Air Travel Rules: Are They Different For Those With a Disability?
By: http://northamericabase.com/
When planning to take a trip, by way of airplane, there are a number of
different factors that you should consider. One of those factors includes
whether or not you have a disability. Even if you do not have a disability, you
also need to be prepared if you are traveling with someone else who has one.
This preparation does not just include packing your bags for your trip, but it
is also includes familiarizing yourself with air travel rules. Although most of
the rules are the same, you will find that some rules differ for those who have
a medical condition or a disability.
The first step in preparing for a trip with someone who is disabled, whether
that person be yourself or another traveler, is to alert the airline. When
making your reservation, you may want to inform the airline staff of any
disability or medical condition that you may have. Although this is not
necessary, it may be a good idea, especially if you will be traveling with
medical equipment. Extra accommodations will need to be made for those who are
traveling, past airport security checkpoints, with wheelchairs or mobility
scooters. Learning what you will need to do with these items, ahead of time, is
a great way to make your travel plans run as smoothly as possible.
It is also a good idea to famialrize yourself with the airport screening
process. All individuals will need to go through medical detectors. If you or
someone who you know is traveling with medical equipment that will set off the
alarms, it is likely that they will be pulled aside for additional screening.
This screening should only take a few minutes, but it will be done by a trained
professional who will show compassion when dealing with those with a disability.
Unlike most other air travelers, who at this time are required to remove their
shoes, those with a disability can leave their shoes on if they choose to do so.
However, it is important to note that you may be subject to additional
screening. To prevent this additional screening from occurring, you are advised
to remove your shoes, if at all possible. In the event that you are unable to,
it will not be a big ordeal. In fact, the additional screening often requires a
quick swipe of a metal detector wand.
In addition to those with a disability, most airports have made special
arrangements and exceptions for those who have a medical condition, especially
one that requires medication at a specific time. You are allowed to keep your
medication with you, in your carryon luggage, but you are advised to keep the
dosages in small amounts. Due to the current ban on liquids, you are advised to
have the proper medical identification. This means that you should keep your
medication in the original package, especially if your name is on it. To be
allowed through to the next checkpoint, your name will have to match the name of
the prescription bottle. If it does not, there is a chance that you will have
your medication confiscated.
By keeping the above mentioned points in mind you or your traveling partners,
who may have a medical condition or a disability, should easily be able to make
it to your intended destination. In the event that you are unsure about a
particular screening procedure or if you have any other questions, you are
advised to contact the airline in which you will be flying on or the airport
that you will be leaving from, before your arrive there. Planning ahead is the
best way to make your next flight a memorable and hassle-free experience.
Tuesday, 12 March 2013
Monday, 11 March 2013
Flight Training Start-up
Flight Training Start-up
By: http://northamericabase.com
If you love heights and you simply can't ignore the satisfaction flying can give you then enrolling in flight training is a solid choice. Basically, if you want to be a pilot someday, you have to undergo excessive flight training and proper schooling in an accredited flight school. Flight training should give you the skills on how to handle, take-off, and land a very basic aircraft or glider. You will then have to go through advanced training schools to learn how to pilot lar...
Article Body:
If you love heights and you simply can't ignore the satisfaction flying can give you then enrolling in flight training is a solid choice. Basically, if you want to be a pilot someday, you have to undergo excessive flight training and proper schooling in an accredited flight school. Flight training should give you the skills on how to handle, take-off, and land a very basic aircraft or glider. You will then have to go through advanced training schools to learn how to pilot large aircraft for specific training.
1. Flight regulations
Aside from the complete procedures you will undergo in a flight training, you will also be taught on areas regarding flight rules and regulations.
2. Principles of flight
Just like any professional activity, it is also important for a pilot to know the different principle in flying. This will guide them on their quest for a career in flying.
3. Medical certificate
It is important to know the needed requirements in order to start with your flight training. There is a physical requirement to be a pilot.
