SPACE EXPLORER ROBOT

Maker: Yonezawa

The Space Explorer robot is a Transformer way ahead of its time. In its passive position it is a nondescript tin box. It looks just like one of those old TVs, complete with a sliding cover for the screen that let you pretend that you don't own a TV. There's little more than a bulge on top, and two metal inserts at the sides to give the game away. Once you throw the on switch there's a surprise in store. The body rises, (to the horrible sound of straining gears) the arms lift, a head emerges and the screen descends. Suddenly you're looking at a giant robot, complete with crew inside their 3D control room. It's one of those robots, like Mr Mercury and the Talking Robot, that are giant robot vehicles controlled by tiny humans. It comes as no surprise that this innovatory robot is one of the Yonezawa company's creations.

 

 

The final surprise is that the robot begins to walk (or waddle) forward. A few seconds later he stands still and the whole mechanism folds with a jarring thud. I love to watch the action but it sends a shudder through me at the thought of the imminent failure of the complex mechanism.

There are two colours available; there's the more common red and the harder grey-brown. The on-off switch is round the back of most examples but some have a button on the head that starts the action. This is a slightly rarer variation.

The Space Explorer presents a particular problem for collectors because of its complex mechanism and the difficulty of getting a non-working example repaired. This robot has given me more trouble than any other: if it's been opened then the chances are that it's had a botched repair. Very few people can do a proper repair on this - so don't even think about it A non-working example should be regarded as a risky purchase. If you have any advice on repairs etc I'd welcome the information. It's also fair to say that operating the toy leads to scratching of certain components, particularly the legs and the metal screen. The robot should always be assisted through its action to minimise the risk of a failure.

The first Transformer

A note on display:it looks better fully opened and there's a locking mechanism that can support the robot in its extended position, but you should provide additional support.

Though not rare this robot sells for good money in the box. It's not an early robot. It appeared as Item #802 in the Yonezawa catalog for 1967 where it's advertised as a new toy.