So I posted a photo of my Mold-A-Rama Frankenstein in the "Blow molded junk" thread, and thought Mold-A-Rama deserved it's own thread, since there are a handful of them that are of definite interest to monster fiends.
Most of us remember Mold-A-Rama machines at local zoos, museums and theme parks offering various animal and historical statues, but some movie monster creeps and beasts were creeping within' the mix as well.
Universal Studios in Hollywood had a machine/machines many years ago which offered the Frankenstein statue, King Kong and Jaws. The Kong and Jaws were the same molds used for generic gorilla and shark statues offered at various zoos, but had King Kong and Jaws imprinted on their bases.
Frankenstein
http://www.moldaramaville.com/Mold_a_Ramas/moldaramas_Frankenstein.htm (http://www.moldaramaville.com/Mold_a_Ramas/moldaramas_Frankenstein.htm)
King Kong
http://www.moldaramaville.com/Mold_a_Ramas/moldaramas_Gorilla.htm (http://www.moldaramaville.com/Mold_a_Ramas/moldaramas_Gorilla.htm)
Jaws
http://www.moldaramaville.com/Mold_a_Ramas/moldaramas_Shark.htm (http://www.moldaramaville.com/Mold_a_Ramas/moldaramas_Shark.htm)
There is also a Frankenstein bust bank. I know this was offered as recent as a few years back at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Whether it is currently being offered, I don't know, they rotate molds in and out.
Frankenstein bank
http://www.moldaramaville.com/Mold_a_Ramas/moldaramas_Frankenstein_Bust.htm (http://www.moldaramaville.com/Mold_a_Ramas/moldaramas_Frankenstein_Bust.htm)
Another very cool piece is the Mold-A-Rama bat!
Bat
http://www.moldaramaville.com/Mold_a_Ramas/moldaramas_Bat.htm (http://www.moldaramaville.com/Mold_a_Ramas/moldaramas_Bat.htm)
How about a creepy skull....
Skull
http://www.moldaramaville.com/Mold_a_Ramas/moldaramas_Skull.htm (http://www.moldaramaville.com/Mold_a_Ramas/moldaramas_Skull.htm)
Old school robot for the sci-fi guys....
Robot
http://www.moldaramaville.com/Mold_a_Ramas/moldaramas_Space_Robot.htm (http://www.moldaramaville.com/Mold_a_Ramas/moldaramas_Space_Robot.htm)
A Jack-O-Lantern not shown at Moldaramaville...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v695/tcmhitchhiker/moldramapumpkin.jpg)
There are more outer space statues, some cool dinosaurs and tons of other stuff. Take a look through them all... http://www.moldaramaville.com/ (http://www.moldaramaville.com/)
This site has more cool Mold-A-Rama info....
http://mcdermot3.home.mindspring.com/Moldarama/index.html (http://mcdermot3.home.mindspring.com/Moldarama/index.html)
And here is the company that currently owns and operates the machines....
http://www.replicationdevices.com/about_us.html (http://www.replicationdevices.com/about_us.html)
If you have any Mold-A-Rama statues, post them!
My Frankenstein
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2766/4154262081_0fa6f815e1.jpg)
That Frankenstein mold is really cool. I saw one on ebay the other day for $10, but passed. I didn't know if the machine was still around or not.
Thanks for posting this info, Hitchhiker, it's very interesting.
Very cool. I didn't know anything about these. Guess I haven't spent enough time at zoos, museums or theme parks!
I do think I saw that Frankenstein bank one Ebay not long ago, but it was silver.
i love these, but obviously only ever find the animal ones. kind of regret passing up a whole box of aquarium themed ones i found at a flea market last year.
The company site says the first machine was at the 1964 World's Fair in NY, part of the Sinclair Oil exhibit. When I was a kid, I went to the 1968 World's Fair and there were several of them, making dinosaurs. I grew up playing with a red T-Rex and a blue Triceratops from that visit.
I got them from the St. Louis Zoo many times as a kid. They had one of the machines at the Primate House, and you could get a really cool ape that was Kong to me. I'll never forget the smell of that waxy, melted plastic. It burned your hands when it came out of the machine because it was so hot, too. I love these things.
Yes, i remember getting a Sinclair Dino from the machine at the Worlds Fair...wish i still had it. Like Andy said, they came out warm to the touch with a great cooked plastic smell!!
Oh boy I LOVE Moldarama creatures! There's a thread I started somewhere last October about the Brookfield (IL) Zoo selling four Halloween related Moldies including Frank, a Skull and I forget the other two. I'm sure they'll do it this year as well. I always keep my eyes peeled for them at flea markets, estate sales etc. Here is my modest collection. THANKS for starting this thread
Regular and auxiliary Kong:(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5105/5693923940_1c107a8aaf.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/duane-the-bathtub/5693923940/)
moldies (http://www.flickr.com/photos/duane-the-bathtub/5693923940/#) by packy120353 (http://www.flickr.com/people/duane-the-bathtub/), on Flickr
Zoo Aminulz:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5184/5693924040_d4d82798ea.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/duane-the-bathtub/5693924040/)
MVC-381S (http://www.flickr.com/photos/duane-the-bathtub/5693924040/#) by packy120353 (http://www.flickr.com/people/duane-the-bathtub/), on Flickr
Frankenstein bust (it has the mark for a coin slot but not punched out)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5693932468_a4e1316a4e.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/duane-the-bathtub/5693932468/)
MVC-456S (http://www.flickr.com/photos/duane-the-bathtub/5693932468/#) by packy120353 (http://www.flickr.com/people/duane-the-bathtub/), on Flickr
Beautiful creatures! And Ahhhhhh....the smell :) packy- do you have an alligator because I have an extra from Alligator World in Fla., if you want it.