4. Navigation
This refers to the proper maneuvering of the aircraft along a set course.
5. Human factors
This is to equip the trainee with proper knowledge on how human factors affect the overall flying procedure.
6. Radio Communications
Here, the student is trained on how to communicate effectively with the people situated in the control area. This is to facilitate communications with an air traffic controller so as to know the condition of the air traffic in the area.
7. Meteorology
This is also included in the flight training because it is important in understanding the conditions in mid air.
8. Flight Instruction Processes
- Preparation The basics of flight
- Advanced Flying procedures and practice flying within a certain area
- Solo Flights Must be able to fly between any of the local airports and homebase
- Specific Aircraft Advanced topics such as dead reckoning, pilotage, night flying, aeronautical charts
- Certification Exam required
By: http://northamericabase.com
If you love heights and you simply can't ignore the satisfaction flying can give you then enrolling in flight training is a solid choice. Basically, if you want to be a pilot someday, you have to undergo excessive flight training and proper schooling in an accredited flight school. Flight training should give you the skills on how to handle, take-off, and land a very basic aircraft or glider. You will then have to go through advanced training schools to learn how to pilot lar...
Article Body:
If you love heights and you simply can't ignore the satisfaction flying can give you then enrolling in flight training is a solid choice. Basically, if you want to be a pilot someday, you have to undergo excessive flight training and proper schooling in an accredited flight school. Flight training should give you the skills on how to handle, take-off, and land a very basic aircraft or glider. You will then have to go through advanced training schools to learn how to pilot large aircraft for specific training.
1. Flight regulations
Aside from the complete procedures you will undergo in a flight training, you will also be taught on areas regarding flight rules and regulations.
2. Principles of flight
Just like any professional activity, it is also important for a pilot to know the different principle in flying. This will guide them on their quest for a career in flying.
3. Medical certificate
It is important to know the needed requirements in order to start with your flight training. There is a physical requirement to be a pilot.
4. Navigation
This refers to the proper maneuvering of the aircraft along a set course.
5. Human factors
This is to equip the trainee with proper knowledge on how human factors affect the overall flying procedure.
6. Radio Communications
Here, the student is trained on how to communicate effectively with the people situated in the control area. This is to facilitate communications with an air traffic controller so as to know the condition of the air traffic in the area.
7. Meteorology
This is also included in the flight training because it is important in understanding the conditions in mid air.
8. Flight Instruction Processes
- Preparation The basics of flight
- Advanced Flying procedures and practice flying within a certain area
- Solo Flights Must be able to fly between any of the local airports and homebase
- Specific Aircraft Advanced topics such as dead reckoning, pilotage, night flying, aeronautical charts
- Certification Exam required
Saturday, 9 March 2013
Northern Ontario Family Outdoor Vacations
Northern Ontario Family Outdoor Vacations
By: http://northamericabase.com
How long have you been sitting in front of that television, watching boring reruns? Are you overwrought, exhausted, and do you have at least one argument with your family in a day? Well then, its time to pack your bags, your tenting gear, and your family into your car and head to the great outdoors for a vacation. The great outdoors are beckoning and it's about time you responded to nature's call.
Planning an outdoor vacation with your family is one of the greatest favors you can do for them. But where does one go? Well, in this case, the world is definitely your oyster. Outdoor vacations come attached to activities galore and these include hiking, backpacking, bicycling, and of course camping. You can easily choose the kind of adventure vacation you want. Whether it is going up to the mountains, down to the sea, or flying to an international travel destination, outdoor vacations are the best way for you and your family to relax. Instead of a staid, boring holiday in a man-made amusement park, why not head for an adventure holiday? Outdoor vacations are often unpredictable and make sure that your family and you get a chance to rough it out and have loads of fun. It's not every day that your children get to lie under the stars with a campfire blazing, listening to the occasional, distant howl of an animal.
