Eaton's Canada Christmas Catalogue 1970

Eaton's Canada Christmas Catalogue 1970 - Cover

At Eaton's Christmas is for people, so the cover of the Eaton's Canada Christmas Catalog for 1970 shows. I had thought that the only Eaton's catalogue with Zeroids was the 1968 then stumbled on this from the 1970 catalogue:

Eaton's Canada Christmas Catalogue 1970 - Page 46

3 to 5 Zeroids - each with a unique pair of action hands - plus interchangeable magnetic and throwing hands; battery-powered motor with forward and reverse drive. Zeroids are capable of carrying, throwing, attracting or hauling. Moulded of plastic. Each about 6 1/2 ins. high. Use two "AA" batteries - not included.

(3) Zobor the bronze transporter. Complete with solar cycle that converts the track power of the Zeroid into a rolling energy of its own while imparting a curious pendulum action to the Zeroid.
27-R 3068 - With laser bomb; magnetic and throwing hands...6.98 

(4) Zerak - the blue destroyer. Package provides exit ramp.
27-R 3029 - With magnetic and throwing hands...5.98

(5) Zintar - the silver explorer. Package becomes lunar sled.
27-R 3031 - With magnetic and throwing hands...5.98
 

John's Notes:

The image shows Zobor with a Solar Cycle and a Canadian dollar upcharge for the Solar Cycle. It's interesting that the other two Zeroids aren't offered with the Solar Cycle - guess Eaton's went for simplicity. Nice that we get Zeroids on the same page as Major Matt Mason.

 

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John Plain 1969 Catalog

John Plain 1969 Catalog Cover

John Plain was a retailer and mail order catalog company located in Chicago, Illinois - I wrote previously that I had done a bit of searching and couldn't find them listed in any defunct retailer lists so they may still exist in some capacity. The company photo shoots are well done and stylish. For 1969 there's a full color page that contains the Zeroids, shared with Billy Blastoff, Major Matt Mason and others with descriptions and pricing on the facing page. 

John Plain 1969 Catalog Page 576

3 - 2 - 1 Blast Off for Fun

John Plain 1969 Catalog Page 577

3-2-1-Blast-Off for Fun

Here Come the Zeroids! Imaginative workers of the future, straight from the planet Zero. Each robot has a pair of specialized hands plus interchangeable magnetic and throwing hands-they take on any task. About 6 in. tall. Forward and reverse drive motor is operated by 2 "AA" penlight batteries (not incl.). Their special boxes convert into space age conveniences to make play even more fun.

10 Zintar... the Destroyer. This gripper-fisted hero's package becomes Lunar Sled for skimming far-out planets.
98V0680 F429 Shpg. wt. 1 lb. 8 oz...$5.95

11 Zobor... the Bronze Transporter. Has special grip hands for carrying objects. Box becomes Cosmobile for hauling. 98V0672 F429 Shpg. wt. 1 lb. 8 oz...$5.95

12 Zerak... the Explorer. Activate him in his Control Station box. He unhinges cover, exits on ramp.
98V0664 F429 Shpg. wt. 1 lb. 8 oz...$5.95

For batteries, see page 578.

John's Notes

I like the use of the header-card graphics used behind each Zeroid although it does make the section a bit busy. At $5.95 the pricing seems pretty inexpensive to me, compared to other retailers.

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OTASCO 1969 Christmas Gifts & Toys! Catalog

Otasco 1969 Christmas Gifts & Toys! Catalog Cover

OTASCO (Oklahoma Tire and Supply Company) was a retail chain specializing in auto parts and appliances based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In my region we had Western Auto - OTASCO stores could be found in the plains states. If it was like Western Auto they would always have big display toys by Topper and Remco up high and carried a lot of riding toys like bicycles and hobby horses. This 1969 gift catalog has a neat print quality with the reds cranked up - the "Zeroid" Commander Set was marketed alongside the Major Matt Mason Space Mission Team and a couple of tin toys.

Otasco 1969 Christmas Gifts & Toys! Catalog Page 11

AS SEEN ON TV

"ZEROID" COMMANDER SET 11.88

THE BIG MAN HIMSELF ... COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ZEROIDS! "Zogg" is battery operated. He has Dyno-Arms and piercing eyes that light up. Full set which includes solar cycle, sonic alarm and sensor station.
(70-603-7)

"Zobor" the Bronze Transporter. (70-603-3) ... 5.96
"Zintar" the Silver Explorer. (70-603-4) ... 5.96

John's Notes

No mention of Zerak in this 1969 ad, which focuses on the introduction of the Zeroid Commander 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.