Cool figures, Packy - I have the "waving" Ape in the top photo, but his "waving" arm broke off... come to think about it, I guess he's not a "waving" ape anymore :(... just a molderama ape who can't wave... :(
These Mold-A-Rama Frankenstein's have been going up in price for quite a while. I was going to try to get this one for a lot less than the $231.38 it sold for, so I would have it for trading stock.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/13766525984_d0d1d9a45e_z.jpg)
The ended eBay listing: http://tinyurl.com/lfakh9w (http://tinyurl.com/lfakh9w)
I already have a Blue Frank just like it. But I think mine cost me about $65.00!
My dad used to work at Sears in the 60s & they had one in the bottom floor. I think the selections would change every couple of weeks. The only one I have today is from Grauman's Chinese Theater that I got 20 years ago. It's a replica of the theater front. I really never knew if it was toxic or not, but I always loved the smell of one being made.
My folks took me to the travelling Sinclair dino show in Florida in 1966, which was originally shown at the World's Fair. I bought all of the dinosaur stuff I could get my little monsterkid hands on which included a couple of those blow mold dinos. They didn't hold up too well in my toy boxes but I replaced them a few years ago along with the ones I didn't get from before. Here's a pic I scooped off the net in lieu of dragging out the camera. I have these six plus both Brontosaurus poses. Mine are unbroken, unlike the Trike in the pic. I'm kind of a dino nut, but I think most monsterkids are.
(http://www.dinosaurcollector.150m.com/company_files/sinclairGrp.jpg)
BTW, I know Brontosaurus has been properly changed to Apatosaurus but they were Brontos when the toys came out so the toys are still properly called Brontosaurus. Marx and MPC Bronto tails don't lie, dude. It's printed right on 'em. ;) :laugh:
I remembered this older pic of my Sinclair shelf which has my blow mold dinos in it.
(http://imageshack.us/a/img17/4599/h6vi.jpg)
They will always be brontosaurus to me.
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on April 10, 2014, 04:10:25 PM
These Mold-A-Rama Frankenstein's have been going up in price for quite a while. I was going to try to get this one for a lot less than the $231.38 it sold for, so I would have it for trading stock.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/13766525984_d0d1d9a45e_z.jpg)
The ended eBay listing: http://tinyurl.com/lfakh9w (http://tinyurl.com/lfakh9w)
I already have a Blue Frank just like it. But I think mine cost me about $65.00!
I remember having one of these when I was a young little tyke (late 60s?). I'm not sure where I got it. A gift maybe? Definitely don't remember getting it out of a machine.
I have several present day ones. A friend collects them and sends along dupes to my wife and I. The other two in the Halloween set are a weird big nosed wolf man and a snow type creature? Heads only of course. Have to look in the morning.
I remember these machines when I was a little boy in the late 1960's - early 1970's. We use to go on vacation every other summer, and I lived in Maryland, and we traveled by car, down to Miami Beach (when it was still nice and safe...the good ol' days). Anyway, we would stop periodically at state-sponsored, roadside tourist rest stops. These places had little giftshops, maybe a tiny restaurant, racks of brochures for tourist destinations, and an info center. Usually, in the center of these buildings was one of these plastic molding machines. It was encased in a big clear bubble, and you could watch it make your toy. I loved these things and found them so fascinating. I remember I owned a couple of them, but the only one I distinctly remember was a green alligator. Sadly, I think I threw them all out when I got older.
I remember these in Los Angeles. They had several at Griffith Park, and I know they were there until at least the early 1980's.
Griffith Park had Frankenstein Mold a Rama's ? I thought they were only at Universal.
Quote from: ilikemonsters on April 11, 2014, 10:06:06 PM
Griffith Park had Frankenstein Mold a Rama's ? I thought they were only at Universal.
No, I would think Frankenstein's monster would have only been Universal. I was referring to the Mold-A-Rama machines.
They still have the animal ones at the LA Zoo
Quote from: Haunted hearse on April 12, 2014, 02:57:07 PM
No, I would think Frankenstein's monster would have only been Universal. I was referring to the Mold-A-Rama machines.
I think the generic Frankenstein bust banks might still be being made. They were being produced at a zoo back east as Halloween specials not too many years ago.
Funny thing about the standing Universal-style Frankenstein (with neck electrodes), I have seen them with and without "Universal" on the back of the bases. Were they made at Universal with their name, and at other venues without their name? Or are all the "Universal"-less standing Frankenstein's pirated after their official production had ceased?
I posted this over at "Vintage Monster Toys / Show Off Your Weekly Finds". I thought maybe it would fit here, too.
I missed out on a Blue Mold-A-Rama Frankenstein recently. The darned thing went for over $200.00.
A badly-listed Pink Mold-A-Rama Frankenstein popped up on eBay so I took a shot at it. I got it for $46.00 - more to my liking.
