Updated: October 11, 2026

The first of the Aurora monster models was Frankenstein, although the kit was, of course, of the Monster. From a sculpture by Jack Lemon, based on a Marxs wind-up walker toy, the original prototype was shown at the HIAA annual convention in January, 1962. No orders were received until the last day of the show, when industry representatives were allowed to bring their families. On that day, Chicago distributor Al Davis sons Glenn and Fred wandered into the Aurora exhibit. Instead of grabbing the planes, cars or trucks, they made straight for the Monster, and Davis placed an order. A couple of California distributors saw this and placed orders too.