Family outdoor vacations, far from the maddening crowd, not only help you relax but help your children get out of their patterned existence of school life. There are so many things that artificial amusement parks, resorts, and swimming pools can't teach. The idea is to bathe in a real waterfall, soak it up under the sun, build sand castles instead of assembling plastic ones, or learn how to peg tents. In fact, traveling to a different country or to a remote location is a great way of introducing them to a new culture or your country's heritage.
This is the time when you can interact and spend more time with your children and actually bond with them. No more soccer or left over office work can come between you and your family now. This is also a good time to catch up on all the reading you have wanted to do for a long time. So just switch off the TV, apply for leave, and plan your next family outdoor vacation as soon as possible.
By: http://northamericabase.com
How long have you been sitting in front of that television, watching boring reruns? Are you overwrought, exhausted, and do you have at least one argument with your family in a day? Well then, its time to pack your bags, your tenting gear, and your family into your car and head to the great outdoors for a vacation. The great outdoors are beckoning and it's about time you responded to nature's call.
Planning an outdoor vacation with your family is one of the greatest favors you can do for them. But where does one go? Well, in this case, the world is definitely your oyster. Outdoor vacations come attached to activities galore and these include hiking, backpacking, bicycling, and of course camping. You can easily choose the kind of adventure vacation you want. Whether it is going up to the mountains, down to the sea, or flying to an international travel destination, outdoor vacations are the best way for you and your family to relax. Instead of a staid, boring holiday in a man-made amusement park, why not head for an adventure holiday? Outdoor vacations are often unpredictable and make sure that your family and you get a chance to rough it out and have loads of fun. It's not every day that your children get to lie under the stars with a campfire blazing, listening to the occasional, distant howl of an animal.
Family outdoor vacations, far from the maddening crowd, not only help you relax but help your children get out of their patterned existence of school life. There are so many things that artificial amusement parks, resorts, and swimming pools can't teach. The idea is to bathe in a real waterfall, soak it up under the sun, build sand castles instead of assembling plastic ones, or learn how to peg tents. In fact, traveling to a different country or to a remote location is a great way of introducing them to a new culture or your country's heritage.
This is the time when you can interact and spend more time with your children and actually bond with them. No more soccer or left over office work can come between you and your family now. This is also a good time to catch up on all the reading you have wanted to do for a long time. So just switch off the TV, apply for leave, and plan your next family outdoor vacation as soon as possible.
Friday, 8 March 2013
Canadian Immigration And Health Insurance
Canadian Immigration And Health Insurance
By: http://northamericabase.com/
This article purpose is to discuss the important information that you'll need to know if you are thinking about or planning on moving to Canada as a permanent resident.
In this article, we're going to talk about some of the first things you need to do when you arrive in Canada as a permanent resident.
Health Insurance Card
One of the first things you'll want to do after arriving is apply for health insurance cards for every member of your family. Applications are available in many places, including doctor's offices and pharmacies. These cards allow you to receive care through the Canadian health insurance program for the following services:
- Examination and treatment by physicians and most specialists
- Many types of surgery
- Hospitalization
- X-rays and laboratory tests
- Immunizations
You will not have to pay for these services, these expenses are covered by the taxes that you will be paying as a working Canadian permanent resident.
In most provinces in Canada, you can begin receiving medical coverage as soon as you apply. In Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and British Columbia, however, you must wait 3-months from the date you apply for your coverage to begin. In the meantime, short-term health insurance is available through private companies.
You may also want to ask potential employers about their health coverage options as well. Many employers provide additional health insurance benefits that cover expenses, such as prescription drugs and dental care.
Social Insurance Number
Before you begin working in Canada, you need to have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). This 9-digit number is used to help you receive the social benefits you are entitled to as a Canadian permanent resident and to ensure that you are paying taxes to help support those benefits.
To apply for a SIN, you should visit a local office of the Human Resources and Skills Development (HRSD) to complete an application. You should also bring along your Permanent Resident card to proof your identity and your residency status.
The cost of application is $10, and it takes about three weeks for you to receive your card.
