Why Radio Flyer?
Antonio Pasin's wagons captured the spirit of the times. The first steel wagon was named Radio Flyer, by combining his fascination with the invention of the radio – by fellow Italian, Guglielmo Marconi – and his wonderment of flight.
Why was the first steel wagon named Radio Flyer?
The first steel wagon was named Radio Flyer, by combining his fascination with the invention of the radio – by fellow Italian, Guglielmo Marconi – and his wonderment of flight. In 1933, Chicago was the host of the World's Fair, Century of Progress, Antonio seized this opportunity to promote his new creation.
Is the Radio Flyer wagon in the Hall of Fame?
The Radio Flyer Wagon was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong in Rochester, New York in 1999, and its creator, Antonio Pasin, was inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame in 2003. The Radio Flyer Tricycle features the same bright red color and graphics as the little red wagon.
When did radio steel change its name to Radio Flyer?
In 1987 Radio Steel officially changed its name to the now iconic Radio Flyer, honoring its flagship red wagon brand How to tell how old a vintage radio flyer wagon is?
Why is it called a Radio Flyer wagon?
Radio Flyer was formerly known as the Liberty Coaster Company. This is also the name of the company's first wagon. Its name was inspired by the iconic Statue of Liberty, which welcomed Antonio Pasin to America.
What year did Radio Flyer wagons come out?
In 1994, Radio Flyer released the company's first ever plastic wagon, Model #2100 Push Pull Wagon.
What was the old red wagon called?
Radio FlyerThe historic toy company Radio Flyer is best known for its little red wagons which have become one of the quintessential childhood toys in America. While styles have changed over the years for the radio flyer wagon, the red tin and push handle toys have become an institution.
Do they still make Radio Flyer wagons?
On the manufacturing end, Pasin shut down Radio Flyer's Chicago factory, which did not have the capability to produce plastic products. Two thirds of its products are now made in China and another third in a factory in Wisconsin. While Pasin has made changes, he still embraces the company's history.
Why are wagons red?
The main problem with wagons is rust. Wagons are usually painted in outdoor paint to prevent rusting, but all metal wagons will eventually get slightly battered and can then rust.
How much is an old Radio Flyer wagon worth?
Value varies from under $20 to several hundred dollars, but many pre-1970s models in fair condition sell for about $30 to $75.
What is a wagon called?
The exact name and terminology used are often dependent on the design or shape of the wagon. If low and sideless it may be called a dray, trolley or float. When traveling over long distances and periods, wagons may be covered with cloth to protect their contents from the elements; these are "covered wagons".
Who invented the little red wagon?
founder Antonio PasinThe company is best known for their little red wagon designed by company founder Antonio Pasin, an Italian immigrant. Radio Flyer wagons haven't changed much over the years (classics don't have to), but a noteworthy exception is the Streak-O-Lite Zephyr version made during the early 1930s.
What year was the Radio Flyer 89 wagon made?
1917. In retrospect, it looks like one of the savviest and most successful promotional stunts of its era. But when Antonio Pasin—inventor of the Radio Flyer—decided to invest $30,000 into a coaster wagon exhibit for the 1933 World's Fair, he considered it the riskiest make-or-break moment of his life.
What year was the Radio Flyer 89 wagon made?
1917. In retrospect, it looks like one of the savviest and most successful promotional stunts of its era. But when Antonio Pasin—inventor of the Radio Flyer—decided to invest $30,000 into a coaster wagon exhibit for the 1933 World's Fair, he considered it the riskiest make-or-break moment of his life.
What year was the Radio Flyer 80 made?
Radio Flyer, Inc.ca. 1960.
When was the Radio Flyer 89 wagon made?
In 1930, he began mass-producing the toys out of stamped metal. He called his new wagon the “Radio Flyer,” another patriotic reference to his homeland, this one after a famous Italian invention, the radio. Intended “for every girl and boy,” the wagons sold for less than $3 each.
What year was the Radio Flyer 18 made?
Radio Flyer is a cultural touchstone for people of all ages since we began in 1917.
Who made the radio flyer wagon?
The Radio Flyer Wagon was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong in Rochester, New York in 1999, and its creator, Antonio Pasin, was inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame in 2003.
