Operation Cover-up

Operation Cover-up is the name of the security measure used on Tracy Island.

Just prior to the arrival of non-International Rescue-affiliated visitors to the island, Operation Cover-up swings into action. The video screens which connect the island's base with each Thunderbird craft normally show a portrait of its pilot in International Rescue uniform. But the push of a button replaces the portraits with innocuous family snapshots.

Operation Cover-up was used in:

• Trapped in the Sky, when the family doctor arrived to see Kyrano
• End Of The Road, when Eddie Houseman comes to visit Tin-Tin Kyrano
• Edge Of Impact, when Colonel Tim Casey pays an unexpected visit to his old friend Jeff Tracy
• The Impostors, when a Colonel inspects the island looking for the crooks who stole the plans for the AL4.

Pictures in Uniform View

Pictures changing in Operation Cover-up

Jeff watches from his desk
Edge Of Impact

Up close, and personal

John and Scott

Trivia

• The button that activates Operation Cover-up is situated in the side of one of Jeff's yellow sofas.

Activation button

• In Trapped in the Sky, it is activated by Jeff. In Edge of Impact, Scott pushes the button.

Trapped in the Sky

Edge of Impact

• As can be seen above, the side-of-the-sofa prop in Trapped in the Sky looks different from the one in Edge of Impact.
• Operation Cover-up also appeared to be in use on two occasions in Operation Crash-Dive, even though there was no overt reason for it, at least on-screen. However, the fact that the latter episode is a sequel to Trapped in the Sky makes it possible that the family doctor had come to the island to give Kyrano a check-up.
• This also occurred in The Mighty Atom. While Lady Penelope and the Tracys were enjoying themselves, out on the verandah, the Operation Cover-up portraits could be seen on the wall in the lounge behind them.

Operation Crash-Dive

Operation Crash-Dive

A gathering of friends. (The Mighty Atom)

• According to Brains' narration in End of the Road, during Operation Cover-Up, John is advised to use the secret communications channel in the event of a rescue operation call when visitors were on the island, which explains how John was able to make the emergency call in Edge of Impact.