Friday, January 31, 2025

Ideal 4608-6 ZEM XXI Zeroid Explorer Module

Ideal 4608-6 ZEM XXI Zeroid Explorer Module Box Front

I guess it makes sense for Ideal to answer the question regarding how the Zeroids made planetfall, by producing an intergalactic vehicle - the ZEM XXI Zeroid Explorer Module. This was a really neat toy that used a spring-and-cam mechanism to provide action. You throw a switch and the landing gear drops from the saucer-shaped vehicle, the front spins around revealing a Zeroid, a ramp drops and the Zeroid rolls out. Cool engineering that doesn't rely on batteries (other than what's already in the Zeroid).

Packaging:

The ZEM XXI Zeroid Explorer Module came in a fairly large box with colorful painted graphics on the front. All other sides are also printed purple and dayglow green against the white cardboard box.

Ideal Catalog Specifications:

(First appearance: Ideal Toy Corporation 1970 "Toys - Games - Dolls - Vinyl" Catalog Pages 26-27)

4608-6 ZEM XXI
This is exactly what happens when the switch is thrown on the amazing Zeroid Exploratory Module: First, an eerie beeping sound is heard...alerting all, of the arrival of an outer-space visitor. Then, slowly the ship's transparent plastic canopy turns...while it lowers its landing pads, establishing itself on terra firma. When the canopy reaches the open position - an unloading ramp lowers into position - and any Zeroid happening to be inside ZEM XXI is automatically triggered to exit down the ramp. It's an eye-popping, out-of-this-world sight for sure! ZEM XXI is 13" in diameter and 9" high. The interior is appointed with a realistic-looking flight control console. The Zeroid Exploratory Module is mechanically operated - no batteries required. Closing the plastic canopy cocks the operating mechanism in preparation for the next exploratory trip. (Zeroid not included.)
Pack: 6/12 doz. Weight: 24 1⁄2 lbs.

Variations:

  • Reversed colors with the saucer yellow and the interior in purple (most are purple with yellow interior)
    4608-6 ZEM XXI Zeroid Explorer Module (reversed colors)

John's Notes:

This is a somewhat difficult to find set in unplayed-with condition. The box comes up for sale occasionally but the only insert I've seen came in my example and then most recently in an example that was still sealed.

Images were from an eBay auction - I'll update with my own soon.

 

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