Stretch Legged Stoomdorm

Back in 1981, Tomy was experimenting with several different lines of toys that used an air-powered gimmick. Each toy would have a pump that created pressure that was then used to power the toy.

One such line was Space Pets. These odd-looking robotic creatures had odd names such as:

– Fleet Footed Floomdorm
– Lurch Along Loomdorm
– High Hopping Hoomdorn
– Stretch Legged Stoomdorn

Originally this toy was released in Japan as Air Engine Machine Stakoras (?) (空気エンジンマシンスタコラス) There was a similar line called Air Mechanics (空気エンジン) which featured a car and a motorcycle.

This one we are looking at today is the Stretch Legged Stoomdorn. The box is a bit beat up but lets take a look anyway. The box is very 80s Tomy, and has a similar aesthetic to their Zoids packaging. I also like how it’s depicted in a space environment.

Instructions are a simple black and white sheet.

In its compressed form it looks like a simple machine. The large black container houses the compressed air.

The mechanism on the back regulates the air flow via a small lever. In theory, you can store the compressed air until you need it.

Once pumped up, and the switch set to the on position, the legs will expand, using that force to slowly make the toy crawl across the floor.

About half way through this Japanese video you can see it in action.

Sadly, the mechanism in mine is damaged somehow. Very few of these survive intact in the wild as the rubber gaskets inside corrode and wear out. They are an interesting footnote in Tomy’s story in the US. The line wasn’t very successful, and a second wave was never released.