You can begin working before your receive your SIN card, however. You simply need to provide your employer with proof that you have applied.
Employment
In most cases, you will also want to begin searching for work almost immediately. It is possible to have a position lined up even before you apply for permanent resident status, but chances are that you'll be unemployed when you first arrive.
Depending on the type of work you are searching for, you may first need to apply for permission to engage in that profession. In Canada, some careers are classified as regulated fields. These fields included doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc. In order to obtain work in these areas, you will need to contact the regulatory office in the province where you intend to work. The regulations vary from province to province.
The regulatory board will have to evaluate your experience and credentials then decide whether you need to take further steps to meet their standards.
Some trades, such as carpenter or plumber, are also considered to be regulated. Therefore, you must make sure that you have the appropriate licensing before attempting to work in those fields. Carpentry and plumbing, as well as 43 other trades, are considered Red Seal Trades. This means that the regulations for that trade are the same in all provinces. Therefore, if you are a licensed welder in Quebec, you can also do that type of work in New Brunswick without having to go through another assessment.
Fortunately, the majority of jobs in Canada are non-regulated, so you can begin searching for a position in your chosen field as soon as you arrive.
One of the best ways to find a position in Canada is to use the Job Bank service. This online site allows you to post up to 3 employee profiles that can be viewed by employers. You can also view postings placed by employers throughout Canada. The daily newspapers in all of the provinces also include job listings.
By: http://northamericabase.com/
This article purpose is to discuss the important information that you'll need to know if you are thinking about or planning on moving to Canada as a permanent resident.
In this article, we're going to talk about some of the first things you need to do when you arrive in Canada as a permanent resident.
Health Insurance Card
One of the first things you'll want to do after arriving is apply for health insurance cards for every member of your family. Applications are available in many places, including doctor's offices and pharmacies. These cards allow you to receive care through the Canadian health insurance program for the following services:
- Examination and treatment by physicians and most specialists
- Many types of surgery
- Hospitalization
- X-rays and laboratory tests
- Immunizations
You will not have to pay for these services, these expenses are covered by the taxes that you will be paying as a working Canadian permanent resident.
In most provinces in Canada, you can begin receiving medical coverage as soon as you apply. In Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and British Columbia, however, you must wait 3-months from the date you apply for your coverage to begin. In the meantime, short-term health insurance is available through private companies.
You may also want to ask potential employers about their health coverage options as well. Many employers provide additional health insurance benefits that cover expenses, such as prescription drugs and dental care.
Social Insurance Number
Before you begin working in Canada, you need to have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). This 9-digit number is used to help you receive the social benefits you are entitled to as a Canadian permanent resident and to ensure that you are paying taxes to help support those benefits.
To apply for a SIN, you should visit a local office of the Human Resources and Skills Development (HRSD) to complete an application. You should also bring along your Permanent Resident card to proof your identity and your residency status.
The cost of application is $10, and it takes about three weeks for you to receive your card.
You can begin working before your receive your SIN card, however. You simply need to provide your employer with proof that you have applied.
Employment
In most cases, you will also want to begin searching for work almost immediately. It is possible to have a position lined up even before you apply for permanent resident status, but chances are that you'll be unemployed when you first arrive.
Depending on the type of work you are searching for, you may first need to apply for permission to engage in that profession. In Canada, some careers are classified as regulated fields. These fields included doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc. In order to obtain work in these areas, you will need to contact the regulatory office in the province where you intend to work. The regulations vary from province to province.
The regulatory board will have to evaluate your experience and credentials then decide whether you need to take further steps to meet their standards.
Some trades, such as carpenter or plumber, are also considered to be regulated. Therefore, you must make sure that you have the appropriate licensing before attempting to work in those fields. Carpentry and plumbing, as well as 43 other trades, are considered Red Seal Trades. This means that the regulations for that trade are the same in all provinces. Therefore, if you are a licensed welder in Quebec, you can also do that type of work in New Brunswick without having to go through another assessment.
