The 1985 IDEAL Toy Fair Catalog gave readers glimpses of an exciting line-up of action figures and other toys. After its founding in 1903, IDEAL invested its resources into creating run and exciting toys. The company hit its stride in the 1980s after the Rubik’s Cube became one of the top-selling products. Thus, dealers, retailers, and other vendors looked forward to the newest line-up of action figures and other toys.
One of the toy lines that appeared in the 1985 Toy Fair catalog was the Robo Force. These action figures debuted in 1984, introducing the world to Maxx Steele and his team. These simple robot designs harkened to the classic designs from the 1950s and 1960s, and thus, they became a beloved part of the 1980s childhood.
IDEAL also marketed an inventive toy line that embraced the love for creepy crawlies and more. Rocks & Bugs & Things featured insect action figures of the likes never seen before. This toy line also featured transforming rocks that became hideous creatures.
Otherwise, this Toy Fair Catalog featured licensed toys like a Knight Rider race set. With its large selection of toys, this catalog was certain to catch the toy industry’s attention.
Wheeljack’s Lab proudly presents high-definition scans of the 1985 IDEAL Toy Fair Catalog, which featured Robo Force, Knight Rider, and more.
Explore the pages of the 1985 IDEAL Toy Fair Catalog
Do you have old and used IDEAL toys or Toy Fair catalogs?
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About Our IDEAL Catalog Scans
IDEAL handed out catalogs to attendees of toy fairs and other events, such as dealers and retailers, to promote their upcoming slate of products. Each catalog contained information about the company’s newest toys, even ones still in development. Thus, companies often included first looks at action figures, playsets, vehicles, etc. Therefore, they have become valuable and rare collector’s items.
These IDEAL Toy Fair Catalogs featured toys from their beloved lines. For instance, the company created the Manglors, creatures built to be stretched and mangled. IDEAL also produced the Robo Force toy line in the 1980s, which featured Maxx Steele. There were also the Living Legends of the Old West, a line featuring characters like The Lone Ranger.
IDEAL used in-production prototypes in their images as these catalogs were prepared before the lines were released. This meant that the featured toys often differed from the retail releases. Moreover, toys sometimes appeared only on these catalog pages, as they were canceled or never hit retail store shelves.
While IDEAL only handed these booklets out to trade professionals, we have now made them available to all. You can explore the toys featured in these catalogs with our IDEAL Toy Fair Catalog Scans. This is a rare treat since catalogs like these have become increasingly difficult to locate with each passing year.