What is the radio flyer?
For the film, see Radio Flyer (film). Radio Flyer is an American toy company best known for their popular red toy wagon. Radio Flyer also produces scooters, tricycles, bicycles, horses, and ride-ons. The company was founded in 1917 and is based in Chicago, Illinois .
What was the name of the wagons that were made in 1930?
In 1930, the company was renamed Radio Steel & Manufacturing. The renamed company produced steel-bodied wagons and used assembly line manufacturing techniques. The new Radio Flyer wagons were named as a tribute to two famous men of the day: Marconi and Lindbergh.
What color is the radio flyer tricycle?
The Radio Flyer Tricycle features the same bright red color and graphics as the little red wagon.
How tall is the largest wagon in the world?
It is 12 feet (3.7 m) high and 27 feet (8.2 m) long. The interactive sculpture was sculpted by Ken Spiering and installed in 1989. The "World's Largest Wagon" is a sculpture commissioned by Radio Flyer in honor of their 80th anniversary. It is nine times the size of a little red wagon, and weighs 15,000 pounds (6,800 kg).
What are radio flyers inspired by?
A number of designs and styles have been produced by Radio Flyer, often inspired by the automobiles or popular culture of the day. The "Zephyr", produced in the 1930s, paid homage to the Chrysler Airflow. The 1950s saw a yellow wagon inspired by the movie Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier and a blue wagon produced in partnership with Disney's Mickey Mouse Club. Wagons from the 1970s borrowed the stylings of the muscle cars of the day, including the Fireball 2001 inspired by Evel Knievel. The 1990s saw the introduction of the "Quad Shock Wagon" echoing sport utility vehicles. The "Ultimate Family Wagon", introduced in 2007, includes a sunshade and an adjustable seat; the design won a Chicago Innovation Award in 2007.
When did Pasin make wagons?
Incorporating the mass manufacturing techniques of the auto industry, Pasin began making metal wagons out of stamped steel in 1927. At around that time, the red wagons sold for slightly less than $3, or about $40 in 2016 dollars. In 1930, the company was renamed Radio Steel & Manufacturing.
Who invented the radio flyer wagon?
Taking Flight is an Emmy Winning short animated film inspired by the life and heritage of Antonio Pasin, inventor of the Radio Flyer wagon. In this fictional tribute to Pasin’s legacy, what begins as a small boy’s over-scheduled, over supervised, boring day with Grandpa turns into a larger-than-life journey, narrowly escaping wild monkeys and battling aliens to save the universe. Through the power of imagination and epic adventure, a boy learns to be a kid, a father learns to be a dad, and a grandfather reminds us all what childhood is about.
How big is the radio flyer wagon?
The wagon itself is 29 feet long, 13 feet wide, and weighs 15,000 pounds! Inspired by the popular 45-foot-tall 1933 World’s Fair “Coaster Boy” model, the World’s Largest Wagon™ is nine times larger than the Original Little Red Wagon™.
What was the Liberty Coaster Line?
The Liberty Coaster Line, which later became the Radio Line and Radio Flyer, produced high quality, affordable wagons . Here is a glimpse into the past with one of the very first advertisements. As times of the 20's grew tough, America learned how to make do, or simply do without.
What year was the Liberty Coaster Company renamed?
For America, the Great Depression's Black Tuesday to the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941 marked misfortune for many. In 1930 , Antonio renamed the company from Liberty Coaster Company to Radio Steel & Manufacturing, and, despite hard times, was already the world's largest producer of toy coaster wagons.
What was the roaring twenties?
The roaring twenties was a decade that began with a sense of optimism and a carefree spirit, and ended with the fall of the stock market and the beginning of the Great Depression. While many had to figure out ways to make-do in a troubled America, Antonio Pasin was on the way to revolutionizing his vision.
When was the radio flyer invented?
First introduced in the 1960’s, the Radio Flyer Town & Country is a rugged, traditional wood wagon that has a “down-on-the-farm” feel that kids love. Its features put safety right up front, including smooth streamlined corners, a controlled turning radius that guards against tipping, and a quiet ride.