Fortunately, the majority of jobs in Canada are non-regulated, so you can begin searching for a position in your chosen field as soon as you arrive.
One of the best ways to find a position in Canada is to use the Job Bank service. This online site allows you to post up to 3 employee profiles that can be viewed by employers. You can also view postings placed by employers throughout Canada. The daily newspapers in all of the provinces also include job listings.
Thursday, 7 March 2013
San Diego, California Whale Watching
San Diego, California Whale Watching
By:http://northamericabase.com
It's no secret to anyone that the coast of San Diego is the ideal place to watch the annual migration of the gray whale. Looked upon as one of nature's ultimate spectacles; the migration of gray whales is nothing short of breathtaking. The coastline of San Diego is one of their migratory points as they travel from the waters of the Arctic to the warmer regions of the Baja (California), where females also give birth.
Every year, roughly 26,000 gray whales will make the long journey of 10,000+ miles from the Arctic to the Baja and back. If you look at this journey and compare it to any other mammal, you'll notice that the gray whale by far has the greatest amount of traveling at hand.
If you've never experienced whale watching, you'll be happy to know that anyone will find it memorable - young or old. Spotting a gray whale along the coastline is something that is truly a memorable moment, making you stop for a second and truly appreciate these awesome mammals.
If you ask the Birch Aquarium in San Diego, you'll find that gray whales are seen most frequently from December through March. While they travel in dozens normally, it's nothing to see pods of them (2 - 3) as they travel during migration. Throughout the coast of San Diego, you can easily spot these whales as they are somewhat slow swimmers.
During their swimming, they will normally dive to a depth of 100 feet or more for a few minutes, then surface and blow. Then, they will do a few shallow dives, before making that deep dive again. When watching whales, figuring out this pattern makes the success of watching them all the more fun and exciting.
While there are many common places to watch whales, nothing seems to compare to the excitement of watching them
from aboard a cruise. There are many cruises that take place in San Diego, many of which offer unbeatable deals.
From H&M Landing to the Birch Aquarium, cruises are some of the best ways to see the beauty and tranquility of the
traveling gray whales.
The beauty of the gray whales can also be seen from many points of the San Diego coast, including the Cabrillo National Monument on Point Loma or the cliffs of Torrey Pines State Beach. Along these points, you can see the whales as
they make their travels.
Whether it's a cruise or just watching from the coast, whale watching in San Diego is something you truly have to see to
appreciate. You can take your kids, family, or even your friends. Whale watching can definitely be exciting, all you
have to do is plan your day and enjoy everything that the beauty of the gray whale will provide you with.
By:http://northamericabase.com
It's no secret to anyone that the coast of San Diego is the ideal place to watch the annual migration of the gray whale. Looked upon as one of nature's ultimate spectacles; the migration of gray whales is nothing short of breathtaking. The coastline of San Diego is one of their migratory points as they travel from the waters of the Arctic to the warmer regions of the Baja (California), where females also give birth.
Every year, roughly 26,000 gray whales will make the long journey of 10,000+ miles from the Arctic to the Baja and back. If you look at this journey and compare it to any other mammal, you'll notice that the gray whale by far has the greatest amount of traveling at hand.
If you've never experienced whale watching, you'll be happy to know that anyone will find it memorable - young or old. Spotting a gray whale along the coastline is something that is truly a memorable moment, making you stop for a second and truly appreciate these awesome mammals.
If you ask the Birch Aquarium in San Diego, you'll find that gray whales are seen most frequently from December through March. While they travel in dozens normally, it's nothing to see pods of them (2 - 3) as they travel during migration. Throughout the coast of San Diego, you can easily spot these whales as they are somewhat slow swimmers.
During their swimming, they will normally dive to a depth of 100 feet or more for a few minutes, then surface and blow. Then, they will do a few shallow dives, before making that deep dive again. When watching whales, figuring out this pattern makes the success of watching them all the more fun and exciting.
