Major-1 Robot
I discovered the Major-1 Robot™ early in 2018, while I was doing research on 1950s & 60s toys for a project I was planning. Though it looked similar to toy robots from my youth, it was actually a brand new collectible toy.
I went to the website link to learn more about what looked to me like a cool toy robot from a small toy company. I soon learned that Major-1 was the brainchild of a man named RON ROMANO. Ron had been frustrated by the toys of today and longed to see the kind that reminded him of the toys he had as a kid. So Ron set out on a mission: to design and produce a toy that he would have loved as a kid. A toy that could capture the imagination and return one to a simpler, perhaps more innocent time.
Impressed by what I'd read, I contacted Ron and asked if I could share his website with an on-line toy robot collector's group I belong to and he said 'yes'. I hoped it would result in at least a few sales for his new venture, which it did. Ron called to thank me and, in a very generous gesture, told me that he was sending me a free Major-1 Robot™ in appreciation.
I didn't expect anything for helping him "spread the word" about his robot; I just liked the robot and the message he was trying to convey. But I gratefully accepted his offer and got the robot a few days later.
In return, I designed a "Charging Station" accessory to display the robot in. I designed it so that I could laser cut it fairly quickly and inexpensively and send it to Ron for his own robot. A surprised Ron loved the design and we soon agreed, having already hit-it-off when we spoke on the phone, that we would try selling the Charging Station as an official Major-1 accessory.
The more we talked, the more the ideas came pouring out. Soon, one accessory grew into an entire Playset, with me designing some pieces, and Ron others. We worked very hard to capture not only the look and feel of toys from the 60s, but also, to some degree, the contruction methods. Toys of that period commonly used stickers for detailing and they certainly didn't have all of the electronic bells-and-whistles that toys have now; you had to actually use your imagination.
Our sincere hope is that the playset will appeal to other collectors who also feel nostalgic for the toys of their youth, but also are keen to have something new and different; something only a privilaged few will likely ever have.
The Major-1 Robot™
The Major-1 Robot™, designed and created by Ron Romano. Approximately 7.5" tall with lights and motorized for forward or reverse motion.
Charging Station
I came up with the Charging Station as a way to display the Major-1 when he was "between missions". I wanted something that looked intricate but was really a simple structure with stickers for additional "detail".
Space Sled
My original intention for this piece was for it to be a ramp leading to a command deck. But the more we looked at it, the more sled-like it appeared, so we changed to to that.
Computer Banks
For the Computer Banks I used old 1950s and 60s computers, like the IBM 705, Burroughs B205 Tape Drive and UNIVAC as a starting point, then combined elements from each along with original details.
Monitor Screen
For this one I tried to capture the look of something that might have appeared on "Lost in Space" (the original). Like the STV, it also has an open frame design and a place to hold space or other pictures.
Space-Time Visualizer
I designed the STV with an open screen and a carriage in the back to hold several pictures of outer space, historic scenes, etc. One can change the scene by simply shuffling through the pictures.
The Command Center Playset
Here is the entire playset complete with robots and added embellishments. All pieces were assembled and painted by Ron Romano.
The Command Center Playset
The playset displayed at night with robots and lighted additions. Playset tower built and painted by Ron Romano.
Major-1 Takes Flight!
The Major-1 Robot™ soars throught the cosmos in his own flying saucer. Flying saucer created entirely by hand by Ron Romano.