Here he is, hanging out with his brothers:
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3863/14348358612_12d636bcd5_o.jpg)
(Click on picture for full-sized image.)
All of the figures say "FRANKENSTEIN" on the base front in incised letters.
The Blue and Yellow figures' base backs say: "© UNIVERSAL
PICTURES CO., INC." in incised letters.
The Pink and the Red figures' base backs say: "© UNIVERSAL
PICTURES CO." in incised letters.
The Green figure's base back says: "UNIVERSAL STUDIOS" in raised letters.
The Black figure's base back is blank. It was produced after the official Universal Park run, by a Mold-A-Rama machine owner as part of a VERY limited test run. Except for the color and the fact that the back of the base is blank, it is identical to the others.
Any members have other variations on their Moldy Franks?
I have yet to get one of these guys. Thats weird they have different markings, figured they would all be the same. They look great together, wonder how many possible colors there are out there?
I'd like to know more about these figures.
1. What UMA members remember seeing these machines at Universal?
2. What year(s) did you see them?
I know these Universal Studios Standing Frankenstein figures are rare. Just try to find photos of them on the Internet.
Here is one dedicated Mold-A-Rama figures collector's collection including his Frankenstein:
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/54/111748506_095273b379_o.jpg)
(Click on picture to see full-sized image.)
Wow! That fellow's Mold-A-Rama collection is awesome!
You certainly have him beat in the Frankenstein department though. And it looks like Frankensteins in orange, purple, white, and several more shades of green and blue anyway might exist for you to try to add to your present collection.
:)
A couple more known Standing Frankenstein colors:
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3870/14174266307_c6d7cda764_b.jpg)
Green -(Avocado)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5526/14360657005_a888a2aa46_b.jpg)
Grey - Seen on eBay in 2008.
Adam, what do you mean by "standing" Frankenstein ? I'm not that familiar with these.
Quote from: Rockshasa on April 11, 2014, 12:50:31 PM
I remember these machines when I was a little boy in the late 1960's - early 1970's. We use to go on vacation every other summer, and I lived in Maryland, and we traveled by car, down to Miami Beach (when it was still nice and safe...the good ol' days). Anyway, we would stop periodically at state-sponsored, roadside tourist rest stops. These places had little giftshops, maybe a tiny restaurant, racks of brochures for tourist destinations, and an info center. Usually, in the center of these buildings was one of these plastic molding machines. It was encased in a big clear bubble, and you could watch it make your toy. I loved these things and found them so fascinating. I remember I owned a couple of them, but the only one I distinctly remember was a green alligator. Sadly, I think I threw them all out when I got older.
My family took the Florida jaunt every summer from TN down to the Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater area then across to Daytona Beach and back through Brunswick, GA. We always stopped at the big gift shops on the way down, Stuckeys was a fave, then we had to hit the Florida welcome center to get the latest brochures and that free orange juice ;D. I picked up a Mold-A-Rama alligator at Silver Springs one year. It's still with me and resides unscathed in one of my monster/dinosaur shelves. Once in awhile you see these blow mold pieces at antique malls. They seem to trend in the $20 range if in nice condition.
Quote from: Mord on June 06, 2014, 05:16:13 PM
Adam, what do you mean by "standing" Frankenstein ? I'm not that familiar with these.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/13766525984_d0d1d9a45e_z.jpg)
This was called a "Standing Frankenstein" by someone years ago and the name has kinda stuck.
It could just as easily have been named a "full-bodied Frankenstein" or the "Universal Frankenstein", since that seems to be the only official place it was ever produced. At 7" tall, it is a little large as Mold-A-Rama figures go so it takes more plastic to produce. It is also a
licensed item. Therefore, it cost $1.00 to buy from the machine. It is quite scarce.
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2929/14176268659_a73266fb2a.jpg)
This is commonly known as the "Frankenstein Bank", although it is often also referred to a "Frankenstein Bust".
Even though it is not very big, it comes with an uncut slot in the back for coins. It is a typical, small Mold-A-Rama figure at about 3" tall, that takes less plastic to produce and is not licensed. It originally cost only 25¢ to purchase from a machine. It is still being produced in lots of different colors. It seems to be a favorite for a few zoos that do night time tours around Halloween. The holiday gives them an excuse to extend their normal operating hours and show off their nocturnal animals. It is pretty common.
Hope I was clear and this is helpful.
Adam, as usual, you gave me a wealth of information. Now I'm going to start hunting for a standing Frankenstein. Thanks again.
Quote from: Mord on June 06, 2014, 09:02:41 PM
Adam, as usual, you gave me a wealth of information. Now I'm going to start hunting for a standing Frankenstein. Thanks again.
Just for you:
Here are pictures of the Mold-A-Rama machines that churned out the Frankenstein figures.
The Universal Studios machines:
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3878/14417965035_75105b4141_o.jpg)
(Click on picture for full-sized image.)
There are 3 separate machines side-by-side. One each for the Standing Frankenstein, King Kong and Bruce from "Jaws".
The Frankenstein Bank machine:
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5318/14417965045_8f9524ebe9_b.jpg)
If the signs are to be believed, the un-licensed Frankenstein Bank was also sold at the studio.
_______________________________________
I assume these vending machines were bought and maintained by independent owners who rented space at whatever venues would accept them. Then they would pay a small percentage of actual receipts. Add to that, the Standing Frankensteins were licensed, and Universal would get an even larger cut from their sales.