Eaton's Canada's Christmas Catalogue 1968

Eaton's Canada's Christmas Catalogue 1968 Cover

The 1968 Eaton's Christmas Catalogue devotes nearly a quarter of the page to an image of the Zeroids with a large image of the debut trio.

Eaton's Canada's Christmas Catalogue 1968 Page 51

ZEROIDS

Battery-operated automatons from the planet Zero. Their purpose-to serve you at work and play! 5.98 each

 

1 to 3 Each Zeroid has a unique pair of special purpose hands, interchangeable, magnetic and throwing hands, and a battery-powered motor with forward and reverse drive. In operation, Zeroids are capable of carrying. attracting. throwing or hauling. Packages double as functional play units. Zeroids are powered by two "AA" batteries (not included-see below). 

(1) Zerak-the blue destroyer. Control station (package) provides exit ramp.
27-R 3029 - Includes magnetic and throwing hands... 5.98

 

(2) Zobor - the bronze transporter. Empty plastic package becomes Cosmobile for hauling loads.
27-R 3030 - Includes magnetic and throwing hands... 5.98 

 

(3) Zintar - the silver explorer. Back portion of package becomes lunar sled.
27-R 3031 - Includes magnetic and throwing hands... 5.98 

 

Batteries for items listed above
27-R 3273 - Package of six "AA" batteries... .72

John's Notes

If I saw this ad as a kid I would have been beside myself trying to get my parents to buy me one. We didn't get Eaton's where I grew up in Tennessee (ironic, considering my last name) - it was more than likely a similar ad in a Sears Wishbook that got me my Zobor.

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Ideal Toy Corporation 1969 "Toys - Games - Dolls - Play Sets" Catalog

Ideal Toy Corporation 1969 "Toys - Games - Dolls - Play Sets" Catalog Cover

The Ideal Toy Corporation 1969 "Toys - Games - Dolls - Play Sets" Catalog provides three pages of new Zeroid product for retailers.

Ideal Toy Corporation 1969 "Toys - Games - Dolls - Play Sets" Catalog Page 29

incredible workers of the future!

ZEROIDS

Each of our swingin' Zeroids is still doing its own special "thing," in addition to grabbing, pinching, clawing, carrying, attracting, throwing, pushing, pulling or hauling. From turret to track, they are realistically simulated mechano-electronic complexes molded in awesome detail. And every kid feels he has to have them all! In their new shelf-talking, stack-packing packages, Zeroids present a sparkling and self selling, irresistible display.

4771-8 ZERAK The Blue Destroyer...
and his control station package

4773-8 ZINTAR The Silver Explorer...
drives his Lunar Sled

4772-0 ZOBOR The Bronze Transporter...
hauls his Cosmobile

Zeroids operate on 2"AA" type batteries (Batteries not included)

ZEROIDS (Shown above)
Pack per doz.: 6/12 Weight: 5 lbs. 

4776-1 ZEROIDS ASSORTMENT DEAL
contains 1 doz. 3 styles asstd.
Pack per doz.: 1 Weight: 17 lbs.

Ideal Toy Corporation 1969 "Toys - Games - Dolls - Play Sets" Catalog Page 30

introducing the mighty ZOGG and (continued next page below)

ZOGG, with awesome power, is the Commander-In-Chief of all Zeriods! He dominates the terrain of Planet Zero in his new rolling Solar Cycle. He can also propel himself to the Sensor Station or Sonic Alarm where, with his unique Dyno-Arms he, and only he, can activate the Space Scanner, Radar Antenna, Hypno-Scope and Audible Alert. Turn a switch and Zogg lights up like a computer complex. (Available in set #4779-5)

SONIC ALARM Whenever danger threatens and a warning signal must be given, Commander Zogg can be directed to this sparkling structure. He rolls up on the platform with his Dyno-Arms extended forward and touches the contact plates of the Sonic Alarm. Power from Zogg's batteries flow thru his Dyno-Arms, energizing the Alarm which emits a loud, insistent sound. An interrupter-button is provided for coded signalling. Only Zogg can activate the Sonic Alarm.
(Available in set #4779-5)

SENSOR STATION The eyes and ears of the Zeroid Complex! The ever-watchful Commander Zogg rolls up on the Sensor Station platform with his energy-supplying Dyno-Arms extended. When he touches the contact plates on the Scope, the long-range Radar and Power Antenna rotate, searching the horizon 360°, while the whirling symbol in the Hypno-Scope spins its data to the attentive Zogg. Only Commander Zogg can activate the Sensor Station.
(Available in set #4779-5)

Ideal Toy Corporation 1969 "Toys - Games - Dolls - Play Sets" Catalog Page 31

two new Zeroid multi-play centers!

