Ranetta SA-107 Submarine Display Model

1970s ATOMICO RANETTA SA-107 SUBMARINE Display Model

(by RetroArea51), updated version jan. 2025

Display Model U-Boot, Submarine, Submarino

A Replica of the famous toy of the 70s with great swimming and diving characteristics.

Juguete Electrico, Jouet Electrique, Electric Toy, Balocco Eletteico

This is the ‘Fan Project Version’, additional rework is required. 

About the Ranetta SA-107

  The SA-107 by Ranetta is a battery-powered toy submarine produced in the 70s. The model is approximately 44 cm in length and operates using three 1.5-volt batteries. It features a start button located at the front of the submarine, allowing the user to activate it.

  The design includes a unique mechanism where the front can be opend, giving access to the battery compartment. Made with a streamlined body and vintage aesthetics, the SA-107 captures the futuristic "atomic age" style of its time. It’s a classic piece of mid-century toy design and a notable collectible.

Spanish toys of the 70s

  In the 1970s, many Spanish companies began to produce toys for both the domestic market and export. Especially in regions such as Catalonia and Valencia, many toy factories were located, which benefited from craft traditions but also used new technologies. This led to an increasing production of plastic toys, which became popular worldwide at the time.

  A large proportion of the toys produced in Spain in the 1970s were made of plastic, as this material was cheap and easy to work with. Companies such as Fisher-Price, Clementoni and smaller Spanish brands such as Ranetta produced battery-operated toys, plastic figures and mechanical toys.

Decline of the Spanish toy industry in the early 80s

  In the early 1980s, many Spanish toy companies, like Ranetta, faced economic challenges that led to their decline or closure. Key factors included:

1. Economic crises: Spain experienced a recession with high inflation and unemployment, reducing consumer spending on toys.
2. Competition from Asia: Cheap imports from China and Taiwan flooded the market, making it difficult for Spanish manufacturers to compete on price.
3. Changing consumer habits: Kids began to prefer video games and electronics, leading to reduced demand for traditional toys.
4. Lack of innovation: Many companies failed to adapt to new trends or invest in innovative products, falling behind competitors.
5. Market consolidation: Larger companies merged or acquired smaller ones, leading to the disappearance of less competitive firms.
6. Political and social changes: Shifting societal values and entertainment preferences further impacted toy sales.

  These combined factors led to the decline of many small Spanish toy manufacturers in the early 1980s.

Other version of the SA-107

  The Submarino Regatta SA-107 by Geyper is an electric toy submarine produced in Spain during the 1980s and 1990s. It was sold under reference number 6107 and was known for its sturdy construction and simple operation. 

  In comparison, Ranetta also produced a model called the SA-107 in the 1960s and 1970s, but it was manufactured earlier. While both models share the SA-107 designation, they differ in design, production period, and manufacturer.

  In summary, both Geyper and Ranetta made SA-107 submarine models, but at different times and with distinct characteristics.

My history with the SA-107

  Well, this type of Toy - Submarine models were also available from other companies but with different design. I am particularly fond of the one from the Spanish company Ranetta. In 1979 I got this model as a gift from my aunt, who had just come back from vacation in Spain. We immediately tested the Submarine in my grandmother's bathtub. Of course, the SA-107 needed a pool. Early in the morning in the local swimming pool with 25 meter pool. Only there could she show her true characteristics. As fast as an arrow, in wave-like movements, she swam through the pool. A perfectly shaped toy that must be preserved for posterity. So here is my interpretation and a caress to the beauty of 70s toys !

Some facts:

• Submarino Ranetta SA-107 ref. 107 (1979) 
• L420, H100, T57 (mm) 
• E-motor, 4.5 Volt 
• 3 x mono D LR20 (33x61,5)

Please note the following:

   All new construction from scratch,  additional rework is required.

  In this ‘Display Version’ Segment 1 and Segment 4 have no mounting points for the gear box or the switch.

  Segment 2 and 3 have no mounting points for the metal tube, which serve as the weight and to hold the batteries.

Image 1: Segments plugged together and some inner parts (front)

Additional rework is required:

The clamping hooks must be reground or adjusted for a perfect fit.

Tools and Software:

• calliper
• FreeCAD
• SelfCAD
• AnyCubic Photon
• ABS Like Resin

Image 2: Loose segments and inner parts

Image 3: Segment 4 (right), seal, gears, gearbox and wing (left)

Image 4: Parts of drive mechanism, E-Motor, Gearbox etc.

Prospects for 2025

…A submersible variant, optimizing the fit of the parts different battery pack and an off-on-switch combined with a speed regulator.

Sources:

1. Ricardo.ch - Information about Ranetta and the SA-107 model 
2. Ebay.com - Reference to the SA-107 submarine and its history.
3. Printables.com - Details on 3D models and stands for the SA-107 submarine.
4. Instagram (RetroArea51) - Information about 3D printing projects and CAD models of the SA-107.
5. Mastodon (RetroArea51) - Further details and updates on the SA-107 replication projects.
6. Breaking Brick – Article about the return of Tente and the competition with LEGO and other brands that influenced the Spanish toy industry in the 1980s
7. Statista –  Information on the general market development and economic challenges in Spain in the 1980s: Statista Market Forecast - Spain
    

The sources given are without guarantee and not further verified !

RetroArea51

www.retroarea51.com

Last update, 23-01-2025, The Hague (NL)