I have been told that these large, cumbersome machines were prone to breakdowns and occasionally spitting out a deformed toy. That meant an attendant had to be on hand to give out one of the pre-made toys to disappointed customers. That must have added a great deal to daily operation costs. No wonder the Universal Studios park exclusive Standing Frankensteins had a much shorter run.
When you add in the fact that many of the old Standing Frankensteins seem to suffer from vertical cracks in their legs, it is not surprising so few have survived.
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on June 14, 2014, 04:10:01 AMI have been told that these large, cumbersome machines....
But the sheer size of the machines would have made them even more difficult for a kid to resist!
;)
Quote from: Hepcat on June 14, 2014, 10:00:36 AM
But the sheer size of the machines would have made them even more difficult for a kid to resist!
;)
Kids would love them - especially monsterkids. They look like something that would belong in a mad doctor's laboratory.
A couple years ago a seller offered this Mold-A-Rama mold on eBay:
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3912/14424055892_4173b113ba_b.jpg)
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3846/14238753890_f86b63928e_b.jpg)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5118/14424220744_e106d3b8c0_b.jpg)
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3902/14238753900_faba524085_b.jpg)
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3858/14424055122_c2ddddde95_b.jpg)
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3903/14422005371_6954c21ce0_o.jpg)
Note that the back of the base has the unusual single "UNIVERSAL STUDIOS" line that I found on my Green Standing Frankenstein.
The eBay seller was asking a lot of money for the mold, so I believe it went unsold. It was a lot of money even if it could have been put back in use. But, of course, Universal would come knocking on the door of anyone who attempted that.
And then you'd have to have one of the very expensive Mold-A-Rama machines, and know how to maintain it.
Man, I wanted this at the time!
Wow, how much was he asking for the molds? That's a nice little piece of history to own.
Quote from: Mord on June 15, 2014, 01:03:51 PM
Wow, how much was he asking for the molds? That's a nice little piece of history to own.
I seem to remember he wanted 9 or 10 thousand. (I could be wrong.)
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on June 15, 2014, 01:05:51 PM
I seem to remember he wanted 9 or 10 thousand. (I could be wrong.)
Ok, I would have been out too at that price. Maybe Kirk Hammett...
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on June 15, 2014, 01:05:51 PM
I seem to remember he wanted 9 or 10 thousand. (I could be wrong.)
I believe you are correct.
The "standing" franks are fantastic. I would love to snag one eventually.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Great thread too
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The Mold A Rama Frankenstein bank is still in production at several zoos in the Eastern U.S. here are the Halloween ones for 2013
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t1.0-9/s526x296/542113_388804754520442_1757054473_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t1.0-9/p235x350/560716_443620845675762_217264544_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1.0-9/s526x296/1069226_408555055937077_678527101_n.jpg)
Brookfield Zoo, Illinois Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa, Florida
I really want that Franken-bank and Skull
Nice to know. The last time I saw a Mold-A-Rama machine in person was 20 years ago in front of Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood.
Quote from: ravenloft on July 31, 2014, 10:42:04 AM
The Mold A Rama Frankenstein bank is still in production at several zoos in the Eastern U.S. here are the Halloween ones for 2013
I really want that Franken-bank and Skull
Oh man! Those are wild!
cl:)
brief history of mold o rama article, no mention of high priced frankensteins
http://mentalfloss.com/article/55241/brief-history-mold-rama (http://mentalfloss.com/article/55241/brief-history-mold-rama)
Quote from: ravenloft on July 31, 2014, 10:42:04 AM
The Mold A Rama Frankenstein bank is still in production at several zoos in the Eastern U.S. here are the Halloween ones for 2013
It looks like these current ones would be for sale by someone online. I Googled it and checked eBay and found nobody selling these new ones, just highly priced older ones. Too bad the Mold-A-Rama company doesn't sell these through their website. They have a Store link but it is under construction. I would buy all of those monster themed ones if they were priced reasonably.
interesting info on the Franskenstein bank from the 60's plus photos of the machine (list as for sale!) and the molds themselves
http://www.moldville.com/08--frankenstein-bank.html (http://www.moldville.com/08--frankenstein-bank.html)
I am trying to contact this guy seems he is a retired attorney or something, maybe he has something of interest lying around for us monster collectors.
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on June 05, 2014, 12:55:03 AM
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3863/14348358612_12d636bcd5_o.jpg)
(Click on picture for full-sized image.)
I added a few more Franks to my collection:
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5803/22822722553_2d87eecbbe_o.jpg)
(Click on picture to see full-sized image.)
We can add Purple to known colors.
Soooo cool!
Love these! My fav!
Someone took pictures while making their Frankenstein Head figure and posted them:
http://www.danimalcrossing.com/mold-a-rama-frankenstein-head-review/ (http://www.danimalcrossing.com/mold-a-rama-frankenstein-head-review/)
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on September 18, 2016, 02:15:02 PM
Someone took pictures while making their Frankenstein Head figure and posted them:
http://www.danimalcrossing.com/mold-a-rama-frankenstein-head-review/ (http://www.danimalcrossing.com/mold-a-rama-frankenstein-head-review/)
Gotta love the internet! ;D Thanks for sharing.
holy crap on a cracker Mold a Rama just opened an online store for old molds. here is hoping for the Frankensteins to pop up there eventually!