SOLAR CYCLE Any "turned on" Zeroid can make this galactic go-cart roll over "moon dust and crater bumps" with ease. It's a terrestrial treadmill that transforms the track power and weight of a Zeroid into rolling energy of its own, while imparting a curious pendulum-like action to the Zeroid.
(Available in sets #4779-5, 4778-7)

MISSILE DEFENSE PAD demonstrates the retaliatory capabilities of the peace loving Zeroids. When the need arises, any Zeroid moving up the pad ramp will automatically trigger the sequential firing of 3 harmless rockets, and then automatically back down off the ramp.
(Available in set #4778-7)

4779-5 ZEROID COMMANDER ACTION SET contains 1 Commander Zeroid Zogg: 1 Sensor Station; 1 Sonic Alarm; 1 Solar Cycle.
Pack per doz.: 4/12 Weight: 19 lbs.

4778-7 ZEROID ACTION SET contains 1 Zeroid (either Zintar, Zobor or Zerak); 1 Solar Cycle; 1 Missile Defense Pad.
Pack per doz.: 6/12 Weight: 23 lbs.

 

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.

1968.11.07 Binghamton NY Press Page 6-B Children's Super Mart Week-End Specials Ad

1968.11.07 Binghamton NY Press Page 6-B Children's Super Mart Week-End Specials Ad

The Zeroids are the headliner in this ad published in the Binghamton Press November 7 1968. Neat Zintar clip art. At $4.39 the Zeroids I think were coming in at a fairly expensive price point, but you did get the extra hands and functioning case.

1968.11.07 Binghamton NY Press Page 6-B Children's Super Mart Week-End Specials Ad Detail

ZEROIDS by Ideal

Enjoy hours of fun with:

 

ZERAK, The destroyer,

ZOBOR, The transporter,

ZINTAR, The explorer

$4.39

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 Toy Corporation 1968 "Toys - Games - Dolls - Vinyl" Catalog

Ideal Toy Corporation 1968 "Toys - Games - Dolls - Vinyl" Catalog Cover

I believe the first appearance of the Zeroids for solicitation was through the 1968 Ideal "Toys - Games - Dolls - Vinyl" Catalog. As with other toy companies like Mattel, Kenner, etc., Ideal would issue at least one catalog a year that would showcase the line of available product. These would often be accompanied with a price sheet that sometimes would be adjusted for regional differences. This catalog has a really fantastic fully-painted rendering of the Mighty Zeroids. It's a somewhat difficult and expensive catalog to acquire due to the large Captain Action section within (unfortunately for Zeroid collectors).

Ideal Toy Corporation 1968 "Toys - Games - Dolls - Vinyl" Catalog-  Image by Craig Hedges

Here they come... from the Planet Zero! The incredible workers of the Future!

ZEROIDS

Moving across the landscape, overrunning all obstacles as inexorably as the Future itself these amazing, efficient and powerful automatons have but one purpose to serve their masters (your customers) at work and play!

Each Zeroid has a unique pair of special purpose hands, interchangeable magnetic and throwing hands, and a battery-powered motor with forward and reverse drive. In operation, Zeroids are capable of grabbing, pinching, carrying, clawing, attracting, throwing, pushing, pulling or hauling functions.

From "turret to track" each Zeroid simulates a marvelous mechano-electronic complex, molded in awesome detail, and the sparkling Zeroid packages double as functional play units!

4771-2 ZERAK - THE BLUE DESTROYER - "Turn him on" while he's still in his control station package and lookout! (sic I think – should be two words?) His brute strength unhinges the transparent plastic cover which drops to provide an exit ramp for Zerak. Employs unique hooks for hands plus magnetic and throwing hands.

4772-0 ZOBOR - THE BRONZE TRANSPORTER - A kindly carrier with special duty gripper claws. Like magic, his empty plastic package becomes a roomy Cosmobile for hauling loads. Also has magnetic and throwing hands.

4773-8 ZINTAR - THE SILVER EXPLORER - The back portion of this Zeroid's package becomes a dramatic lunar sled that seems to carry gripper-fisted Zintar over the terrain. With magnetic and throwing hands.

Each of the above-Pack per doz.: 6/12 Wgt.: 8 ⁄2 lbs.

4776-1 ZEROID ASST DEAL - Contains 1 doz. 3 styles asstd. Pack: 1 deal per carton Weight: 17 lbs.

Zeroids operate on 2 AA type batteries (Batteries not included)

John's Notes

The rendering used on these pages is really fabulous - some of the reflected highlights may be airbrushed - but in all it’s painted by hand. For the most part the Zeroid robots look like the production versions - some exceptions are the antennae and a light or surface, here or there. All that's missing are a few Major Matt Mason astronauts... (joking) 

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.