Sears 1969 Christmas Catalog

Sears 1969 Christmas Catalog Cover

The Sears 1969 Christmas Book introduces the Zeroid Commander Action Set on page 499. Other options are Remco's Story Book Robot and Lost in Space Robot.

Sears 1969 Christmas Catalog Page 499

AMAZING ZEROIDS 

march, grab, throw, haul on command

$4.99 without batteries

Each has special purpose, strong magnetic hands plus storage cart or sled. Plastic. 6 inches tall. Each uses 2 "AA" batteries, order pkg. at right.

Shipping weight 1 pound 10 ounces. 

1 Zintar the Silver Explorer.
49 C 59031...$4.99

2 Zerak the Blue Destroyer.
49 C 59028...$4.99

3 Zobor the Bronze Transporter.
49 C 59029...$4.99

MIGHTY ZOGG

He's the commander-in-chief of all the Zeroids. With awesome power he propels himself to his 3 stations. His Dyno-Arms activate all sensors.. turn on switch and he lights up like a computer

Mighty Zogg with 3 action stations $13.99 without batteries

He propels himself to Sensor Station where only he can energize Space Scanner, Radar Antenna and Hypno-Scope. 6-in. Zogg and any "turned on" Zeroid can trigger 3 harmless rockets on Missile Defense Pad or ride Solar Cycle. Lunar landscape and other Zeroids not included. All plastic parts. Uses 2 "AA" batteries, please order package below. 

79 C 58022C -- Shipping weight 4 pounds...Set $13.99

49 C 46666 "AA" Batteries. Pkg. of 6. Wt. 6oz..Pkg. 99c

 

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact  John Eaton. 

Sears 1968 Christmas Catalog

Sears 1968 Christmas Catalog Cover

The Sears Christmas Book 1968 contained many wonderful toys including Major Matt Mason, GI Joe and Captain Action. The Zeroids made their Sears debut on page 505.

Sears 1968 Christmas Catalog Page 505

Here come the Zeroids

Grabbing, throwing and hauling at your command

$4.99 each without batteries

Each has special purpose hands, extra magnetic hands plus storage cart or sled. They go forward or backward while grabbing or throwing. Plastic. 6 in. tall. Use 2 "AA" batteries, order 1 pkg. on page 504. Wt. 1 lb. 10 oz.

4 Zerak the Blue Destroyer.
49 N 59028...$4.99

5 Zobor the Bronze Transporter.
49 N 59029...$4.99

6 Zintar the Silver Explorer.
49 N 59031...$4.99

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Knock-Off Zeroids

Durham Industries, Inc. No. 5758 Sidewinders Star Mission Robot - Zobor and Zerak Fronts

Oscar Wilde is attributed with the quote "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness." 

Imperial Toy Corporation No. 7848 Space Fighters Knock-Offs

Imperial seems to be the first company to knock-off the Zeroids with this pair that was part of their "Space Fighters" set of three figures in 1977. These are rubbery bendies that stand about five inches tall.

 

Durham Industries, Inc. No. 5758 Sidewinders Star Mission Robot Knock-Offs

Perhaps the best of the Zeroid copies that I'm aware of were made in 1978 by the New York company Durham Industries, Inc. who was known for their wind-up toys manufactured in Hong Kong. These are approximately the same size as the original Ideal robots but a bit taller, using a wind-up mechanism instead of the CU-24 motor and batteries.

 

Zerak "Battery Operated Remote Control Robot" Knock-Off

Willis Imports of NYC produced this wired remote controlled Zerak knock-off, probably in the late 70's. It's obviously a Zerak copy sharing body details and the blue Zerak color.

Super Robot Transparent (スーパーロボット 透明) Knock-Offs

These Japanese market robots continued a trend in the early 80's of producing translucent figures - seems there were four different of this model, with a copy of Zintar's head.

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton. 

Zerak "Battery Operated Remote Control Robot" Knock-Off

Frank Novak's Zerak "Battery Operated Remote Control Robot" Knock-Off

I stumbled across this Zerak knock-off  (first image below) many years ago - I should probably have bid on it but was hoping to find one more intact. I don't know much about it but recently found a reference to the same robot in a small image. From a recently surfaced image "Willis Imports Farmingdale NY" with "Made in Hong Kong" so it's probably late 70's.

Zerak "Battery Operated Remote Control Robot" Knock-Off

Zerak "Battery Operated Remote Control Robot" Knock-Off Packaging Variations

It appears to be a fairly decent copy of Zerak, at least at first blush, only powered via a two button remote. From the packaging I'm guessing it's early 80's and probably from Hong Kong and if continued, maybe mainland China. If anyone out there has one or has more information, please contact me. I'm also looking for an example for my collection. Thanks to Frank Novak for the detailed image of his carded example at the top of the page.

