Hot Fresh Made Toys

Hey kids before 3D printing there was (and still is) something called injection molding.

In this process hot plastic goo is forced between two molded pieces of steel that have been “carved” into a particular shape. When the molds are released the plastic quickly cools retaining the shape of the steel mold. How cool is that?

Well it seems that a local manufacturer has a tradition of selling molded toys from Mold-A-Rama vending machines where you can witness the entire semi-magical experience right before your eyes for just few bucks.

I remember my first experience with this nearly instant delight was at the Museum of Science & Industry in the Hyde Park neighborhood on the south side. I believe at that time the end product was a small bust of Abraham Lincoln.

That location was (and probably is still) ideal because after all you are supposed to be learning about how things are made and where stuff comes from.

Half of the fun is feeling the still warm plastic and the fragrance of the in’toxic’ating aroma.

Well it seems you can still find these fresh made toys and souvenirs “hot off the press”* all around the Windy City, specifically at The Willis (Sears) Tower and Lincoln Park Zoo. So why not go on a scavenger hunt and start a collection.

These two videos will help to get you started enjoying the experience and locating a few of these simple treasures.

*actually I think this is a reference to newspapers.