Archive for the ‘Pedal Planes’ Category

March 1, 2013
Author: John

Pursuit Pedal Plane

Taking to the air for Military purposes, were thought of as early as 1783, and then during the Civil War hot air balloons were used by the armies to look at enemy troops. The first airplane that was flown was a glider, however was non-motorized and difficult to manipulate.                                                                 In 1903 the Wright Brothers made their first powered airplane that they named the “flyer.” It was a biplane (two winged plane) that had a 12 horse power engine, they had built themselves. The wings were 40 feet wide, wooden, and covered with cotton cloth. The pilot would lay on the lower wing on his stomach and steer the plane. In 1908 the Wright Brothers finally made a plane that could fly for more that one and a half hours.                                                                  In 1908, Thomas Selfridge went up in a plane with Orville Wright. When they were 75 feet high, a propeller broke. The plane crashed, which killed Thomas and left Orville injured, yet the Wright Brothers did not give up. In 1909, they were commissioned by the military to build the first military plane.                                                                                                                        Airplane travel has improved a great deal since the first efforts of the Wright Brothers. Airplanes now travel thousands of miles at altitudes of more 30,000 feet, carrying hundreds of passengers. These passengers enjoy in comfortable seats and heated environment. Jet engines have replaced propellers and speeds are greater than 600 miles per hour. Not even the Wright brothers could have imagined what air travel would be like today.       The XP-72 Wasp Major Thunderbolt, was a hearty performer with the historical numbers and a stellar history to reinforce it’s respective legacy, symbolized like our Army Pursuit Pedal Plane utilized in the Pacific campaign.  Designs utilized during war time tend to outclass all those other “impressive” designs appearing during peacetime or in low-level conflicts. War was a driving force bringing out the best (and worst) in any weapon, and helps to separate superior designs from average ones.

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February 21, 2013
Author: John

Corsair Pedal Plane

Since the end of the Second World War, there has raged a on-going debate over which was the best overall fighter aircraft to emerge from the Pacific campaign. This debate shows no sign of slowing down to this day. From the era of “Pedal Planes“, school boys of the mid nineteen forties to the aviation “Top Guns” of the 1990′s, P-51 advocates pitch their case with Spitfire men and Rocket defenders, and so goes the debate.                                                             While these debates certainly do not lack for passion, they frequently lack realistic perception of the aircraft in question. There is some foundational evidence that strongly shores up the argument that the Chance Vought F4U-4 Corsair was the finest all around fighter of the war. Certainly it qualifies as the best fighter/bomber, of the Pacific.                                  The F4U-4 was thrust into combat early in 1945. Therefore, it had only about six months to establish its superior record against the Japanese. It gained a sterling reputation for delivering ordnance with great accuracy. Indeed, the Corsair earned quite the respect of enemy pilots flying the MiG-15. Vought’s Corsair was a fighter that could not be treated lightly. In a turning fight below 350 knots, the MiG pilot could find himself in big trouble very quickly.                                                                                                                                                               It was fitted with an un-matched Pratt & Whitney R2800-18W or -42W engine. This powerplant rendered 2,450 bhp with water injection. It was also equipped with a four blade hydromatic propeller which provided the efficiency to utilize the superior power. The carburetor inlet was moved from the wing root leading edge to a duct located under the engine. The exhaust stacks had to be re-routed as a result. Armament remained the same as the F4U-1, with six .50 caliber Browning MGs. Up to three 1,000 lb. bombs along with eight 5 inch rockets could be carried. Reportedly, it was not unusual to rig the F4U-4 with as much as 6,000 lbs of ordnance. Apparently the reinforced structure of the Corsair could bear these loads without excessive wear and tear on the airframe. Almost certainly, such overloaded Corsairs did not operate from carrier decks, but exclusively from shore bases.

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September 14, 2012
Author: John

Corsair Pedal Plane

It was in 1938 the U.S. Navy made a request to develop a single-engined fighter for maximum obtainable speed; that fighter would become the F4U Corsair fighter. Some of it’s requirements were to have a stalling speed not higher than 70 mph, a range of 1,000 miles, carry four guns, and be capable of carrying anti-aircraft bombs under the wing, being dropped on enemy aircraft formations.                                    Upon a mock-up inspection in 1939, construction was approved to fabricate the XF4U-1 powered by a Pratt & Whitney Double Wasp twin-row, 18-cylinder radial engine, rated at 1805 hp. When the prototype was completed, it had the biggest and most powerful engine, largest propeller and the largest wing on any fighter in Dog-fighting history.                                                                        In October of the same year, the XF4U-1 Corsair became the first single-engine U.S. fighter to fly faster than 400 mph, by setting an average ground speed of 405 mph. The Corsair had an excellent rate of climb – however required more testing. Armed with two .30 inch and two .50 inch caliber machine guns made it a formidable foe. The anhedral of the wing’s center-section also permitted the wing and fuselage to meet at the optimum angle for minimizing drag, one more benefit accounting for it’s success. Compared to land-based counterparts, carrier aircraft are “overbuilt” and heavier to withstand the extreme stress of deck landings. A beautiful symbol of this fighter is our brilliant Corsair Pedal Plane, most ‘Lil’ Top Guns would certainly be thrilled with.