 

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton. 

Durham Industries, Inc. No. 5758 Sidewinders Star Mission Robot Knock-Off

Durham Industries, Inc. No. 5758 Sidewinders Star Mission Robot - Zobor and Zerak Fronts

The  best of the Zeroid copies that I'm aware of were made by Durham Industries, Inc., a company in New York specializing in wind-up toys manufactured in Hong Kong. These have a 1978 copyright and are approximately the same size as the original Ideal robots but a bit taller, using a wind-up mechanism instead of the CU-24 motor and batteries. To date, I've only seen two different models, a Zobor-clone and a Zerak-clone, sharing many components but with arm and head details, plus color differences, distinguishing them from one another.

The upper body on both most closely resembles Zobor while the lower body Zerak, going as far as to emulate the two chrome "lights" and the bumper details - however these don't include the trail hitch associated with the original Zeroids. The arms are somewhat retained as are the hands. The best details are the heads which are very close to the original.

Durham Industries, Inc. No. 5758 Sidewinders Star Mission Robot - Zobor and Zerak Backs

Durham Industries, Inc. No. 5758 Sidewinders Star Mission Robot  Bottom

Durham Industries, Inc. No. 5758 Sidewinders Star Mission Robot - Zerak Knock-Off

Durham's version of Zerak comes in a similar color - I originally thought that my loose one had a broken antenna then realized that it came with the unadorned spike when I acquired a packaged one.

Durham Industries, Inc. No. 5758 Sidewinders Star Mission Robot - Zobor Knock-Off

Durham's version of Zobor comes in a similar color but more of an orange - note the swapped chest sticker which I thought was a misapplication to my loose example but it turns out that's they way they came.

 

 

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton. 

Super Robot Transparent (スーパーロボット 透明) Knock-Off

Super Robot Transparent (スーパーロボット 透明) Knock-Off from Yahoo Japan Auction

As I recall, I spotted these on Yahoo Japan a few years ago with the title of "Shooting Robots" - the kana translates as "Super Robot Transparent" - I believe they're similar to some other transparent kaiju toys I have, probably around 3-4 inches tall. The trend is to have various figures molded in translucent plastic - these appear to fire missiles from the ends of the wrists.

You can see the Zeroid influence in the chest, featuring the Zobor reel-to-reel, but the most obvious likeness is in the heads, basically a copy of Zintar's head. If I were to guess, these are probably from the late 70's or early 80's.

I'm looking to acquire an example if anyone has one.

 

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.  

Durham Industries, Inc. No. 5758 Sidewinders Star Mission Robot - Zerak Knock-Off

Durham's Sidewinders Star Mission Robot - Zerak Knock-Off

Some time in the mid-70's (packaging has 1978) Durham produced two Zeroid Knock-offs. These had the basic shape of the robots copied but ran using a wind-up mechanism. As the Zeroid moves forward (there is no reverse) the head rotates left-to-right and back. The complex casting is dummied-down to something very simple with chest stickers (notice that the sitckers are reversed - the Zobor knock-off has the Zerak panel and the Zerak knock-off has the Zobor reel-to-reel tape panel) so the legs and torso are simplified, although for some reason the arms and hands resembled those of the actual Zeroids (though cast without any chrome). The heads are fairly decent copies of the Ideal heads only Zerak has lost the "V" part of the antenna. I should have used a better example of Zerak as the one I shot is missing the "V" part of the antenna, something I've found common to Zerak for some reason.

What I find interesting on these is the card background art - it's very much like the original Ideal art and features Zorr and a Zintar with "Wind-Up Walking Action" in a red splatter. As far as I know these were only molded to resemble Zobor and Zerak. Comparison shot below.

Durham's Sidewinders Star Mission Robot - Zerak Knock-Off Comparison

Durham Industries, Inc. No. 5758 Sidewinders Star Mission Robot - Zobor and Zerak Backs

 

 

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Ideal 4773-8 Zintar the Silver Explorer Instructions

Ideal 4773-8 Zintar the Silver Explorer Instructions

These are the instructions from the later Header-Carded ZZintar the Silver Explorer - they're the same as what was printed on the earlier tall boxes.

 

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton. 

Ideal 4772-0 Zobor the Bronze Transporter Instructions

Ideal 4772-0 Zobor the Bronze Transporter Instructions

These are the instructions from the later Header-Carded Zobor the Bronze Transporter - they're the same as what was printed on the earlier tall boxes.