"Mold-A-Rama Inc, is excited to announce the launching of our online store! This store is currently for molds that are no longer in production, due to swapping out of molds or changing colors. Therefore, please note there are limited quantities to purchase. We will be adding new selections, and are looking forward to Mold-A-Rama wear! Please be patient with us as we work out any bugs. Any suggestions, questions, or complaints please pm us through facebook or email moldman(*at*)mold-a-rama.com."
http://www.mold-a-rama.com/index.php?p=1_14_Store (http://www.mold-a-rama.com/index.php?p=1_14_Store)
Quote from: ravenloft on November 10, 2016, 11:10:44 PM
holy crap on a cracker Mold a Rama just opened an online store for old molds. here is hoping for the Frankensteins to pop up there eventually!...
The site is also announcing any "currently in-production" figures being produced that they are aware of. If you know of any, let them know so they can add them to their list. Together, maybe we can raise awareness and interest in these figures. If so, it might be possible to have them more available in the future.
Maybe someone will buy a Standing Frankenstein mold and start putting out short runs of colors that have never been produced before.
We could end up with a proliferation to rival the 6" Marx reproductions.
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on December 01, 2015, 12:33:15 PM
I added a few more Franks to my collection:
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5803/22822722553_2d87eecbbe_o.jpg)
(Click on picture to see full-sized image.) ...
Added some more and got a better camera. The colors on these are much more accurate:
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1836/29119062588_d2b7c7031b_h.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/896/28123115367_3b321a4cb5_h.jpg)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1797/41181166280_2e2b16ce20_b.jpg)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1823/28123112287_25ea03a755_h.jpg)
Still looking for
Orange,
White and
Grey (or Silver)
Haven't seen Orange or White, yet; but I know that Grey is out there.
Amazing (not to mention colorful) collection!
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on June 24, 2018, 07:51:26 PM
Added some more and got a better camera. The colors on these are much more accurate:
Even more incredible!
If anybody gives me any crap about collecting variations, I'll refer them to you and this picture. ;D
Quote from: Mike Scott on June 25, 2018, 07:49:30 AM
If anybody gives me any crap about collecting variations, I'll refer them to you and this picture. ;D
I
love variations.
I hate
manufactured rarities where the maker produces an edition of just 50 glow-in-the-dark, silver screen, etc. examples of a regular toy and sets the price at 10 times the cost of the common item. Some chase pieces are OK, if the price spread is fairly small.
Kids used to delight in collecting error baseball cards. Topps decided to deliberately issue a few "error" cards each year, to drive up interest in collecting - an prices. Screw that.
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on June 25, 2018, 08:23:18 AM
I hate manufactured rarities where the maker produces an edition of just 50 glow-in-the-dark, silver screen, etc. examples of a regular toy and sets the price at 10 times the cost of the common item.
Naturally, I don't care for the higher prices, either.
I remember these 'Mold-a-Rama' machines! Man, I was a toddler when I last saw one. They're sort of reminiscent of these beauties, personal favorites of mine:
(http://i66.tinypic.com/ndwfpx.jpg)
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2m4xbw0.jpg)
Side note: Speaking of molded/mono-colored monster figures, what about the ones with swappable heads? (And maybe other swappable parts?) My brother gave me a few many years ago. Much larger than the typical Palmer/playset scale if memory serves, and I vaguely recall a witch, skeleton, and maybe an executioner - ?
Does anyone know these monsters?
Quote from: Ugly_Thing on June 25, 2018, 10:04:41 AM
Side note: Speaking of molded/mono-colored monster figures, what about the ones with swappable heads? (And maybe other swappable parts?) My brother gave me a few many years ago. Much larger than the typical Palmer/playset scale if memory serves, and I vaguely recall a witch, skeleton, and maybe an executioner - ?
MPC Pop Top Horrors.
(http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/allhallowsday/MPCPOPTOPHORRORScarded1sz50pct_zpsd876b300.jpg)
Quote from: Mike Scott on June 25, 2018, 10:45:27 AM
MPC Pop Top Horrors.
(http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/allhallowsday/MPCPOPTOPHORRORScarded1sz50pct_zpsd876b300.jpg)
Ooooo, yes, I even remember the packaging now!! (Though his were in individual baggies, as I recall.) I love this multipack. Some interesting, atypical choices....if only
more (insect, reptilian, supernatural) monsters were available it'd be a near-prefect range!
I'll be needing the full set, of course. ;D
I'm READY for Pop Top Horrors 2018: Sun Demon! She Beast! Tor Johnson! From Hell it Came! It! I Married a Monster From Outer Space! The Thing! London After Midnight!
Quote from: Ugly_Thing on June 25, 2018, 11:11:11 AM
I'm READY for Pop Top Horrors 2018: Sun Demon! She Beast! Tor Johnson! From Hell it Came! It! I Married a Monster From Outer Space! The Thing! London After Midnight!
I'll take some of those! :)
Here's a baggy one.
(http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=172)
Quote from: Ugly_Thing on June 25, 2018, 11:11:11 AM
Ooooo, yes, I even remember the packaging now!! (Though his were in individual baggies, as I recall.) I love this multipack. Some interesting, atypical choices....if only more (insect, reptilian, supernatural) monsters were available it'd be a near-prefect range!
