Archive for the ‘Pedal Trains’ Category

Lil Red Pedal Train
The railroad actually dates back long before automobiles, coupled with power by human or horsepower, with rails made of wood or stone track. The first train was really a “Wagon-way”, the precursor to the railway. The Diolkos Wagon-way, transported boats in Greece around 600 BC. Wheeled vehicles pulled by men and animals ran in grooves in limestone, controlling the wagons from leaving the intended route. By 1515 in Austria, wooden rails were in use with hemp haulage rope, operated by human or animal power. Wagon-ways were needed in Germany around 1550, to handle the burden of transporting ore tubs from mines, utilizing crude wooden rails, coupled with the “Hund” carts with unflanged wheels on wooden planks and a vertical pin on the truck, following the gap between boards. The flanged wheel eventually proved to be superior, by it’s performance on curves, and with the combination iron/wood rail that would be replaced by all metal rail, offering a safer rail – due to the strength, durability and life it afforded. And just think, we haven’t even gotten to Steam Power yet, that revolutionizes the Railway by 1800; however the Pedal Train advances on the scene about 1900, what a site for children to behold in the thrilling train powered by pedal power!

'Lil' Red Pedal Train
Lionel wasted no time in developing the most cherished trains, before long Joshua Cowen was fabricating train stations, passenger cars, coal cars, cattle cars and tunnels, making the American Rail-Road real to American families. By 1909 Cowen called his trains ” The Standard of the World”. As more American homes were wired with electrical power, so the Electric Lionel Train line grew also. By 1915, the O-Gauge was introduced, which would become the most popular scale train available. In 1929, Cowen unveiled the Transcontinental Limited, stretching nine feet from it’s signature headlight to its ornate observation platform, complete with brass rail.Even while costing $ 110.00 more than a used Model-T, because of their marketing strategies and quality Trains, the company was able to weather the Depression, when people had little money to spend on the toys, combined with World War II using most metals, that could have been used for Toy production. Many collectors consider the two decades after WW II, were the best for Lionel; especially from 53′ – 59′ . In 1959 Joshua Cowen and Family sold their shares to some businessmen led by his great-nephew, Roy Cohn. However – the sale did not take place without the Toy World realizing, Cowen had formerly beat his competitors because he produced a reliable product, with a brilliant line of accessories, while being a bold promoter, featuring his toys as “Educational” because he knew parents needed the rationalization to make the purchase- even in tough times. He was gifted with the talent of Engineering and Sales, giving reason why he excelled among his competitors. Lionel trains are unquestionably the greatest name in the history of toy trains. Featured – is our beautifully designed Pedal Trains of today.

Red Pedal Train
With the rising popularity of Pedal Trains and their changes, from automobiles to the more familiar enclosed versions that became commonplace in the 20′s and 30′s, pedal cars were created for children who loved to imagine themselves driving on the open roads in their own vehicle. Pretty soon they were followed by a plethora of different car models, planes and pedal trains. Trains, the oldest mechanical transporter on land, have stirred the passion of young and old alike since they were introduced at the beginnings of the 19th century. Trains are an established part of the inspiring movement west on the American Frontier, particularly in the post World War Two era when massive development of the suburbs, mostly from returning soldiers, created new families with children looking for new toys. A pedal train is still a very popular option for a toy even in the world today of electronic toys and vehicles. They are classic toys that all young children enjoy and can gain so much from playing with one. Pedal trains are just as loved as Pedal Cars, and any child will enjoy riding around in their own personal train. Made with all steel bodies, pedal trains are designed to last for years and years, ensuring that your child’s train can be passed down from generation to generation, and with non-slip tires, adjustable pedals, authentic steel guard, sealed ball bearings, and a padded seat, you can rest assured of your child’s safety and comfort. Though driving around will provide hours upon hours of fun and laughs, pedal trains also come with working lights and bells, giving the feel of an actual train that your child will love.

'Lil' Red Pedal Train
When Steam Locomotives came on the scene in the late 1800′s, night transport revealed a great need for Railway companies to provide adequate lighting, to see what lay ahead of the train, and for on-lookers to see the Locomotive. Steam Locomotive headlights initially, were oil or acetylene lamps, however were rapidly replaced with electric arc lamps, by late 1880′s. Concern grew knowing that trains stopping distances were much greater than the range of headlights, consequently railways became well signaled and fully fenced to protect livestock and people from migrating into harms-way. Some Railway Authorities mandated powerful headlights on at all times, to increase awareness to workers and the public of an approaching train. Bells and Steam Whistles warned of in-coming trains in the early days, sounded by pull-string cords and levers. Thus automatic bell ringers were implemented thru-out the U.S. after 1910. Surely, your ‘Lil’ Tyke won’t miss the working light and bell on these charming Pedal Trains.

