Stuff You Should Know

Selects: What Is A Mold-A-Rama?

December 6, 2025

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  • The Mold-A-Rama is an on-demand injection blow-molded plastic toy dispenser, which debuted at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair and was a major hit at the 1964 New York World's Fair. 
  • The machines, built between 1962 and 1969, are surprisingly still operational today, often requiring outdoor placement due to the fumes from the hot, molten plastic used in the process. 
  • The inventor of the plastic figurines that preceded the Mold-A-Rama, J.H. Miller (Tyke), was also ahead of his time by inventing a can recycling machine called the Golden Goat years before the environmental movement gained traction. 

Segments

Sponsor Messages and Introduction
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(00:00:00)
  • Key Takeaway: The initial segment of the podcast is dedicated to advertisements for medical treatments and sleep apnea awareness, followed by the hosts introducing the topic of the Mold-A-Rama.
  • Summary: The episode begins with multiple sponsor messages, including one for Vivizmo for diabetic macular edema and another addressing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant then formally introduce the subject of the episode, the Mold-A-Rama, noting its potentially misleading name.
Defining the Mold-A-Rama
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(00:04:17)
  • Key Takeaway: A Mold-A-Rama is technically defined as an on-demand injection blow-molded plastic toy dispenser, often described as a ‘factory in a case.’
  • Summary: The hosts clarify that the Mold-A-Rama creates plastic toys on demand from melted plastic pellets right before the user’s eyes. The process involves injecting hot plastic into a mold and then using compressed air to push the plastic against the mold walls and blow out the excess, making the resulting toy hollow.
Origin of Plastic Figurines
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(00:09:47)
  • Key Takeaway: The precursor to the Mold-A-Rama involved J.H. Miller (Tyke) creating plaster nativity figures starting in 1937, later transitioning to plastic toys like the popular Earth Invaders line.
  • Summary: Tyke Miller began making individual plaster replacement figures after his dog damaged his nativity scene, eventually founding a successful company that shifted to plastic figures, including the famous Purple People Eater, which was inspired by a hit song.
Premiere and World’s Fair Success
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(00:14:22)
  • Key Takeaway: The Mold-A-Rama machines premiered at the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair and achieved massive popularity at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, leading to branded machines for companies like Disney.
  • Summary: After Miller’s plastics company went bankrupt around 1959/1960, he licensed the vending machine concept to Automatic Retailers of America (ARA). These machines were a huge hit, producing souvenirs like space needles and Buddhas for about 50 cents (roughly $4.12 today).
ARA Exits and Machine Mechanics
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(00:17:44)
  • Key Takeaway: ARA ceased operating the Mold-A-Rama business by 1971 due to the high manufacturing cost (around $3,600 per unit in 1962) and high maintenance requirements.
  • Summary: The machines require constant upkeep, including refilling plastic pellets, topping off fluids (like antifreeze), and cleaning. The process involves two molds sealing together, followed by hot plastic injection and the use of compressed air to shape the object and expel excess material, leaving the toy hollow.
Modern Operation and Enthusiasts
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(00:27:02)
  • Key Takeaway: Despite being built decades ago, many original Mold-A-Rama machines remain operational, supported by dedicated companies like Replication Devices and Moldarama Incorporated.
  • Summary: Enthusiasts maintain a comprehensive list of currently operating machines across the US, noting that the price of a toy has decreased from 50 cents in the 1960s to about two dollars today. Companies like Replication Devices and Moldarama Inc. continue to operate dozens of these machines, supporting multiple generations of their operating families.
Listener Mail and Closing
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(00:43:39)
  • Key Takeaway: A young listener named Jake listens to every episode and plans to name his future dog Charles W. Chuck Bryant if it misbehaves.
  • Summary: The hosts read an adorable piece of listener mail from Jenny about her son Jake, who is a dedicated listener. They conclude the episode by encouraging listeners to research the machines online and sign off with final sponsor messages.