About Wooden Wagons

The history of wood wagons as toys began in the late 1800s. There are two types of wood toy wagons: the miniature kinds that are collectibles and the large pull wagons that kids carry toys in and pull around the house and outside. Wood wagons are still made today and are a viable alternative to manufactured toys.

History

The first toy wood wagons were introduced in the 1880s. They were made of wood consisting of four wheels and a main body made by craftsman. As years went by, plastic and steel replaced the wood. The American Flyer Company made one of the first well-known wagons. It was made by hand by the owner Antonio Pasin before the 1920s. Antonio Pasin was a talented craftsman that immigrated to the United States from Italy. He made the wagons in the evening and sold them during the day. The first company was called The Liberty Coaster Company. His first successful wagon was made of wood. It was called The No. 4 Liberty Coaster. After time, making the wagon by hand proved to be too time-consuming. He later adapted metal stamping technology to make mass-produced steel wagons.

Significance

The wood wagon was a functional toy for children. The wood wagons can haul all sorts of toys, gifts and other objects. Today, toy wagons at the American Flyer Company are made of steel and wood. It originally made miniature wagons used on key chains as well. The typical toy wood wagon has several parts like an undercarriage, wheel, main body and a steering handle. The design has not changed much over the years

Function

The main parts of the larger toy wagon were used for riding or hauling. Toy wagons are often rectangular in shape with a flat bottom. The height and thickness of the wagon walls depends on the size of the wagon made. The undercarriage supports the main body and wheels. The undercarriage is made up of different parts, including brackets that support it and wheel axles. The back axle only lets the wagons wheel move in one direction. The front axle helps the wheels on the wagon to rotate. This gives it the movement that kids enjoy when playing with the toys.

Features

Many wood wagons are made from maple, pine and other woods by craftsman in small companies. Some companies have grown with the demand for the toy. Many small companies buy the wood they use to make the wagons from local supplies and use linseed oil and nontoxic stains on the wagons. When purchasing a wood wagon, check to make sure the paint used on the toy does not have lead. Some companies sell toys via the internet. Some miniature wood wagons might be different types like horse wagons, farm wagons and toy wagons for kids.

Considerations

All-natural wood wagons with no stain are safe, but eventually get dry and will crack and take on stains from food and grass. They have no protection against the weather and elements like the air. They will absorb moisture and may swell and become rough. Beeswax is another natural sealer used on wood but it does not last and must be reapplied. It has a nice scent but must be mixed to soften. It yellows wood because of its color. Almond and walnut oil can be used as a wood finish. Allergy problems can arise with some children and adults. Linseed oil is natural oil, but will yellow wood slightly. Boiled linseed oil for children's toys contains petroleum solvents and metallic drying agents.