While there are many common places to watch whales, nothing seems to compare to the excitement of watching them
from aboard a cruise. There are many cruises that take place in San Diego, many of which offer unbeatable deals.
From H&M Landing to the Birch Aquarium, cruises are some of the best ways to see the beauty and tranquility of the
traveling gray whales.
The beauty of the gray whales can also be seen from many points of the San Diego coast, including the Cabrillo National Monument on Point Loma or the cliffs of Torrey Pines State Beach. Along these points, you can see the whales as
they make their travels.
Whether it's a cruise or just watching from the coast, whale watching in San Diego is something you truly have to see to
appreciate. You can take your kids, family, or even your friends. Whale watching can definitely be exciting, all you
have to do is plan your day and enjoy everything that the beauty of the gray whale will provide you with.
Tuesday, 5 March 2013
Introduction to Northwest Coast Native American Art
By: http://northamericabase.com
\
I had lived in Vancouver very briefly as a child and it was during that time when I was first exposed to the art of the Northwest Coast Native American Indians. It was the towering colorful totem poles out in Stanley Park that everyone gazed at with wonder and appreciation. It took about 30 years later during a return trip to Vancouver when Northwest Coast Native American art caught my eyes again.
I was in Vancouver for business and landed at the city's new airport terminal. One could not help but notice the huge native carvings near the arrivals area. Later on during my stay, I decided to wander around in the Gastown district. It was in these shops and galleries in Gastown where I fell in love with Northwest Coast Native American art. I saw many wonderful wooden plaques representing different animals. There were also art prints, paintings, masks, wooden bowls and even furnature with these animals either painted or carved right into the pieces.
The colors and designs, which might be considered a bit exaggerated to non-native eyes, were striking as well as bold. I knew at that time that I wanted to include some of this magnificent artwork on my walls back at home. So I bought two plaque carvings and carried them home like newly found treasure.
Historically, the native Indians who lived along the river valleys and coastal waters of the Pacific Northwest were all hunters and gatherers. The region was blessed with abundant resources from both the seas and forests. These people captured in their artwork the animals they hunted and observed. These included bears, killer whales, eagles, ravens, salmons, wolves, hummingbirds and even frogs. Chiefs and mythical characters important in their legends such as thunderbirds were also included as art subjects.
Northwest Coast Native American art is just only recently gaining some major attention in some galleries and museums around the world. Compared to other native arts such as Inuit (Eskimo), exposure of Northwest Coast Native American art is still rather limited to the northwest coast of Canada and the United States. This form of artwork is virtually unknown to most parts of the world including many regions of North America. This will hopefully change as more people from around the world travel to Vancouver. The future winter Olympics in 2010 up in Whistler, BC will also have a positive impact on the region's Native Indian art. I personally believe that Northwest Coast Native American art has a lot of potential to be internationally recognized and accepted.
By: http://northamericabase.com
\
I had lived in Vancouver very briefly as a child and it was during that time when I was first exposed to the art of the Northwest Coast Native American Indians. It was the towering colorful totem poles out in Stanley Park that everyone gazed at with wonder and appreciation. It took about 30 years later during a return trip to Vancouver when Northwest Coast Native American art caught my eyes again.
I was in Vancouver for business and landed at the city's new airport terminal. One could not help but notice the huge native carvings near the arrivals area. Later on during my stay, I decided to wander around in the Gastown district. It was in these shops and galleries in Gastown where I fell in love with Northwest Coast Native American art. I saw many wonderful wooden plaques representing different animals. There were also art prints, paintings, masks, wooden bowls and even furnature with these animals either painted or carved right into the pieces.
The colors and designs, which might be considered a bit exaggerated to non-native eyes, were striking as well as bold. I knew at that time that I wanted to include some of this magnificent artwork on my walls back at home. So I bought two plaque carvings and carried them home like newly found treasure.