 

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Durham Industries, Inc. No. 5758 Sidewinders Star Mission Robot - Zobor Knock-Off

Durham's No. 5758 Sidewinders Star Mission Robot - Zobor Knock-Off

Some time in the mid-70's (packaging has 1978) Durham produced two Zeroid Knock-offs. These had the basic shape of the robots copied but ran using a wind-up mechanism. As the Zeroid moves forward (there is no reverse) the head rotates left-to-right and back. The complex casting is dummied-down to something very simple with chest stickers (notice that the sitckers are reversed - the Zobor knock-off has the Zerak panel and the Zerak knock-off has the Zobor reel-to-reel tape panel) so the legs and torso are simplified, although for some reason the arms and hands resembled those of the actual Zeroids (though cast without any chrome). The heads are fairly decent copies of the Ideal heads only Zerak has lost the "V" part of the antenna.

What I find interesting on these is the card background art - it's very much like the original Ideal art and features Zorr and a Zintar with "Wind-Up Walking Action" in a red splatter. As far as I know these were only molded to resemble Zobor and Zerak. Comparison shot below.

Durham's No. 5758 Sidewinders Star Mission Robot - Zobor Knock-Off

Durham Industries, Inc. No. 5758 Sidewinders Star Mission Robot - Zobor and Zerak Backs

 

 

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton. 

Imperial Toy Corporation No. 7848 Space Fighters Knock-Off

Imperial Space Fighters from a recent eBay ad

The Imperial Toy Corporation out of Los Angeles distributed inexpensive toys initially made in Hong Kong and eventually mainland China throughout the 70's and 80's (they may still exists in some capacity). They're most famous in collecting circles for making various Godzilla and King Kong toys with molds repurposed through several iterations and periods (for instance there's a Godzilla that was later resculpted with different back finds so it was more of a T-Rex).

Imperial Space Fighters from a recent eBay ad

In 1977 Imperial did three carded soft rubber 5" tall bendies on a "Space Fighters" card back "No. 7848 Made in Hong Kong". Two obviously took their inspiration from the Zeroids, Zerak in blue and Zintar in yellow. The third figure was a humanoid Darth Vader molded in green. I only own an example of the yellow Zintar-inspired figure loose. These are fairly common.

Imperial Space Fighters from an ancient eBay ad

Imperial Space Fighters Carded - image from a recent eBay ad

At some point I plan on picking up a set of these carded - they aren't too expensive.

 

 

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.  

Ideal 4771-2 Zerak the Blue Destroyer Instructions

Ideal 4771-2 Zerak the Blue Destroyer Instructions

These are the instructions from the later Header-Carded Zerak the Blue Destroyer package - they're the same as what was printed on the earlier tall boxes.

 

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton. 

Ideal 4763-9 Zogg w/Laser Beam Instructions

Ideal 4763-9 Zogg w/Laser Beam Instructions

2L-0071 Zogg Operating Instructions

Photo if the instructions that were included in my Zogg w/Laser Beam box.

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Ideal 4659-9 Alien Invader Instructions

Ideal 4659-9 Alien Invader Instructions

2L-0061 Zeroid Alien Invader Instructions

Photo of the Alien Invader Instructions included in my set.

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Ideal 4648-2 Sensor Station Instructions

Ideal 4648-2 Sensor Station Instructions

2L-0062 Zeroid Sensor Station Instructions

Photo of the instructions from my Sensor Station.

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Ideal 1977 S.T.A.R. Team Ad "Ideal Invades Space with Star Team"

Ideal 1977 S.T.A.R. Team Ad "Ideal Invades Space with Star Team"

I'm not sure where this ad was originally published, I'm thinking either Playthings Magazine or Toys Magazine (both defunct toy industry publications). It was originally posted by Andy Yanchus, former Marvel Comics artist (RIP) into one of the 70's toy forums (now defunct I believe) under his StarRunn username. It's interesting that the ad doesn't use the S.T.A.R. acronym, seems kind of last minute.

Transcript:

EXTRA

IDEAL INVADES SPACE WITH STAR TEAM®.

Image caption: 1. Robot Zeroid® flashes light as automatic door opens and ramp descends from the space ship Star Hawk™.

Image caption: 2. The dastardly Knight of Darkness® challenges Zem 21® to a science-fiction showdown.

Image caption:  3. Battling Spaceships™ game permits players to battle for control of the universe.

Hollis, N.Y. Ideal Toy Corporation announces immediate delivery of the entire Star Team line.

At the same time, two exciting new TV commercials are scheduled for National airing.