I'll be needing the full set, of course. ;D
I'm READY for Pop Top Horrors 2018: Sun Demon! She Beast! Tor Johnson! From Hell it Came! It! I Married a Monster From Outer Space! The Thing! London After Midnight!
Oh I am right with you there buddy. I have wished for years for more of the single color monsters in cool crazy colors.
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on June 25, 2018, 08:23:18 AMKids used to delight in collecting error baseball cards. Topps decided to deliberately issue a few "error" cards each year, to drive up interest in collecting - an prices. Screw that.
I think you may be wrong about that. Baseball card dealers were surprised in the 1980s when they found that card collectors weren't interested in error cards, a situation very much unlike that which prevailed in postage stamps.
:-\
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on June 24, 2018, 07:51:26 PM
Added some more and got a better camera. The colors on these are much more accurate:
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1836/29119062588_d2b7c7031b_h.jpg)
Beyond awesome!
8)
Quote from: Hepcat on July 09, 2018, 12:58:18 PM
Beyond awesome!
8)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1836/29119062588_d2b7c7031b_h.jpg)
Needs Orange.
Badly! A very serious deficiency to be sure. Hopefully you address it.
C:)
Pic of some of my Sinclair stuff. The large dinos facing the camera are Mold-A-Rama pieces:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b552/horrorhunter/SinclairStuff_zpsqw4cv1z2.jpg)
In 1966 my family, while on a Florida vacation, ran across the travelling Sinclair dino exhibit that was originally at the World's Fair. They had several MAR dinos prebagged and my parents bought me a bag. MAR figures don't hold up well to kid-play so those didn't survive the Toybox Wars of the '60s. I replenished my collection through eBay a few years ago.
More of my MAR stuff:
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1887/30564485638_523a90892b_b.jpg)
The gator on the far left was purchased from a MAR machine by kid-me on a Florida trip in the '60s. It's from the Reptile Zoo in St. Petersburg. The others I bought off eBay a few years ago. The other gator is marked "Florida Turnpike". The dino is a newer version of the Sinclair Brontosaurus. It's a little smaller and marked "Apatosaurus". Love the deep blue color on that one. :)
I have a small collection I REALLY want to get rid of, Mostly old prehistoric creatures and Wild Cats.
E=mail me if interested . They are just taking out space.
The Standing Frankenstein Mold-A-Rama figures haven't been regularly produced for many years. The only one I know of was a Black figure that a Mold-A-Rama machine owner made while doing a test run of his baby. By his count, he made just 12 that he sold at cost to other machine owners. (He sold me one because I had shown so much interest in his hobby.)
So, virtually all of the Standers out there are vintage. These figures are VERY fragile and getting scarcer by the day. Still... the prices on them seem to be getting pretty stiff.
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7880/46754800312_74604e1f89_b.jpg)
Glad I collected mine back when the cost was a lot less.
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on January 19, 2019, 09:00:18 PM
Glad I collected mine back when the cost was a lot less.
You betcha! That's a lot of dough for a little piece of plastic! :o
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on January 19, 2019, 09:00:18 PMThese figures are VERY fragile and getting scarcer by the day. Still... the prices on them seem to be getting pretty stiff.
Fragile? You mean they're brittle and thus prone to breaking/shattering? Is that now typical of all Mold-A-Rama figures?
???
Quote from: Hepcat on February 05, 2019, 09:28:35 AM
Fragile? You mean they're brittle and thus prone to breaking/shattering? Is that now typical of all Mold-A-Rama figures?
???
It is typical of the Standing Frankensteins. The tend to get vertical cracks - especially in the base and lower legs. I always thought stress lines were formed when the plastic was pushed into the mold through the two holes in the base. Maybe exposure to sunshine weakens them over the years, too.
Never noticed it in other castings.
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on February 05, 2019, 10:33:11 AMIt is typical of the Standing Frankensteins. The tend to get vertical cracks - especially in the base and lower legs. I always thought stress lines were formed when the plastic was pushed into the mold through the two holes in the base. Maybe exposure to sunshine weakens them over the years, too.
Never noticed it in other castings.
Interesting! So it's not the case of there being a deficiency in the plastic compound employed. There's actually a flaw in the design of the Frankenstein sculpt or mold.
:-\
Quote from: TCM Hitchhiker on December 04, 2009, 02:12:40 AM
So I posted a photo of my Mold-A-Rama Frankenstein in the "Blow molded junk" thread, and thought Mold-A-Rama deserved it's own thread, since there are a handful of them that are of definite interest to monster fiends.
Most of us remember Mold-A-Rama machines at local zoos, museums and theme parks offering various animal and historical statues, but some movie monster creeps and beasts were creeping within' the mix as well.
Frankenstein
King Kong
Jaws
Frankenstein bank
Bat
Skull
Robot
And here is the company that currently owns and operates the machines....
http://www.replicationdevices.com/about_us.html (http://www.replicationdevices.com/about_us.html)
I like the Jack-O-Lantern and the Bat the best!
(https://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/General%20Album%203001/Bat_zpsklmqcuzg.jpg)
8)
Hey, look!
Jeff Dunham has a Mold-A-Rama machine.
