Ideal Zeroids Robots

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.

Ideal 4777-9 Kresge "Battery Operated Robot" Box

Ideal 4777-9 Kresge "Battery Operated Robot" Box Front

The Kresge "Battery Operated Robot" Box provided a way for Ideal to market the Zeroids to the discount Kresge "Big K" stores in the US. It's a plain thin cardboard box printed on all six sides in blue ink with "Battery Operated Robot" above a somewhat odd open window, that really only offered a view of a Zeroid's waistline. Strangely, the inserts are cut so the robot is at an angle in the box, I'm guessing to show additional detail from the side. I don't know if this was an attempt at preventing dilution of the Ideal Zeroids brand or a security measure to prevent the robot from being taken out of the box.

The Kresge box usually has a "Big K" price sticker on it "KEY 1 2-1 4777-9 68¢" - I believe this provides a clue to the Ideal item number. The robots were sold without accessory hands, missiles or reversing ramp.

Packaging:

The box is taupe cardboard with a small open display window on the front. "Battery Operated Robot" above the window and "Runs Forward and Reverse" beneath with small text at the bottom "2 "A-A" Batteries Required (Not Included) Imported Parts Labeled to Show Country of Origin"

The sides and back have an image of Zintar with a simplified Zerak head printed in blue with the same text as detailed above. The top of the box has "Battery Operated Robot Runs Forward and Reverse" printed in blue.

Ideal Catalog Specifications:

N/A

Variations:

It's been reported that any of the original three Zeroids plus Zogg were available in this box. I don't believe there was any separation of item numbers for individual Zeroid models.

Ideal 4771-2 Zerak the Blue Destroyer
Ideal 4772-0 Zobor the Bronze Transporter
Ideal 4773-8 Zintar the Silver Explorer
Ideal 4763-9 Zogg w/Laser Beam (no Laser Beam accessory)
Ideal Zemo Robot (maybe)

John's Notes:

I have a couple of these boxes - the example shown is store stock, my first box was a little cleaner but missing inserts and holds a Zerak. They're fairly common.

I've also seen an image of a Zemo that came with this box but I'm somewhat skeptical that the box was original to the Zemo as I haven't seen any anecdotes regarding the original purchase of one in the US or Canada, in this box.

Zermo in Kresge Box?

Ideal "Zerak Robot" Window Box

Ideal "Zerak Robot" Window Box Front

Some time after the Zeroid run, probably in 1971, Zeroids started appearing in simplified packaging, either in a generic plain brown window box found at Kresge's "Big K" retail stores with "Battery Operated Robot" printed on it, or in this more colorful "Zerak Robot" box. There's an "OK" logo at the bottom on back - apparently these were distributed by OK Toys out of Hong Kong. I'm not at all sure if these were licensed or not but it appears OK Toys had different model numbers so it may have been a run using the same molds (the number can be seen on the box art beneath each Zeroid's image).

Ideal "Zerak Robot" Window Box Back

Ideal "Zerak Robot" Window Box Side

Ideal "Zerak Robot" Window Box with Zintar

In either case, one could find any of the Zeroid robots in this packaging. The "Zerak Box" has images of the various robots including item numbers:

No. T3426 Zintar (right side)
No. T3425 Zogg (back)
No. T3424 Zobor (back)
No. T3423 Zerak (left side)
Zemo (reported) but not shown on the box

Note that this includes the very basic parts of the robot without the extra hands, missiles or reversing ramp.

Packaging:

The box is white with a large display window across the front and extending to both sides. "Zerak Robot" is at the front top with "Battery Operated Motor" at the bottom. Images of the individual robots with item numbers are across the sides and back. The top has "Zerak Robot with Forward and Reverse Movement" in red letters on a yellow background. "Made in Hong Kong" is printed along the bottom beneath the Zerak image.

Ideal Catalog Specifications:

N/A

Variations:

Ideal 4771-2 Zerak the Blue Destroyer
Ideal 4772-0 Zobor the Bronze Transporter
Ideal 4773-8 Zintar the Silver Explorer
Ideal 4763-9 Zogg w/Laser Beam (no Laser Beam accessory)
Ideal Zemo Robot

Some have speculated that the "Zerak Robot" window box was created to market the Zeroids at retailers other than Kresge stores - they mostly appear in Europe and Asia so may have been an international solution.

I've seen one account of the Zeroids, and in particular Zerak, being offered in this box in a much brighter peacock blue, for the international market but since I haven't seen a direct comparison this may be an artifact of lighting and image adjustment.

John's Notes:

The first time I saw one of these "Zerak Robot" boxes it was labeled as a Kresge box, which may have been an updated box as the Kresge box is quite plain. I've also read accounts of this box being produced to market leftover Zeroids in the UK market including Zemo (which also appears to have been a much later effort). It's hard to say how these came about.