It is expected that the impact of Star Team products will result in a great demand from the large audience of humanoid children.

Therefore, Ideal recommends that space be set aside for these new entries in the space race.

For science-fiction sales today.
IDEAL (logo)
1977 IDEAL TOY CORP., 200 FIFTH AVE. NORTH, N.Y., N.Y. 10010

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

1973 Ideal Innovations (UK) Catalog - Ideal Games, Toys & Dolls

 

1973 Ideal Innovations (UK) Catalog - Ideal Games, Toys & Dolls Cover

The "1973 Ideal Innovations Catalog - Ideal Games, Toys & Dolls" for the UK market shows a single odd image of Zobor - the chest of the Zeroid is turned around backwards, the eye-strip is missing and the claws are colored green. It has a single listing, I believe this may be the product number for the generic "Zerak Robot" Window Box or "Kresge" Battery Operated Robot Box:

1973 Ideal Innovations (UK) Catalog - Ideal Games, Toys & Dolls Page 34

1973 Ideal Innovations (UK) Catalog - Ideal Games, Toys & Dolls Page 34 Detail

4776-1 ZEROIDS ASSORTED From the planet Zero come the incredible workers of the future - grabbing, pinching, clawing, carrying, attracting, throwing, pushing, pulling and hauling. From turret to track they are realistically simulated in awesome detail.
Pack: 1 doz.

 

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Ideal 4599-7 Assorted Zeroids in Blister Instructions

Ideal 4599-7 Assorted Zeroids in Blister Instructions

Zeroids Blister Card Back Instructions

Scan from Eugene Summers - I did photoshop it a bit to clean it up (had a lot of yellowing). The original image below.

Ideal 4599-7 Assorted Zeroids in Blister Instructions (Card Back)

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Ideal 4779-5 Zeroid Commander Action Set Instructions

Ideal 4779-5 Zeroid Commander Action Set Instructions Front

2L-2696 Zeroid Commander Action Set Instructions

This is a fairly decent photocopy of the Zeroid Commander Action Set Instructions - note it's intended to be printed on both sides of the same sheet. Images from Eugene Summers.

Ideal 4779-5 Zeroid Commander Action Set Instructions Back

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Ideal 4764-7 Zeroid w/Solar Cycle Instructions

Ideal 4764-7 Zeroid w/Solar Cycle Instructions

This is a relatively good photocopy of the instructions. Image from Eugene Summers.

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Ideal 4778-7 Zeroid Action Set Instructions

Ideal 4778-7 Zeroid Action Set Instructions Front

1L-2694 Zeroid Action Set Instructions

These very high quality scans of the Zeroid Action Set Instructions were provided by Eugene Summers.

Ideal 4778-7 Zeroid Action Set Instructions Back

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Restoration: Bring Back Your Dead by Flash Dixon

Published by Flash Dixon 2022.02.020

One of the members recently asked how to bring back to life some Zeroids he had acquired, so I thought I’d just post it for all to see. Everyone has their own way to do this, but this is what works for me. Out of 11 robots I’ve repaired, I’ve only had one truly bad motor, and only one chassis that was too far gone to clean without having to solder in new contacts.

I use an ultra lite oil to lubricate, never ever WD-40. My tool for removing old corrosion is a medium grade sanding stick. And any electronics cleaner should work to hose out any grime in the motor. That stuff is completely harmless and I’ve even used it while the motor was running on one that was a mess.
Most areas that need the dirt and corrosion removed are fairly obvious, but there are two rivet points that are actually conductors, as well as the switch tension spring. All of those need attention. Lubrication points are fairly obvious as well. 

The gear assembly is sometimes locked up or difficult to move. Hose it down with your parts cleaner and then oil the living Hell out of gear teeth and axle points. Work it back and forth carefully until it spins freely without much effort. 

Hopefully you can now carefully put everything back together, throw in some new batteries, and get that guy racing across the floor again!

You can get these at almost any hobby store.

This is a little more difficult to find, but readily available several places online.
Completely safe for your motors and other electronics.

There are two conductive points that are easy to miss.

And the other side.

Obviously all four battery contact points on the chassis and upper body.

 

This is the conductive point for the switch plate.

This is the notorious switch tension spring. It needs well cleaned on both
sides. And be very careful when you disassemble as it is under tension and
will fly off onto the floor. I speak from frustrating experience.

The underside of the switch plate.
Two contact points as well as that entire bar need to be clean

 

 

These are your motor conductive points that need cleaned.

 

The main shaft. Oil the outside of the shaft…

As well as the inside.

Same for the gear side.

 

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.