Friday, September 26, 2008

Guide to Safe and Durable Toddler Ride-On Toys (radio flyer pathfinder wagon)

By Michael Fenwick

The radio flyer pathfinder wagon is one of the most classic American toys. Since 1917 Radio Flyer has been crafting quality vintage steel ride on toys such as wagons, trikes, tricycles and other kids' ride on toys. Today, children around the world can enjoy these timeless classics as well as newer models. Here is a guide to some of the most popular kids' ride on toys from Radio Flyer.

The History

In 1917, Italian craftsman Antonio Pasin started making wooden toy wagons in Chicago. Six years later he started the Liberty Coaster Company named after the Statue of Liberty which struck him with awe upon his arrival to America. The company was renamed Radio Steel & Manufacturing in 1930 and started producing the first steel radio flyer pathfinder wagon. The name Radio Flyer was inspired by Pasin's fascination with flight and the invention of the radio.

The first wood and steel Radio Flyer wagon built in 1923 was the "No. 4 Liberty Coaster". Although modern Radio Flyer wagons are still built out of steel, some newer models use molded plastic. The #18 Classic Red Wagon is radio flyer pathfinder wagon and has been in continuous production since 1930. Not all wagons have been red, however. A yellow "Davy Crocket" and a blue "Mickey Mouse Club" model were produced in the 1950s as well as a yellow "Evil Kneivel" wagon and a patriotic "Spirit of '76" edition in the 1970s.

Red Wagons

There is no more classic image of youth than child being pulled along in a red wagon. The Radio Flyer Classic Red Wagon is the quintessential red wagon and has been in production for over 70 years. It's classic design has also remained relatively unchanged.

The radio flyer pathfinder wagon has a durable steel body, steel wheels and rubber tires for a quiet ride. Another nice feature is the steel extra-long handle (good for tall dads) which can be folded under the the wagon when not in use. There are also a few thoughtful child safety solutions such as a no-pinch ball joint to protect children's fingers, and a controlled turning radius to help keep the wagon from tipping.

Trike

One of the most durable and best-loved toddler ride on toys is the Radio Flyer Tiny Trike. It features a real wood body, chrome handlebars, non-marking rubber tires and is a cinch to assemble. Other nice features are the soft seat, plastic grips complete with streamers and an easy-to-use bell. The trike is one of the best toddler ride on toys for children who are too young to ride a tricycle.

Tricycles

Radio Flyer tricycles are one of the classic vintage steel ride on toys. The tricycle is fashioned from steel right down to the classic spoke wheels which makes it great as a childrens first tricycle. It has a retro look complete with a chrome fender and handle bars, red plastic grips with streamers and an old-fashioned working bell. Other useful features include a double deck rear step, rubber tires and an adjustable seat.

Scooter

The Radio Flyer Little Red Scooter is a retro version of the popular kids' scooter. It features a sturdy steel frame, high performance wheels and a wide wood platform with a grip tread. The scooter also adds double rear wheels for more stability, an adjustable handlebar height and a real bell that rings.

For great deals on Radio Flyer toys including radio flyer pathfinder wagon, trikes, tricycles, scooters and more, visit Vintage Steel Ride On Toys.

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