This guy has every toy he has ever loved - even big stuff like this.
https://youtu.be/UbjmiwCgOs8
_____________________________________________________
If you wanted to watch the rest of his work on the new character:
https://youtu.be/4xWLIaDyMG0
The man's in show biz and doesn't know how cameras work!
There's currently a Frankenstein Mold-A-Rama machine at Universal Studios Florida in their Halloween Horror Nights tribute store. I made one this afternoon. I've never seen a Mold-A-Rama in the wild before, so it was pretty cool watching it do it's thing.
It says Frankenstein in debossed letters on the front of the base, and Universal Studios in embossed letters on the back of the base. Pretty nifty little collectible. Could this possibly be one of the same molds previously used at Universal Studios Hollywood?
-Andy
Quote from: Sleepyhollowstudios on September 14, 2020, 09:10:25 PM
There's currently a Frankenstein Mold-A-Rama machine at Universal Studios Florida in their Halloween Horror Nights tribute store .... ... Could this possibly be one of the same molds previously used at Universal Studios Hollywood? -Andy
Sure is. They've put an old mold back in service - and at the 2nd best place for it. (1st best would have been the Hollywood studio.)
Sure makes the collector price of the vintage Green Franks shaky. These new Franks have plastic that has not spent 40-50 years drying out and are a lot stronger. Some of the old ones are
really fragile.
Cool! Good to know. Neat little piece of history!
-Andy
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on September 14, 2020, 09:44:05 PM
Sure is. They've put an old mold back in service - and at the 2nd best place for it. (1st best would have been the Hollywood studio.)
Sure makes the collector price of the vintage Green Franks shaky. These new Franks have plastic that has not spent 40-50 years drying out and are a lot stronger. Some of the old ones are really fragile.
Any word on colors available? You might be able to expand your collection. Sorry about the value of the originals.
I for one hope some enterprising chap resells theirs on Ebay, I simply cannot afford a plane ticket, park pass, hotel, and exposure to Covid-19 by the droves of careless Floridians and worldwide tourists...but I could afford a new mold o rama frank even at triple the park price I would suspect.
Edit. looks like light green and dark green standing Frankensteins at least. I bought two just now. Plus the skull and devil and frankenstein bust bank plus an orange pumpkin which I doubt is a vintage mold but still very cool.
Quote from: ravenloft on October 03, 2020, 10:15:51 PMlooks like light green and dark green standing Frankensteins at least. I bought two just now. Plus the skull and devil and frankenstein bust bank plus an orange pumpkin which I doubt is a vintage mold but still very cool.
Are you saying that more than just a Frankenstein figure is available from the new old Mold-A-Rama machine at Universal Studios Florida?
???
Quote from: Hepcat on October 04, 2020, 01:42:47 PM
Are you saying that more than just a Frankenstein figure is available from the new old Mold-A-Rama machine at Universal Studios Florida?
???
The Frankenstein head bank, devil, and skull that are the vintage molds are available from a Chicago area zoo,
The standing frankenstein and a pumpkin that is similar but not the same as vintage (evil instead of smiley) is available at Universal.
Going to Universal next week! I've already have told the wife to be prepared for the "I want another one!"
Has anyone noted in-person variations in the green color that was being issued this year?
I haven't seen any difference that couldn't be accounted for by different cameras, monitors or lighting. Apparent colors can vary greatly under natural light or with the addition of flash lighting.
Too bad they didn't come up with some sort of branding (for the bottom) that would indicate source and year of issue.
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on October 09, 2020, 03:00:38 PM
Has anyone noted in-person variations in the green color that was being issued this year?
I haven't seen any difference that couldn't be accounted for by different cameras, monitors or lighting. Apparent colors can vary greatly under natural light or with the addition of flash lighting.
Too bad they didn't come up with some sort of branding (for the bottom) that would indicate source and year of issue.
Just got my three in the mail (one for my twin brother) from Ebay today.
I actually bought the third because it looked to me like a different shade of green.
I was right, I now have one olive green version and two christmas pine green versions.
There is yet another listing that looks lime green, looks different much lighter and brighter color than the two colors I have.
No date markings of any kind on the bottom or anywhere else and the Universal studios letters on the back are slightly partially obscured (not imprinted completely) on all three, while the front Frankenstein is clearly legible.
I assume all three are from this year as this is the first we have heard of it. The pumpkin is also from Universal Studios Florida Horror Nights, while the red skull is from the Brookfield Zoo.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50462017463_69c57f170d_h.jpg)
Yeah, the indistinct lettering on the back seems to be on all of this year's Standing Frankensteins.
I also paid three times their worth with shipping considering they sell for 6 bucks at the park. I just checked the listings and they are already even more expensive online going for 24-30 now. Still better than a plane and park ticket and hotel price I suppose.
Are you going to get one or do you only collect the vintage color variations?
I got one of the new ones, too.
Just got home from Universal. Those machines are awesome! Got 2 the first day there (Frank and Pumpkin)
Went back the next day to get more for some Christmas presents. Frank on Day 1 they were a lighter green, day 2 a dark green. So of course we had to get 1 on day 3! It is a little in between the 2 greens! Haha pumpkin was orange.
Hopefully they move these machines into the Monster Cafe when it reopens. Such a great souvenir for $6 bucks!
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on October 12, 2020, 02:26:12 PMI got one of the new ones, too.
You need to get one in each different colour though!