The images are from online sources and borrowed without permission.

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.

Ideal 4659-9 Alien Invader

Ideal 4659-9 Alien Invader Box Front

The Zeroid Alien Invader was something new added to the Zeroid line for 1970, a programmable Zeroid villain that explodes! The figure is basically a Zeroid with the same CU-24 motor and a similar, if more complex, drivetrain from the bottom, but the rest has been covered by a hardshell "melted" body with rubbery arms. One places a programming disk (really more of a cam spool and referenced as a cam in the instructions) into the body and the Alien moves in specific patterns. One cam causes the arms to fall off and ultimately the head to pop off and with the body on its back.

Ideal 4659-9 Alien Invader Box Contents

Packaging:

Clamshell box with painted artwork details on five sides (the bottom is white). The figure and "disks" are covered by a clear plastic blister on top of a colorful insert. An instruction sheet is included.

Instructions:

Ideal 4659-9 Alien Invader Instructions

Ideal Catalog Specifications:

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

4659-9 ALIEN INVADER™
He may look somewhat mean and menacing but he's really an amazing mass of mirth provoking mechanics. Using 4 cams, included, our Alien Invader will Search a zig-zag course, or walk post Sentry-fashion, or Patrol the area in a square pattern...or...it will Self-Destruct as follows: First, right arm falls of-then left arm leaves then his head blows clean off - and now Alien Invader falls on his back like a lump as his motor turns off!
Pack: 6/12 doz. Weight: 9 lbs.

Variations:

There may be color variations but the examples I've seen have a red body, green arms and a yellow head.

John's Notes:

The rubbery arms are often collapsed and unusable. Also, the rubber interacts with the harder body plastic and can cause "melt" marks and indentations. It's also rare to find the cams with the toy and often the battery cover, head or arms are missing.

One can put the Alien into a Solar Cycle with the exploding cam - the others cause the Zeroid to only drive on one or the other tread to make turns which doesn't work well in the Cycle.

Ideal 4648-2 Sensor Station

Ideal 4648-2 Sensor Station Box Front

The 1970 Ideal catalog introduced two boxed accessories - presumably these were offered up as a replacement to the now missing Zeroid Commander Action Set and Zeroid Action Set, which seem to no longer be offered. This version of the Sensor Station came in a box similar tot he Missile Defense Pad. The Station itself is molded in blue, rather than the usual yellow/tan of the Station that came in the Zeroid Commander Action Set. Also the antenna is yellow instead of blue with silver paint; and the dish is red instead of yellow.

Note that the Sensor Station can only be operated by Zogg as it requires Zogg's electrodes to transfer power for operation.

Packaging:

Closed box with painted artwork details on all four sides.

Instructions:

Ideal 4648-2 Sensor Station Instructions

Ideal Catalog Specifications:

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

4648-2 SENSOR STATION
The eyes and ears of the Zeroid Complex! Manually operated crank-wheel rotates the Power and Long Range Radar antenna 360° while a whirling symbol in the Hypno-Scope spins its data to any Zeroid on Sentry duty. Futuristically designed, precision-molded, plastic structure with realistic control-console detail. No Zeroid installation can be considered safe without this ever-alert warning system. Measures 11" high and 10" wide.
Pack: 6/12 doz. Weight: 6 lbs.

Variations:

Station is blue rather than yellow/tan
Antenna is yellow rather than blue with silver paint
Radar dish is red rather than yellow
Ideal 4779-5 Zeroid Commander Action Set

John's Notes:

The two accessory boxes seem somewhat difficult to acquire.

Ideal 4649-0 Missile Defense Pad

4649-0 Missile Defense Pad Box Front

The 1970 Ideal catalog introduced two boxed accessories - presumably these were offered up as a replacement to the now missing Zeroid Commander Action Set and Zeroid Action Set, which seem to no longer be offered. This version of the Missile Defense Pad is interesting as it's in a new red color instead of the original somewhat boring tan color.

Packaging:

Closed box with painted artwork details on all four sides.

Ideal Catalog Specifications:

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

4649-0 MISSILE DEFENSE PAD
Heavy weaponry designed to demonstrate the retaliatory capabilities of the peace-loving Zeroids. When the need arises, any Zeriod moving up the pad ramp will automatically trigger the sequential firing of 3 harmless spring-loaded rockets, and then with a flick of the switch he will back off the ramp. Missiles may also be launched manually and selectively. The 17" long. Zeroid not included (sic, appears two truncated sentences were merged).
Pack: 6/12 doz. Weight:5 1⁄2 lbs.

Variations:

Ideal 4778-7 Zeroid Action Set

John's Notes:

The two accessory boxes seem somewhat difficult to acquire.