John Blundell, master carver and puppeteer whose resume includes any number of memorable characters who starred in Gerry Anderson's Fireball XL5, Stingray and the cult classic, Thunderbirds, died suddenly on Monday 18th August.

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/arts-culture-news/thunderbirds-stingray-puppet-maker-john-7636842

An interview with John can be seen here:

John's impressive puppet collection can be viewed at: http://www.theworldthroughwoodeneyes.co.uk/

Thanks for sharing that information.  I hope he had lots of apprentices who learned his secrets so his craft can go on.