;)
I just added another standing Frank today. It is not quite like from the others. See if you can spot the difference:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51562191227_8f4b1b6f22_z.jpg)
Hint: It is not the fact that the name Frankenstein does not appear on the base.
V
V
V
V
V
V
Don't see it? How about now?
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51562982001_af8f239da7_c.jpg)
FRANKENSTEIN - Mold-A-Rama - 5⅜ in. - Brookfield Zoo, Chicago, Illinois - October, 2021 - B
That's right campers, someone has made a new mold and these are currently on sale as a Halloween item.
Can't make to Chicago? eBay seller tunataim sold me mine. Check his listings https://tinyurl.com/395eak9c for any future offerings.
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on October 07, 2021, 06:51:42 PM
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51562982001_af8f239da7_c.jpg)
FRANKENSTEIN - Mold-A-Rama - 5⅜ in. - Brookfield Zoo, Chicago, Illinois - October, 2021 - B
That's right campers, someone has made a new mold and these are currently on sale as a Halloween item.
Can't make to Chicago? eBay seller tunataim sold me mine. Check his listings https://tinyurl.com/395eak9c for any future offerings.
Thanks for the heads up and seller info, mine is on the way. Orange MiniFrank will soon stand by his two taller green brothers. I don't have a rainbow of waxy frank options like you do.
My buddy is moving to Florida and while he was there during Oct. finalizing his housing he managed to get me a green pumpkin with a happy face and a grayish purple frankenstein head coin bank from Universal Studios, both have Universal Studios imprinted around the back of the base in raised letters. The pumpkin is lacking the Halloween Horror Nights lettering on the front of my scary face orange pumpkin from a previous year.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51723946653_d201315748_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mNEKiF)
Quote from: ravenloft on December 04, 2021, 10:00:09 AM
Thanks for the heads up and seller info, mine is on the way. Orange MiniFrank will soon stand by his two taller green brothers. ...
Now that a new mold has been made, look for future issues in additional colors for following Halloweens. It has become a tradition to have the Mold-A-Rama machines at a couple zoos every year.
I like the fact that they are smaller and easily distinguished from the vintage toys.
It's Back!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52411283536_1c0490d843_c.jpg)
FRANKENSTEIN - Mold-A-Rama - Standing Frankenstein - 5⅜ in. - Green - Brookfield Zoo - Made 2022
The Zoo has brought back the smaller Moldy again this year. Unlike last year's Orange model, this one is Green.
Here is a glimpse of the machine being used at the Zoo:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52411759560_1d0370bc9b_c.jpg)
MOLD-A-RAMA - Machine - Making Standing Frankenstein - Brookfield Zoo, 2022 - A
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52411826613_cbddc0027b_c.jpg)
MOLD-A-RAMA - Machine - Making Standing Frankenstein - Brookfield Zoo, 2022 - B
In case you live too far from the zoo and want to save the admission price, here is a reliable source for a figure:
https://tinyurl.com/46tdxy9e
The seller just sells these on eBay to defray the cost of his annual zoo pass. I've dealt with him before. Nice guy.
Someone shared this on FB.
(https://i.postimg.cc/RCkC08ZK/Screenshot-20221007-180011.jpg)
Quote from: Dr.Terror on October 07, 2022, 05:03:41 PM
Someone shared this on FB. ...
Oh, that would be cool.
If only someone would make Mold-A-Rama molds for all the Universal Monsters - and install machines at Universal Studios!
Ask him where he got it.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52444783248_11c05fe1d5_b.jpg)
FRANKENSTEIN - Mold-A-Rama - Zoo Miniatures - 5⅜"
Grey - Milwaukee Zoo, 2020
Orange - Brookfield Zoo, 2021
Green (Dark) - Brookfield Zoo, 2022
Shown here with a few vintage 7" examples.
Sorry for the lousy picture. The only real way to capture detail is by photographing them individually so lighting can be adjusted for each color - but I wanted to show them side-by-side.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53155616071_fb03b0af91_b.jpg)
BRIDE - Figure - Mold-A-Rama - Universal Studios - Florida theme park, 2023
This was obviously introduced for the 2023 Halloween Horror Nights, but it is already showing up on eBay.
By-the-way, Universal has raised the price of their Mold-A-Rama figures to $8.00 this year.
Beautiful. Would love to get one.
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on August 31, 2023, 05:30:32 PM
Universal has raised the price of their Mold-A-Rama figures to $8.00 this year.
How much are they asking on eBay?
Quote from: Mike Scott on August 31, 2023, 06:31:21 PM
How much are they asking on eBay?
$26.00 shipped.
Only see one seller so far. Price should drop when he has competition.
There is also a Mummy...and it's Kharis.😁
(https://i.postimg.cc/wjq6GHtt/s-l1600-39.jpg)
Did they use Johnny Bench as a model for the mummy?
Here is a picture from another eBay listing:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53164431912_fffea259c3_c.jpg)
http://tinyurl.com/5n7bwpbu
Looks like the Bride might come in two different colors - But how about the extra detail?
I think just the one color. The listing I got this from was white, but he's a light tan. Think its just the photo.
I love that it's Kharis. Sure hope they do Wolf and Phantom next year. Only complain it's smaller than Frank. Isnt the Creature small also?
(https://i.postimg.cc/QdpNQTKn/received-831090418593076.jpg)