American Flyer Trains

Radio Flyer, 90 Years Of Fun by

The wonderful toys produced by Radio Flyer have been a staple of childhood memories for over 85 years. Through the years, this popular toy company has continually improved in production and features, expanding their product line to entertain the children of each era.

The first Radio Flyer wagons were handcrafted by the 16 year old founder of the company, Antonio Pasin. These original wagons were made of sturdy wood using only the most basic wood-working equipment. By the beginning of the 1920s, the company followed the automotive industries lead and began manufacturing its signature wagon with steel. The first line of products, named the Liberty Line, included wagons, tricycles, and scooters, all made of innovative steel.

As the American economy slumped during the era of the Great Depression, Radio Flyer remained strong. The company was showcased at the 1933 World Fair in Chicago and used simple advertising campaigns to promote their little red wagon. In the mid-30s the now world famous company introduced a second line of coaster wagons, the Streak-O-Lite. The Streak-O-Lite was modeled after the sleek style of the Zephyr trains, featuring control knobs and headlights that really worked.

Between 1942 and 1945 the comapny, like many other American manufacturing companies, ceased production of their well known toys and spent their time manufacturing steel products needed by American troops during the second world war. Radio Flyer was awarded by the US Army and Navy for their high achievement in producing the much needed war materials. The companies notability for their war efforts boosted confidence in their products. The Radio Line of the forties included three unique wagon styles combining steel and the original wooden construction and a sleek steel scooter.

By the middle of the century, Radio Flyer was a household name. The economy was steadily rising and products of the baby boom era were enjoying Radio Flyer specialty wagons inspired by popular television shows like the Mickey Mouse Club. The company even introduced a line of garden carts to aid suburban housewives with their yard care. American's love of Radio Flyer continued to grow through the sixties as the company celebrated their fiftieth year.

With new logos and new product lines, Radio Flyer gracefully turned fifty. A new line of toddler walk-behind toys were introduced and the revolutionary Scat Racer ride-on toy became the envy of little racers everywhere. The next major shift in product line introduced the Ski Sled. This sleek sled was capable of carrying adult riders and featured a hand brake for added safety.

Over the next few years the company's line of products continued to expand. Those who enjoyed Radio Flyer toys as a child were now grown up with homes and children of their own. For these loyal customers, Radio Flyer introduced it's All Grown Up line of outdoor furniture and heavy duty wheelbarrows. With the nineties, Radio Flyer added plastic wagons to their product line and offered many of their classic wagons and toys with new all-terrain tires.

Today, Radio Flyer is the worlds leading manufacturer of not only wagons, but tricycles as well. The company and their creative toys have had a place in the hearts and homes of both the young and old for almost ninety years and now holds a place in the Toy Industry Hall of Fame as well. The company's imaginative creations will continue to grow with the times and remain a mainstay in childhoods everywhere.

Gary Clay is an authority on Radio Flyer and owner of the UK Radio Flyer Store MonkeyShine

Article Source: http://www.earticlesonline.com/Article/Radio-Flyer---90-Years-Of-Fun/112641

FEATURED PRODUCTS:

A great place to shop for American Flyer Trains products is Amazon.

Check out these fine shops that offer American Flyer Trains products:

SKB Studio Flyer Portable Laptop Studio Rack $219.99 The SKB Studio Flyer Portable Laptop Studio Rack is the perfect solution for housing your mobile recording studio. The SKB Studio Flyer features a lift-off lid incorporating thick convoluted foam padding to secure the laptop during transport. A cable pass-through allows for your laptop and rack gear to remain cabled up at all times. The SKB portable laptop studio rack offers a fold down rack door to protect the rack-mount gear during transport and doubles as a work space during use. The SKB Studio Flyer portable laptop rack case is compact making it perfect for carry-on luggage! SKB Studio Flyer Portable Laptop Rack Case Features: Rack and laptop combo case Nylon reinforced fiberglass trigger release latches Recognized and accepted TSA lock Two stage retractable handle and easy glide wheels Perfect for traveling Compact size, acceptable for carry-on luggage Roto-molded for durability, the SKB Studio Flyer case features eight adjustable cheats, in-line wheels, and a retractable handle with cushioned rubber over-molded for comfortable transport. This portable laptop studio rack provides reinforced nylon trigger-release latching system that includes a TSA locking latch. The TSA locking latch enables travelers to safely lock the case and still have it inspected by airline security.

