I noted in a CNN story that the Radio Flyer "little red wagon" has been updated:
"Outfitted with 5-point safety harnesses, padded seats, cup holders, foot brakes and fold-out storage containers, the sleek, curved Cloud 9 has every family covered for a ride through the park. But that's just for starters.
There's a digital handle that tracks temperature, time, distance and speed -- just in case energetic parents want to track their split times around the playground. And there's a slot for an MP3 player, complete with speakers, for some cruising tunes."
Some friends and I corresponded on this and came up with this comparison [below the fold]:
What was wrong with the actual, original "Little Red Wagon" ("LRW") anyway? Further evidence that industry, in this case the toy industry, in the U.S. totally and thoroughly misunderstands what the consumer/public actually wants or needs.
The German version of an LRW would go faster, be twice as heavy, and have special Swiss bearings on the independently supported axles.
The Swedish version would resemble the German version, but be safer.
The Italian version would be smaller, faster, and have a special body designed by a famous wagon designer; although beautiful, would be absolutely impractical and break down easily.
The Japanese version would be small, practical, and affordable, but look like hell.
There used to be an English version but they were bought out by the American version manufacturer in the ‘70’s, and then ceased production.
The Russian version would be a knockoff of the German version, but would be required for all – even though you couldn’t get them unless you paid a bribe or were a party member.
The Mexican version would be last decade’s American version, with cast-off Goodyear tire strips replacing the original tires. And the tubular parts would have traces of cocaine powder from its prior usage.
There’s no Cuban version, but they keep the 1950’s American version going by manufacturing spare parts in tiny machine shops in people’s garages. There’s a Brazilian version, but it runs on Fizzies and vinegar, so it’s not for sale in the US.
And what the kid wanted all along was an X-Box 360 anyway, with the bundled "Little Red Wagon Vigilantes" game.
©2008 Peter Kraemer & Bob Clayton