When did radio steel stop making wagons?
Pasin joined the call to action, and from 1942 to 1945 all wagon production ceased.
How big is a radio flyer wagon?
A 15,000 pound, 26 foot high, 27 foot long model of a Radio Flyer wagon is juxtaposed with a 6-inch one at the company's display during the American International Toy Fair, at New York's Javits Convention Center Monday Feb. 13, 2006. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Why is Radio Flyer called Radio Flyer?
The company didn't become known as Radio Flyer until 1987. It was named in honor of the popular red wagon that made them a household name. It expanded its product offerings as well and made scooters, tricycles, ride-ons, horses, battery ops and more. After Pasin passed away, his grandson Robert Pasin stepped in as CEO in 1997.
What was the radio flyer called?
Like any good entrepreneur, he chased what worked. Radio Flyer was formerly known as the Liberty Coaster Company. This is also the name of the company’s first wagon. Its name was inspired by the iconic Statue of Liberty, which welcomed Antonio Pasin to America.
What was Radio Flyer's nickname?
In the 1920s, the automotive industry inspired Radio Flyer’s steel wagons, earning Founder Antonio Pasin the nickname “Little Ford.”. Chicago hosted the World’s Fair in 1933. Radio Flyer exhibited a 45-foot-tall Coaster Boy and sold miniature wagons for $0.25.
Who invented the radio flyer?
The combination of “radio” and “flyer” reflects the founder’s fascination with the two inventions: the airplane and the radio, the latter created by fellow Italian Guglielmo Marcon.
How old was Antonio Pasin when he started radio flyer?
We’re so excited to celebrate 101 years of Radio Flyer! It all started with humble beginnings, when 16-year-old Antonio Pasin came to America in 1914 from a small town near Venice, Italy.
Overview
History
Antonio Pasin started building wooden toy wagons in Chicago in 1917, selling them to area shops. He was working as a craftsman at the time, mostly selling phonograph cabinets, and built small wooden wagons to carry around his tools. After he received numerous requests from customers of phonograph cabinets to buy the wagons as well, he refocused his business on the wagons. His busi…
The wagon
The Liberty Coaster Company began producing the wooden bodied "No. 4 Liberty Coaster" in 1923. In 1927, Pasin replaced the wooden body with stamped steel, taking advantage of assembly line manufacturing techniques and earning him the nickname "Little Ford". 1500 wagons a day rolled off assembly lines even during the Great Depression. Since 2002, the company has produced plas…
Radio Flyer Tricycle
The Radio Flyer Tricycle features the same bright red color and graphics as the little red wagon.
• Radio Flyer Tricycle
• Radio Flyer Tricycle
Other products
• The Inchworm is a wheeled ride-on toy propelled by the bouncing motion of the rider. It is styled as a Geometer caterpillar, or inchworm. It was initially produced by Hasbro in the 1970s.
• The Radio Flyer Ziggle, introduced in 2013, is a ride-on toy for kids 3 to 8 with four caster wheels and no pedals. Kids propel forward by wiggling and twisting their bodies in a back and forth motion and moving the handle bars at the same time.
In popular culture
The readily recognizable little red wagon manufactured by Radio Flyer is used in several artistic works, including film and television. A character in the 1992 drama film Radio Flyer flies to safety in a converted Radio Flyer wagon. Radio Flyer wagons appear in a store display in the 1983 film A Christmas Story. The June 24, 2013 episode of Let's Make a Deal parodied this wagon as a Zonk being offered under the name "Zonk Flyer".
Notes
1. ^ "Radio Flyer Classic Red 10-Inch Bicycle with Chain Drive". Tumblon LLC. Retrieved 2012-01-16.
2. ^ Wei-Haas, Maya. "How an Italian Immigrant Rolled Out the Radio Flyer Wagon Across America". Smithsonian. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
3. ^ Walsh, Tim (2005). Timeless toys : classic toys and the playmakers who created them (1 ed.). Kansas City, Mo.: Andrews McMeel Pub. ISBN 0740755714.
External links
• Company website
• A detailed history of Radio Flyer
• Worlds Largest Wagon
• Distributed in UK and EIRE by Asobi