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September 5, 2012
Author: John

Burnt Orange Truck-Side Pedal Car

Children love the unique and charming look of these toys, a lot like those that were one-of-a-kind possessions of other kids in the past. This design is the Utopian dream for children, as their design and styling pointed to a Uniqueness that children simply cannot experience in other children’s toys.  What other toy is out there that displays such styling, with gracious vintage and classic lines – not to mention their appointments.                                                            This may be the ideal choice for girls and boys  considering a career, could become the component of a future Tow Truck operator, a Policeman in our cruiser, the Fireman saving lives or maybe becoming the obsessive Classic Car collector. Our Pedal Cars Kids love are not limited to one kind, but we carry a range of Pedal Trains as well as Pedal Planes, that could become the catalyst in becoming a Top Gun. It is about time to explore other car styles that are sure to feed every child’s imagination. Every model and unit of pedal car is made out of steel and metal parts that will ensure longer usage. Unlike the plastic version of ride-on cars, these pedal cars are built to last for years and can be passed on from one generation to another, boasting a Powder Coat scratch-resistant paint so that kids can enjoy a beautiful design without any damage or scratches.            Depending on the Era your Pedal Car is from, if your car is of the Vintage Era it will tend to have more ornamentation like horns, bells, motor whistles, working lights, accordion tops, and running boards; where in contrast if your car is post 1950, your miniture auto will tend to be more streamlined, smoothed with less appointments however remain reliable for decades to come.

 

 

 

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July 20, 2012
Author: John

Corsair F4U Pedal Plane

During the War in the Pacific, the Imperial Japanese Navy employed the “Zero”, considered one of the most capable carrier-based fighter in the world, because of it’s excellent maneuverability and very long range. Early on it acquired a legendary reputation as a dog-fighter.                                                               As the Pacific engagement wore on, by 1942 a combination of new tactics and the introduction of better equipment enabled the Allied pilots to engage the Zero on more equal terms, with our beautifully designed F4U Corsair Fighter, Pedal Planes. Consequently the Japanese Navy issued new specifications for a newer carrier-based fighter, with greater speed, better climbing ability, and greater endurance. All this was to be achieved with the current engines available, left with significant design limitations.                                                                                                                                          Nakajima’s team considered the task unachievable and pulled their support away. Jiro Horikoshi felt that the requirements could be met, by using a lighter top-secret alluminum alloy; but the alloy being lighter and stronger- rendered a brittle and corrosive nature. Thus it was painted with an anti-corrosion lacquer, combined with a lack of armor for the pilot, engine and self-sealing fuel tanks, made them vulnerable to catching fire and exploding when struck by enemy rounds- or struck by our new Corsair F4U Fighter, possessing greater fire power, armor, and speed, and approached the Zero’s maneuverability. Thus it was regarded as the most formidable American fighter of World War II, with a kill ratio of 11:1 .

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June 10, 2012
Author: John

Fantasy Flier Pedal Plane

Pedal planes are a great way to encourage your child’s interest in flight. There is a plane out there to match your child’s style and interests, whatever there may be. From classic to modern, imaginative to realistic, pedal planes run the gamut. For those who dream of becoming a fighter pilot, consider a plane modeled after the U.S. Army patrol planes or a Navy F4U Corsair to let them really feel as if they’re cruising the skies in a fighter plane.                                                        Let the child’s imagination soar in one of these beautifully detailed Pedal Airplanes. For the little pilots will love these pedal planes and is sure to be the envy of the neighborhood as they scoot around the yard. The sturdy construction of these pedal airplanes will surely be handed down from generation to generation. Therefore, the pedal toy car collectors can be encouraged to have this one of a kind pedal plane collection to continuously fulfill your child’s dream of having one pedal plane in the future.                        Even if you do not remember it personally, we all have that nostalgic piece of ourselves associated with that classic era. In addition, what is the best toy any kid would be lucky to get from then? Pedal Planes! The gloss, the sheen, the majesty of these pedal powered cars resembling 1920’s and 1930’s aircraft is as timeless as the era they are from. With a history as rich and full as the era they represent, Pedal Planes make an excellent gift for children and adults alike, giving our generations the connection we crave.