Historically, the native Indians who lived along the river valleys and coastal waters of the Pacific Northwest were all hunters and gatherers. The region was blessed with abundant resources from both the seas and forests. These people captured in their artwork the animals they hunted and observed. These included bears, killer whales, eagles, ravens, salmons, wolves, hummingbirds and even frogs. Chiefs and mythical characters important in their legends such as thunderbirds were also included as art subjects.
Northwest Coast Native American art is just only recently gaining some major attention in some galleries and museums around the world. Compared to other native arts such as Inuit (Eskimo), exposure of Northwest Coast Native American art is still rather limited to the northwest coast of Canada and the United States. This form of artwork is virtually unknown to most parts of the world including many regions of North America. This will hopefully change as more people from around the world travel to Vancouver. The future winter Olympics in 2010 up in Whistler, BC will also have a positive impact on the region's Native Indian art. I personally believe that Northwest Coast Native American art has a lot of potential to be internationally recognized and accepted.
Monday, 4 March 2013
The American Flyer Model Train
The American Flyer Model Train
By: http://northamericabase.com
Although The American Flyer model trains were at their peak of popularity between the 1940s and the 1960s, they actually had a long history before that, and their popularity seems to be on the increase again today. William Hafner, working as a toymaker in Chicago, developed a clockwork motor for use in toy cars in the very early part of the 19th Century and by 1905 was making toy trains using that clockwork motor.
With a friend, William Coleman, and using a small hardware manufacturing business known as the Edmonds-Metzel Hardware Company, Hafner began producing toy clockwork trains during 1906-7. These Edmond-Metzel trains were sold so successfully through some major retailers that the brand name The American Flyer was adopted for marketing purposes and by 1910, the name of the hardware company had been changed to American Flyer Manufacturing Company.
The American Flyer trains proved very popular, in part because they were lower priced than other makes popular at that time, and also because their detailing made them more realistic than other low budget model trains.
Hafner left the partnership in 1913 to start up his own company and Coleman's American Flyer trains did extremely well during the First World War as they had no competition in the US from the German companies. By 1918, the first of the American Flyer electric trains were in production and business boomed during the 1920s but declined sharply during the Great Depression.
In 1938, William Coleman Jr, son of the company's founder, who had taken over the business following his father's death in 1918, sold the American Flyer to the A C Gilbert Company. Gilbert had been manufacturing and selling an extensive range of toys but not toy trains. He moved the company from Chicago to New Haven, Connecticut and immediately began to re-design the trains. He re-developed the American Flyer as S-scale in 1939 , a scale which was a modification of the very popular O gauge model trains then on the market. The S scale, which scales trains to the 1:64 ratio and made them smaller than the O scale trains, had a number of major advantages in terms of the track and track layouts.
In 1946 Gilbert made another major change to the American Flyer. Until that stage model electric trains had run on three rails, with the centre rail carrying the current. Gilbert developed a two rail system for running the American Flyer. This two-rail track, which had seven-eighths inches between the rails, made the track layout, and hence train operation, more realistic as the track now looked like 'real train track'.
With the advent of television - to distract both younger people and older people from their regular hobbies - together with the rise of the discount chain stores which undercut prices and demanded lower wholesale prices, A C Gilbert Company ran into trouble and in 1962 was sold to Wrather Group. The new owners produced lines of toys, including model trains, which were of very poor quality and sales dropped sharply until in 1966 production of the American Flyer ceased. By 1967 the Company was bankrupt.
At this time, Lionel Corporation, which was itself in financial trouble although it had been the leading model train manufacturer for many decades, bought the rights to the American Flyer. However, by 1969 Lionel Corporation itself was bankrupt and sold the rights to the manufacture of its model trains, including the American Flyer, to General Mills.
General Mills began selling some of the original Gilbert designed American Flyer trains by 1979 but in 1984 sold its Lionel Company section to a toy manufacturer, Kenner who on-sold the company to Richard Kughn in 1985.
