Released by Remco in 1957, Big Max and his Electronic Conveyor introduced children to the concept of automated conveyor belt systems through a battery-operated robot that moved metal ingots from storage bins onto a waiting truck.
Constructed of high-impact plastic and measuring 12 x 12 x 8 ¼-inches high, the toy operated on four D-batteries and featured a 5 ½-inch tall robot figure called Big Max. Equipped with “powerful magnetic hands,” Max could pick up metal ingots from nearby bins and place them onto a conveyor belt for transport to the bed of a waiting truck.
Children controlled Max using a series of controls on the front of the toy. A knob rotated him 360 degrees in either direction, while a lever activated his electromagnetic hands. A green light on top of his head illuminated when the electromagnet was operating.
Once Max was positioned, the Arm Lift lever lowered him to pick up one or more metal ingots. After depositing them on the conveyor belt, children could operate the Conveyor control to move the belt forward or in reverse, carrying the load toward a truck positioned at either end.
Big Max and his Electronic Conveyor remained on store shelves for three years.
COLLECTOR CONSIDERATIONS
Big Max and his Electronic Conveyor can be found on the secondary market in varying condition. Collectors should look for examples with a functioning conveyor, electromagnetic hands, and operating controls. The metal ingots and truck are important components of the toy’s play pattern, while the battery compartment should be examined for corrosion or other damage caused by batteries left inside the unit over time.
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