Young girl with Radio Flyer wagon circa 1955

Radio Flyer is an American toy company best known for their popular red wagon. The company is based in Chicago, Illinois with virtually all production taking place in China^[1][2].

[edit] 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.^{[citation needed]} During World War II, the company produced special gas cans, known as Blitz cans, for the US Army.^{[citation needed]}

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.

[edit] 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" with which the company is forever associated 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.

[edit] Other products

Inchworm (toy) - initially produced by Hasbro in the 1970s, now by Radio Flyer.

[edit] Impact 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.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Company website
• A detailed history of Radio Flyer
• Worlds Largest Wagon

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