Radio Flyer

Radio Flyer is an American toy company best known for their popular red wagon. It is based in Chicago, Illinois.

History

Antonio Pasin started building wooden toy wagons in Chicago in 1917, and by 1923 had formed the "Liberty Coaster Company" (named after the Statue of Liberty). In 1930, the company was renamed "Radio Steel & Manufacturing"; the first steel wagon produced was named "Radio Flyer". Pasin coined the name Radio Flyer from his fascination with both the invention of the radio and flight. During World War II, the company produced special gas cans, known as "Blitz cans", for the US Army.

Throughout the second half of the 20th century, Radio Flyer became well known for the popular red Radio Flyer wagon. Today, the company produces a wide range of children's toy vehicles, including fire engines, bicycles and tricycles, and racers.

The Wagon

The first wagon was the "No. 4 Liberty Coaster", which was built from wood and steel in 1923 and enjoyed tremendous success.

Modern wagons are built in "Classic Steel or Wood", although Plastic is also an option. While there have been dozens of different versions over the years, the "#18 Classic Red Wagon" for which the company is forever associated with has been in continuous production for over 70 years.

Not all wagons have been red. The 1950s saw a "Davy Crockett Wagon" which was yellow, as was a 70s "Evil Kneivel Wagon". A blue "Mickey Mouse Club Wagon" was made in the 50s as well, as was the "Spirit of '76" model which was made for the Bicentennial.

In pop culture

*Radio Flyer wagons were seen in the movie "A Christmas Story" (with the 1970s/80s logo, making them an anachronism) in the same store display as the Red Ryder BB Gun.
*A 1992 film was released as "Radio Flyer".

External links

* [http://www.radioflyer.com/ Company website]
* Purchase Radio Flyer [http://www.bestpricetoys.com/radio-flyer-wagons/ Best Price Toys]
* A detailed history of [http://monkeyshinenews.blogspot.com/2006/12/history-of-radio-flyer.html Radio Flyer]