed panel lines and weathering. The top lifts off and the electrics can be seen from the underside. It is approximately one metre long and 32cm high.

Miniature fibreglass Terrahawk used in the production of Terrahawks, with a wingspan of 75cm.

Dr Tiger Ninestein puppet. The lead character of the Terrahawks, with original latex face and full costume, it would have been used in various scenes in the 1980s series. It stands 80cm tall.

Fibreglass Space Tank used in the production of Terrahawks. It measures 70cm x 40 x 28cm.

MEV used in the production of Terrahawks. The MEV can be seen in shots on the lunar surface when it faces the Space Cyclops. It measures approximately 57cm long x 24cm high.

Three of Zelda’s Cubes used in the production of Terrahawks, each approximately 20 x 20cm.

A hand-drawn concept design artwork for T Force – a Thunderbirds remake that never happened – showing Penny (Lady Penelope) with Parker in front of the FAB 1, all made famous by the original Thunderbirds series. This artwork has an acetate overlay and underneath showing details of Penny, hand signed lower right by Steve Kyte and dated ’83.

Thunderbirds Are Go (1966), a 30 x 40in British Quad film poster, created by Gerry Anderson, United Artists.

Gerry Anderson’s personal script, marked ‘GA’, for Terrahawks Episode 2 ‘GOLD’, complete with handwritten notes and corrections in his handwriting.

“This is just the start,” says Alastair McCrea. “Having cleared the studios on the instructions of Gerry Anderson and the Supervising Art Director Bob Bell (no relation), Julian Bell carefully stored this huge cache of material for more than 30 years.

“Bearing in mind that much of the Anderson production material was destroyed or ended up in skips to make way for the next project, this is close to being a miraculous survival. It’s been the talk of legend among fans across the decades, but no one really knew what happened and whether anything was rescued. This auction finally solves the mystery.”

Live online bidding is available via the Ewbank’s website.