1978 TOMY windup robot toy

by Darrin Vindiola


I love toys.  I always have and always will. To this day I still love perusing the toy aisle looking at action figures and toy cars.  If a toy impresses me enough, I quickly snatch it up and bring it into my collection fold.  I still own several toys from my youth, and this little guy below is one I'm very fond of.

This is a little wind up robot made by the TOMY toy company in 1978.  My mother bought it for me in the winter of 1978 as a reward for bringing home an impressive report card.  I played with this little guy SO much, I'm surprised I didn't wear the gears out over the years. 

Back in 1978 there were only two versions of this little bot made.  The first was the blue and orange version you see at the top of the page.  The second had a red dome, black arms and legs, and a gold colored body.  At the time, I was secretly disappointed that Mom didn't buy me the red domed robot because I thought it looked way cooler.  

However, as time passed.. I came to prefer the orange and blue domed bot over the other.  I think it boiled down to my bot sporting orange and blue (the Denver Broncos team colors).

These little bots have been re-released many times over the years.  I don't know who owns the licensing rights, but they've been getting passed around to different toy companies for years. Recent incarnations I've seen are usually cast entirely in translucent plastic, and in various bright color schemes.  

Below is one I came across on Amazon recently made by California Creations.. 

I really do love Amazon.  In fact, I'm downright addicted to it.  Their selection of throwback and retro items are seemingly limitless.  Sorry if I've steered you toward that same retro rabbit hole I often get stuck in.  All I can say, is that it's one heckuva ride!