The recent launch of the I-Sobot (&ldquothe world&rsquos smallest biped robot&rdquo) hasn&rsquot put a dent in my affections for Sparky. I discovered him beneath the clutter of retro sewing machines, silk tea cosies and Chinese wedding combs at the Chinatown Heritage Centre shop in Singapore. His smooth wind-up mechanism simultaneously powers the legs and sets the eyes sparkling. At $ 29.95 (Rs 900), this plaything is perhaps not to be toyed with. Except by those who &mdash like me &mdash were growing up when Doordarshan beamed Johnny Soko and his Flying Robot (trust me, it was a long time ago). Sparky Robot is a dinosaur from that age, when tin-plate toys were all the rage and were produced in the millions in China (now reproduced in limited numbers and retailed to junk aficionados like me). Turns out, there is a thriving resale market for these clunky collectibles as well. I&rsquove cut a deal that will hopefully fund my next Singapore trip.