Thomas Medal Pedal Train
It may seem like only yesterday for many of us who grew up in the age of Pedal Trains, cars and planes. The sight of children in the neighborhood behind the wheel of pedal trains was a common sight, especially from the post-World War One era to the 1960′s. Whether it was little girls behind the wheel of a pink sedan or boys who pedaled craft that were shaped like the Red Baron’s plane, a Ferrari sports car, a Fire Truck, Pedal Trains were crisscrossed through-out small neighborhood streets. Trains, the oldest mechanical convenience on land, have stirred the imagination of young and old alike since they were introduced at the beginnings of the 19th century. Trains are an established part of the restless movement west on the American Frontier, particularily in the post World War Two era when massive expansion of the suburbs, mostly from returning soldiers, created new families with children looking for new toys. The Pedal Trains of the 1950′s were well crafted, made from quality products and some are still around today, fetching good prices from collectors looking to both invest in a quality product and re-live the days of yesteryear, as children across the nation are still found in Pedal Trains , cars and planes- just like the one featured here.

Red Pedal Train
The ancient Romans contributed to the invention of Railroads, revered as the Appian Way. Constructed of stone blocks, fitted closely together, rendered a smooth hard track for wheels. In the 1600′s tracks or roadways were constructed in London, Pisa, and Milan and other cities. In 1630, Beaumont built and invented rails on a highway, for the transport of coal from the Mines in New Castle, England. Roger North testifies to railways being used on the river “Tyne” in 1676; with rails of timber placed end to end, in parallel lines. Thus – bulky Carts of Coal were placed on four-rollers, making a Horse-Drawn Carriage- easy. Railways were present in Scotland in 1745, during the Scotch rebellion. Here some of the earliest rails, had a round moulding of wood pinned to the rails, combined with wheels hollowed out like a Pulley, allowing the wheel to fit upon the “Wooden Rail”. Fortunately, our Pedal Trains do not follow a Wooden Rail, rather ride on solid rubber tires, equipped with working headlight and bell, cattle guard, adjustable pedal assembly, and padded seat, all steel body wrapped in a high luster Powder Coat finish. Surely, your ‘Lil’ Engineer will be thrilled to “Whistle” along the track, and reap memories for a lifetime.

Thomas Medal Pedal Train
In July of this year, Toronto hired a firm to evaluate municipal programs and services, to determine what can be Cut or Cut back. And this is one City among thousands around the world considering “Cuts” Aboard the Gravy Train. Business Services, training, advice, incentives for business could be reduced or Cut. Cultural Services, art programming, art acquisitions, facilities maintenance, community event programming and museums – could be reduced or Cut. Economic competitive services, hospitality programs, consultation services and business support services could all be reduced or transferred outside the city. Employment and Social Services, placement and retention services, skills training and referral services – could all be contracted out. Although many services and programs are being Cut across America, the Gravy Train is still offered at Pedal Car Express in our charming Pedal Train . The Gravy is symbolized by : 3 position pedal assembly, padded seat, sealed ball bearing drive, high traction tires, non-slip pedals, all wrapped in a high luster Powder Coat Finish ( lead free ). The Gravy will flow from the “Happy Face” in your ‘Lil’ Engineer, to the years of enjoyment rendered.

Yellow Bumble Bee Pedal Trains
Surely, when your ‘Lil’ Engineer sees what the Yellow Pedal Train has to offer, he or she may want to enroll in the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers; so they can be trained for operating various positions- like becoming a Brakeman, Conductor, or route Coordinator; or at least have a great time pretending. These beautifully crafted Yellow Bumble Bee Pedal Trains features- authentic cattle guard, working head-light and bell, adjustable pedals, padded seat, all steel body wrapped in a high luster Powder Coat finish with custom graphics. Certainly, these little Gems, could become a rewarding “Link” for your loved ones, in later becoming a Proud Engineer.

Thomas Medal Pedal Train
Locomotive Engineers today, are required to perform many tasks, acquire knowledge of latest technology and perform many skills to be certified. Some of these Skills include, Operation and Control- controlling operations of equipment or systems. Operation Monitoring- watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. Critical Thinking- using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Active Learning- understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. Although today’s Engineer requires knowledge, skill, and critical thinking; quite the contrary for your ‘Lil’ Engineer will only need to decide what direction to turn his stunning Pedal Train. Features – ball bearing wheel drive, adjustable pedal assembly, padded seat, high-traction tires, all wrapped in a high-luster Powder Coat finish ( lead free ). Surely, these beautifully crafted Pedal Trains, will manifest a “Spirit” in your ‘Lil’ Tyke or Princess, that will give everlasting memories.

'Lil' Red Train
I can remember one Summer with two buddies, jumping a Freight Train in Barstow,California heading to the Colorado River; we thought. There we were aboard this Box Car with two Hobo’s – suddenly I felt I was in the presence of two untrustworthy individuals, coupled with the unknown destination the Train was headed, I became overwhelmed with uncertainty. By giving one of our Pedal Trains, you can be certain your loved one has boarded a Safe Toy. They can operate a unique quality toy, that sets them above the fold. Perhaps this will become the “Link” in having a powerful hold upon their imagination of becoming an Engineer. Featuring – authentic cattle guard, working headlight and bell, non-slip tires, adjustable pedals, padded seats and high-luster Powder Coat finish. You can be certain, your ‘Lil’ Engineer will be thrilled with hours of enjoyment.

Recent Comments