TOMY or Not TOMY? Refurbishing a lookalike Mechanical Race Game.

In this captivating restoration journey, join me as I delve into the world of vintage mechanical games with a mystery on our hands. I've uncovered a fascinating piece that bears a striking resemblance to the iconic TOMY games of the 80s, yet its true origins remain shrouded in uncertainty.
This timeless race car game, reminiscent of TOMY's Digital Derby, features two lanes adorned with painted cars gliding past a plastic cutout of a car. With its sturdy metal gears and intricate mechanics, it's a testament to a bygone era of craftsmanship and ingenuity.
Throughout this video, I meticulously refurbish this enigmatic treasure, replacing worn parts and crafting a custom battery door to breathe new life into it. Along the way, we'll explore its design quirks and speculate on its manufacturer, with Masudaya emerging as a potential contender.
Join me on this nostalgic voyage as we unravel the secrets of this TOMY-lookalike marvel, celebrating the charm of vintage gaming and the thrill of restoration. Whether you're a collector, a gaming enthusiast, or simply curious about retro wonders, this journey promises excitement and discovery at every turn. Don't miss out on this intriguing adventure into the past!
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[@matiasarttin6530]

That same thing happened with my Tomy Digital derby , I mean the films not running because they had some kind of grease/oil under the films, sticky to removed. It is like the oil from the remote controls gum.

[@mikecarter8880]

When I was a kid in the 70s/80s I looked forward to Saturday mornings because of cartoons and toy commercials. Then I grew up. Then In 2003, 20 years ago I looked forward to Saturday mornings because the Scifi channel would show MST3K. Then that ended and haven't had anything to look forward to Saturday mornings till I discovered you. :)

[@RandiRain]

Thank you very much. I too have fond memories of Saturday morning.

[@peterstephens6168]

A true master makes the complicated seem easy. You Madam, are a true master. Thank you.

[@RandiRain]

Thank you very much. Always nice to hear.

[@Steph_7d7]

Im from canada and had the digital derby myself, wish we still had sears here but they went belly up here in 2013. Cool video

[@georgemartinezjr]

Maybe spray some silacone Under the clear Band to help it slide??

[@gshingles]

I just got the Shakespeare reference 🤣

[@cyb3rphr33k]

What are those yellow beads you melted around the battery cover mold? I'd love to see a workshop / tools tour someday :)

[@RandiRain]

Some new sticky wax that I found, and that I really like.

[@adamkalb1412]

Hands❤of GOLD🏁

[@ozwalled2007]

Had this one growing up! Great fun. :) (Also saw one at a secondhand store a few months back. Was very tempted to pick it up.) Cool to see this one repaired and running again. Great work!

[@RandiRain]

Thank you... What year? There wasn't one of those anywhere to found either.

[@DaveO-te1iv]

@@RandiRain I had one too. If I had to guess on a year, it was definitely pre-85. Looking online, I see it was about 1980 which seems about right.

[@Chainsaw1974]

Very interesting, thank you for the video. I own the exactly same game but with different labels / texts. But I have no box left, and I don't remember, what box or brand it was. But I remember, my mother bought the game in Europe, a long time ago. But the game looks different to your version like follows: There were your game has the text "DRIVING GAME", my version has the text "GRAND PRIX" (same font and design). There where your game has the "Sears" label, my game has some kind of racing flag / finish flag. My game has nowhere any brand name, also no "Tomy" or anything. But very interesting difference: Both counters of your game have black numbers on yellow colored plastic wheels. My version has yellow numbers on black plastic wheels. The rest of the game also the plastic housing etc. looks exactly like your game version. If I google a bit, I also find versions with text "SEARS GRAND PRIX". But in Europe, we don't have Sears, but the game was anyway sold in some stores, so it seems, it came from the same factory, with several labels and names.

[@RandiRain]

Very interesting. TOMY games were the same way. Where Digital Driver is also called Demon Driver. It's very much like a TOMY game, but not. Thanks for the info.

[@georgemartinezjr]

Rand that's how you drive on real-life Lol

[@ClassicTVMan1981X]

I read most of the Sears handheld games that were similar to the Tomy ones were actually made by Alps.

[@RandiRain]

That's possible. Since doing this one. I've got an Alps game. However, it says Alps on it.

[@Gamma00Ray]

This is a really cool video!

[@christo930]

I don't know who made this, but it definitely wasn't TOMY. TOMY mass produced plastic gears by the millions.

[@RandiRain]

May be Alps.

[@Ducerobot]

This is so cool❤.

[@RandiRain]

Thanks

[@crushedcan5378]

is it smaller than the digital derby? it looks like it is.

[@RandiRain]

Yes.

[@AaronJonesMagic]

I had that!

[@RandiRain]

What year? There wasn't one of those anywhere to found either.

[@AaronJonesMagic]

@@RandiRain Must have been around 1984 to 1986 beat as I remember. From the Sears in Victoria BC. It may still be at my mom’s house there.

[@canonsonico3752]

Sup girl, looking hot today🔥🔥

[@sideburn]

The engineering doesn’t look as good as Tomy’s. Cheap knock off!

[@RandiRain]

Has to be.

[@totallyuselessvideoz]

yes

[@RandiRain]

proof?

[@totallyuselessvideoz]

@@RandiRain sorry, the yes goes to your question at the end of the video. I really have no idea whether this is a TOMY product or not.

[@RandiRain]

@@totallyuselessvideoz Ah.. gotcha.