American Flyer AF Signature 4-Piece Luggage Set $144.99 American Flyer's AF Signature 4-Piece Luggage Set prominently features the new American Flyer logo. Type: Luggage Sets Color: Chocolate Color Mapping: Brown

Bachmann HO Scale Santa Fe Flyer Train Set $127.48 This Bachmann HO Scale Santa Fe Flyer Train Set includes illustrated instruction manual, power pack and speed controller. This electric train set includes an EMD FT Diesel locomotive with an operating headlight.Made by Bachmann TrainsModel: 00647Materials: Plastic and metalHauling freight across the deserts, mountains, and cities of the American landscape is the Santa Fe FlyerPowered by a mighty Santa Fe FT diesel locomotive with its distinctive 'war bonnet' paint scheme, this sleek and powerful train deftly handles the ever-changing terrain of the Southwest United StatesReady to run train set includes EMD FT Diesel locomotive with operating headlight, open quad hopper, gondola and off-center cabooseSnap fit E-z track assembles to make a 36-inch circleIncludes eleven pieces of curved track and one curved plug-in terminal rerailerPower pack and speed controller includedIllustrated instruction manual includedRecommended for ages 8 and older

American Flyer Quattro Deluxe 26in. Wardrobe $124.99 American Flyer Quattro Deluxe 26' Wardrobe with Dual Opening Type: Garment/Accessory Bags Color: Khaki Color Mapping: Brown

American Flyer Euro 4-Piece Luggage Set $269.99 American Flyer's Euro 4-Piece luggage set gives you a piece of luggage for every occasion. The reviews tell the story about this luggage set. Type: Luggage Sets Color: Brown Swirls Color Mapping: Brown

American Flyer Lyon 4-Piece Luggage Set $199.99 Travel in style with the American Flyer Lyon 4-Piece Luggage Set. Set includes 28' Upright, 25' Upright, 20' Upright, and Doctor Bag Type: Luggage Sets Color: Blue Color Mapping: Blue

American Flyer Paisely Gold 4 Piece Luggage Set $217.99 American Flyer Paisley Gold 4 Piece Luggage Set Type: Luggage Sets Color: Gold Color Mapping: Orange

American Flyer Elite Quattro Tote $78.98 This American flyer elite tote bag is made of durable ballistic nylon and features a removable shoulder strap. This travel tote has a U-zip opening and weights four pounds. Travel bag features U-zip openingBag offers removable shoulder strapConstructed of durable ballistic nylonExterior pockets for important itemsProduct Weight: 4 poundsTote measures 16 inches long x 8 inches wide x 9 inches high

World Class Trains: The American Orient Express - Dolby $5.99 This program leads the viewer on nine itineraries aboard vintage trains from the American owned Orient Express. Destinations that this program travels to include New Orleans and the Pacific Coast. ~ Cammila Albertson, Rovi

American Flyer Animal Print 5-Piece Luggage Set $149.99 Travel in style with the American Flyer Animal Print 5-Piece Luggage Set. Set includes 28' Upright, 24' Upright, 20' Carry On, 18' Wheeled Duffel, and Tote Bag Type: Luggage Sets Color: Zebra Black Color Mapping: Black

Trains $23.07 Rhyming text and colorful mixed-media illustrations present the characteristics of various kinds of trains, from cabooses and hoppers to commuter trains and zoo trains.

American Flyer Elite Quattro 29-inch Spinner Upright $207.79 Quattro Elite 29-inch suitcase travels in styleAmerican Flyer upright luggage made of 1680D ballistic nylonSingle upright includes four 360-degree spin wheels for easy transportPatent-pending handle bends to 45 degrees, letting you push or pull the caseExterior pocket for last-minute itemsFully-lined with luxurious paisley fabricTie-tapes to secure your clothesSuiter feature allows you to pack a jacketRemovable wet/toiletry bagOrganizing zippered pocket for socks and scarvesMesh pocket for laundryReinforced bumpers at all stress pointsID tag includedMeasures 29 inches long x 20 inches wide x 12 inches deepWeighs less than 15 pounds Click here to view the Elite 29-inch Upright in black Click here to view matching Elite 21-inch carry-on suitcase Click here to view matching Elite 25-inch Upright Click here to view matching Elite 26-inch Wardrobe Suitcase Click here to view matching Elite Tote

American Flyer - Widescreen Dolby $4.99 His father killed by the Chief of the Tijuana police while attempting to cross the U.S./Mexico border, an impoverished young man constructs a homemade flying machine and travels to the Santa Monica pier in hopes of going airborne, and starting a new life in America. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

American Flyer (DVD) $12.85 His father killed by the Chief of the Tijuana police while attempting to cross the U.S./Mexico border, an impoverished young man constructs a homemade flying machine and travels to the Santa Monica pier in hopes of going airborne, and starting a new life in America.

