Sunday, February 16, 2025

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

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

The earliest and perhaps 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 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 orignal 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.

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.

 

 

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Saturday, February 15, 2025

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

 

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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.

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

 

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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.

 

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Thursday, February 13, 2025

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.

 

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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.

 

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Saturday, February 8, 2025

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.


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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.


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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.


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Wednesday, February 5, 2025

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


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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.

 

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Monday, February 3, 2025

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)

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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

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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.


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Sunday, February 2, 2025

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


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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.

 

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Saturday, February 1, 2025

Ideal Zemo Robot

Ideal 4764-7 Zeroid w/Solar Cycle - Zemo Version - Box Front

The Zemo Zeroid is a bit of a conundrum. Released very late in the toyline it's basically a mashup of the three original zeroids molded in new colors as three different versions were offered. Zemo has the head of Zintar (with a Zerak antenna), the upper torso, arms and hands of Zerak, and the lower body/legs and waist of Zobor. It could be found in a very distinctive red, a blue similar to Zerak's color, and an orange similar to Zobor's color only without any metal flaking.

Ideal Zeroid Zemo - Red Version
Ideal Zeroid Zemo - Orange Version

Ideal Zeroid Zemo - Turquoise Version

It's been reported that these were offered in the generic "Zerak Robot" box - there was an auction at one point where the Zemo included a Kresge box (see below) but I find it unlikely that it was ever offered in the US or Canada (no anecdotes of anyone obtaining on as a child in the US at least) - I don't believe Kresge had stores elsewhere. 

I had read at one time (and am somehow unable to find it again) a discussion on one of the forums that Zemo was the brainchild of Ideal employees in the UK, where the Zeroids were still selling well in the generic "Zerak Robot" boxes in 1970 and later. Someone came up with the idea of mashing up the robots and put an order in to their Asian manufacturer. A handful shipped in the Zerak color with "Zemo" on the waist - these were given to Ideal UK employees - none of the regular production examples bear a name (not sure why this was, probably something to do with the additional costs involved). The turquoise Zemo images above were from the forum post from around 2000.

For the longest time, the only packaged example I've seen is the one that I own, sold in 2001 in an eBay auction. As I recall I paid around $600 for it which seemed exorbitant - little did I know how rare these are. A second, similar packaged example was sold some time later for around $1200 in a damaged box - I suspect that they were from the same lot as they're very similar.

eBay Auction Images from my win in 2001

Auction Image from 2002 (note damaged box)

Zermo in Kresge Box?

Packaging:

The only package that I can verify is the Zeroid w/Solar Cycle shown above.

Ideal Catalog Specifications:

N/A

Variations:

John's Notes:

I've owned this example since 2001 - I keep thinking another will appear but so far I seem to have the only one?

These sell even loose for a somewhat crazy amount - I was outbid in 2024 at $1600 on one.


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