Figure 1.-- Here we see a snapshot of an unidentified boy with his Buddy L sheet steel/ heavy tin fire engine. The boy and a group of firemen stand in front of the 'Good Will Fire Co'. I think that means a voluntary fire company. The boy is pictured with a great toy fire engine. I am guessing it bis my farv his favorite toy. The impressive long raised ladder on the fire engine casts a shadow on one fireman's uniform. he boy wears an oversized fire hat obviously having been loaned to him one by the three firemen. standing behind him. This snpshot is undated, but looks to have vbeen taken in the late-1920s.
Whatever vehicle that Ameicans have invented or used have been turned into toys for children, usually boys. Boats were one popular vehicle toy. Sailboats were popular, probably because they could be actuially sailed. Boys loved to sail boats in the local park. Note who is there. Not only are mostly boys doing the sailing, but the people warching are mostly boys. Another favorites was toy trains--especially the model electric train when they became available in the 1900s. And again this not only were there dtailed replicas, but they actually moved. The train was a great toy because you could combine it with other items like toy soldiers. The 20th century also brought airplanes and cars and trucks. And eventually spaceships and rockets. Toy air planes are popular. Here there are a variety of toys. Younger boys might play with simple airplanes made like boats, trucks, and ther vehicles. And there were plans that could actually fly, both simple balsa gliders and radio-controlled planes with small motors. These were for older boys. There were a wide range of toy cars, trucks, fire trucks, and construction equipment for younger boys. Some were very basic. Most wheeled vehicles had wheels that worked. Many behicle toys has features that worked.