Lionel O Gauge Train Pennsylvania Flyer Expansion Pack $119.99 A great addition to your Pennsylvania Flyer Set. This Expansion Pack is also suitable for use with any Eastern US Road Name Railroad. Type: Trains Gender: Male Age: Child

Great Trains of America [2 Pack] - $34.99 Includes:Great Trains of America: Western Railroading (2000) Great Trains of America: Eastern Railroading (2000) Great Trains of America: Western Railroading Released in 2000 by Goldhil Home Media, this documentary program offers a historical profile of some of the most famous trains of the American West. Great Trains of America: Western Railroading includes looks at such relics as Colorado's Georgetown Loop, the Grand Canyon Railway, Northern California's Big Trees Narrow-Gauge Railroad, Western California Railroad, and the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi Great Trains of America: Eastern Railroading This documentary explores the history of the great steam engine railroad lines that contributed to the growth of industry in the United States. Using interviews with experts and historians, as well as archival footage of many of the trains, this video presents a clear vision of the railroad's strong presence in the East. The New Hampshire Steam Railroad, the Strausburg Railroad, the Cass Scenic Railroad and the Illinois Railway Museum are all discussed and explored. Goldhil Video also produced Great Trains of America: Railroading in the West, a video that examines how the railroads helped connect the east and west coasts of the United States. ~ Ed Atkinson, Rovi

American Flyer Grande Dots 4-Piece Luggage Set $224.99 The American Flyer Grande Dots 4-Piece Luggage Set lets you stand out in style and at the baggage carousel with its fun, fashionable print. Wheeled sizes are 20', 25' and 28' plus the set includes a boarding tote. Features include interior mesh pockets, locking telescoping handle, and convenient bottom lift handle. Type: Luggage Sets Color: Brown/Apple Green Color Mapping: Brown

Other Products Purchased from this website:
af 638 caboose639 boxcar719 dump car, american flyer 648396 s gauge coca cola christmas box carnew in the box, af 924 covered hopper 911 gondola, american flyer railroads amp; trains advertising logo marbles , vintage american flyer 767 roadside diner branford diner, keebler express elfin railroad co train engine tender boxcar amp; caboose , new american flyer 649843 suburban station, vintage american flyer train huge track set s guage 316 o engine locomotive, american flyer track lot, 50pcs 3mm led transparent 12v white light led wired leds, vintage american flyer steam whistle billboard module, american flyer wide gauge number 4018 box car, 1a1928 american flyer railroad train engine president special advanced toy art , 1a1924 american flyer railroad train structo truck caterpillar tractor toy art , 1a1926 american flyer railroad train engine president special limited toy art a, 1a1923 american flyer railroad train structo truck car auto engine toy art ad , 1a1928 american flyer railroad train engine president special chicago toy art a, 1a1920 american flyer railroad train engine electric photo track sign toy art a, vintagenew 20 american flyer 783 orange train trestles wboxes, nice american flyer lot, vintage american flyer erie 7210 spotlight car depressed ctr metal pa10358 , american flyer 307 tender chassis assy ok many models eunit works vg, vintage american flyer 718 mail pickup car new haven railway express agency, american flyer k5 cowcatcher or pilot assy 310 312 313 314 315 316 vg, vintage american flyer 629 missouri pacific stock car , 648807 american flyer nickel plate road ventilated refrigerator car newob, american flyer 645a work caboose, american flyer steam chest assy for 310 312 amp; more s scale, 648806 american flyer railway express agency refrigerated car newob, lionel american flyer 48513 csx flatcar no generator load nob, american flyer b amp; o 801 open top hopper, american flyer c amp; n wry log car 42597, 648611 american flyer cargill 3bay covered hopper newob, american flyer c amp; n wry searchlight car 42597, vintage american flyer redding caboose 630 , vintage american flyer 302 ac train engine with reading lines coal tender, vintage american flyer 715 automatic unloading car , vintage american flyer t amp; p texas amp; pacfic green gondola 631 , american flyer frisco lines gondola 641, american flyer new haven 651 railway express agency, american flyer norfolk and western gondola 804, figure for american flyer lemonade cart, american flyer right and left manual switches, american flyer caboose 806, american flyer pilot truck 290 293 312 322 332 336 many more s, figure for american flyer snow cone cart, figure for american flyer pair construction barrels, american flyer seaboard coaler vintage metal train crane with motor and control, vintage american flyer operating oil derrick with bubbling oil 773, american flyer scarce s gauge 620 southern gondola wob, 648316 american flyer bangor amp; aroostook refrigerator car newob

Tagged with: american flyer trains • american flyer trains 1950 • american flyer trains gilbert • american flyer trains history • american flyer trains layouts • american flyer trains parts • american flyer trains s gauge • american flyer trains value • american flyer trains wiring diagrams • american flyer trains youtube • american+flyer+trains toy

Filed under: Toys

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!