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April 15, 2012
Author: John

Corsair Pedal Plane

Pedal Planes are wonderful toys specifically designed for kids in all colors and styles. The blue F4U Corsair Fighter, is a  brilliant example that attracts children. Known for being in many Military Campaigns, it also served in the Royal Navy as a welcome robust and versatile alternative, to their weaker Sea Hurricane and Super-marine Sea-fire Fighter Planes.                  The Corsair had their outer wings “clipped” by 8″ to clear the deck-head. The change in span brought about the added benefit of improving sink rate, reducing the F4U’s  propensity of “floating” in the final stages of landing. Royal Navy Aviators found landing accidents less of a problem than they had been to U.S. Navy Aviators, due to the curved approach used. By approaching the Carrier in a medium left-hand turn, this  allowed the Pilot to keep the Carrier’s deck in view over the dip in the port wing, rendered safe Carrier Operations. Certainly- you can bet on the safe operation of the Corsair Pedal Plane, for your loved one.

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March 2, 2012
Author: John

Corsair Fighter Pedal Plane

Do you remember the days of jukeboxes, malt shops, or classic Thunderbirds? What about those bright Christmas mornings when The Flintstones would be playing on TV and you woke up really early to check under the tree for that special toy Mom and Dad got you? Even if you do not remember it personally, we all have that nostalgic piece of ourselves associated with that classic era. In addition, what is the best toy any kid would be lucky to get from then? Pedal Planes! The gloss, the sheen, the majesty of these pedal powered cars resembling 1920’s and 1930’s aircraft is as timeless as the era they are from. With a history as rich and full as the era they represent, Pedal Planes make an excellent gift for children and adults alike, giving our generations the connection we crave.                                                                                 The Pedal Plane, and Pedal Car, did not just come on the scene lately, to bring back a nostalgic feel for early 1900’s, but these beautiful contraptions have been around since the 20’s and 30’s. Around the beginning, they were made for mostly wealthy families, since the Great Depression wiped out most families income in America.  Made of mostly heavy gauge stamped steel, the Pedal Plane was seen as a luxury, and was not even produced in the 1940’s due to WWII. Following this, a wide rebirth of the Pedal Plane came in the 1950’s with the introduction of the chain driven models. Being now introduced in local stores, these models could be affordable to any upper class family, and brought joy to many children in that day and age. However, starting in the 1970’s, Pedal Plane and Pedal Car companies decided to start making their toys out of plastic, to not only be more affordable but easier to manufacture. Without the steel reproductions of classic cars and planes, the popularity of the Pedal Plane began to plummet. Fortunately, modern day collectors have brought the Pedal Plane back to it’s original luster, making the Pedal Plane come alive with the same energy they had in those classic times of early productions.                                                                                                                                           From the fun and imaginative Sky King Pedal Plane to the Vintage Corsair Fighter Pedal Plane, there are many makes and models to choose from. It’s easy to see why Pedal Planes have survived a tough century. Their connection to a happier and simpler time have made them a must for any collector and their bright colors and fun shapes make them a perfect toy for any imaginative child. So, bring the joy of the 1920’s and 30’s into your home today,  and give your child an Heirloom they can be proud of, for the rest of their Lives.

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January 16, 2012
Author: John

Corsair Pedal Plane

The U.S. Air Force has always been an awe-inspiring Air-force, with formidable Fighters, as the F4U Corsair. Becoming one of the most revered carrier-based Fighters of WWII, with a kill ratio of 11:1 . One of the first Navy Aircraft, with fully retracting landing gear into a fully enclosed wheel well. It’s armament boasted (6) wing mounted .50 in. caliber M2 Browning Machine Guns. In 1944 the USMC squadron VMF-12, aboard the “Essex”, was one of the most effective units, against the increased “Kamikaze” attacks.                                                  Featured is one of our beautifully crafted Pedal Planes , the Corsair Pedal Plane with, padded and snapped seat, ball-bearing drive, rotating propeller, all wrapped in a high luster Powder Coat finish and custom graphics. Surely, these beauties will influence your ‘Lil’ Pilot, into becoming a “Top Gun”.

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December 4, 2011
Author: John

Red Baron Pedal Biplane

The U.S. Navy’s last Biplane Fighter, the F3F, improved over the F2F from poor directional stability and spinning problems. A Test Pilot, reported that high speeds induced directional instability which in turn caused the aircraft to enter into a flat spin, unable to recover from. The first F3F squadron was stationed aboard the USS Ranger. It’s engine was later up-graded to a 950 hp Pratt & Whitney, increasing it’s speed, climb rate and service ceiling. It’s speed and maneuverability rendered it one of the Navy’s favorite little fighter plane, armed with a .30 cal. and .50 cal. Browning Machine Gun in the Cowl.                                Similar to the F3F Biplane Fighter, we’re featuring our Red Baron Pedal Planes . With – high traction rubber tires, non-slip pedals, padded and snapped seats, rotating propeller, ball bearing drive, all steel body wrapped in a high luster Powder Coat finish ( lead free ) with custom graphics. Surely, this beauty will set your ‘Lil’ Pilot into Orbit, and bring memories for a Lifetime.

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