Kughn was very successful for over 10 years with the Lionel and American Flyer trains but sold in 1996 to Wellspring Partners who set up the company Lionel LLC, which operates today selling a range of model trains, including the S-scale American Flyer. Initially Lionel LLC concentrated on promoting the O and O27 scale model trains of its original lines but since 2002 has been releasing more and more American Flyer models.
The American Flyer then, is now more that 100 years old, and has gone though a number of ownerships and fluctuations in popularity. Dedicated S-scale enthusiasts now believe that this renowned model train is once again making a resurgence.
By: http://northamericabase.com
Although The American Flyer model trains were at their peak of popularity between the 1940s and the 1960s, they actually had a long history before that, and their popularity seems to be on the increase again today. William Hafner, working as a toymaker in Chicago, developed a clockwork motor for use in toy cars in the very early part of the 19th Century and by 1905 was making toy trains using that clockwork motor.
With a friend, William Coleman, and using a small hardware manufacturing business known as the Edmonds-Metzel Hardware Company, Hafner began producing toy clockwork trains during 1906-7. These Edmond-Metzel trains were sold so successfully through some major retailers that the brand name The American Flyer was adopted for marketing purposes and by 1910, the name of the hardware company had been changed to American Flyer Manufacturing Company.
The American Flyer trains proved very popular, in part because they were lower priced than other makes popular at that time, and also because their detailing made them more realistic than other low budget model trains.
Hafner left the partnership in 1913 to start up his own company and Coleman's American Flyer trains did extremely well during the First World War as they had no competition in the US from the German companies. By 1918, the first of the American Flyer electric trains were in production and business boomed during the 1920s but declined sharply during the Great Depression.
In 1938, William Coleman Jr, son of the company's founder, who had taken over the business following his father's death in 1918, sold the American Flyer to the A C Gilbert Company. Gilbert had been manufacturing and selling an extensive range of toys but not toy trains. He moved the company from Chicago to New Haven, Connecticut and immediately began to re-design the trains. He re-developed the American Flyer as S-scale in 1939 , a scale which was a modification of the very popular O gauge model trains then on the market. The S scale, which scales trains to the 1:64 ratio and made them smaller than the O scale trains, had a number of major advantages in terms of the track and track layouts.
In 1946 Gilbert made another major change to the American Flyer. Until that stage model electric trains had run on three rails, with the centre rail carrying the current. Gilbert developed a two rail system for running the American Flyer. This two-rail track, which had seven-eighths inches between the rails, made the track layout, and hence train operation, more realistic as the track now looked like 'real train track'.
With the advent of television - to distract both younger people and older people from their regular hobbies - together with the rise of the discount chain stores which undercut prices and demanded lower wholesale prices, A C Gilbert Company ran into trouble and in 1962 was sold to Wrather Group. The new owners produced lines of toys, including model trains, which were of very poor quality and sales dropped sharply until in 1966 production of the American Flyer ceased. By 1967 the Company was bankrupt.
At this time, Lionel Corporation, which was itself in financial trouble although it had been the leading model train manufacturer for many decades, bought the rights to the American Flyer. However, by 1969 Lionel Corporation itself was bankrupt and sold the rights to the manufacture of its model trains, including the American Flyer, to General Mills.
General Mills began selling some of the original Gilbert designed American Flyer trains by 1979 but in 1984 sold its Lionel Company section to a toy manufacturer, Kenner who on-sold the company to Richard Kughn in 1985.
Kughn was very successful for over 10 years with the Lionel and American Flyer trains but sold in 1996 to Wellspring Partners who set up the company Lionel LLC, which operates today selling a range of model trains, including the S-scale American Flyer. Initially Lionel LLC concentrated on promoting the O and O27 scale model trains of its original lines but since 2002 has been releasing more and more American Flyer models.
The American Flyer then, is now more that 100 years old, and has gone though a number of ownerships and fluctuations in popularity. Dedicated S-scale enthusiasts now believe that this renowned model train is once again making a resurgence.
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