The Cedar Rapids Rock Crusher

Thursday, November 29, 2012
                       (My Birthday)

The Cedar Rapids Rock Crusher 

(Toy or Salesmans's Copy)

     This toy, has always been in the back of my mind.  I've purchased and sold a few Doepke sand movers and loaders, and I'm fascinated by the moving parts, and the complexity of the toy. However, this Reuhl  toy is unbelievable. It's length is 19" (485mm . It  is also called "The Pitmaster", and was originally made in 1944.

     From what I've read, the "real" life-size machine was made by the Cedar Rapids Manufacturing Company and was used in WWII to help create runways for airplanes overseas. Both the "real" machine and this "item" are truly wonderful.

     There is a company in Olivet, South Dakota  that sells parts for some Reuhl toys, and I think that they also sell some new toy models. The website seems to be new, so I will be contacting the company for more information. 

You can have a look at their website and even ask them questions if you like:

http://www.reuhlproducts.com

(Please press on the address above to be redirected to this seller's site)

http://www.redwagonantiques.com

(Please press on the address above to be redirected to this fine seller's site)

    As usual, I was looking around the Net,when I remembered this great toy. So I did some searching. The thing is that I kept getting Ruehl instead of Reuhl, which is the name of the toy company. So I changed the search words around, and eventually found what I wanted. I wrote a few people for permission to use their photos, and Denny & Barb Erikson from Jackson, Minnesota wrote back, giving me the "OK". Their toy store is called Redwagonantiques. They had sold 2 of these great toys, so I asked for permission to use all of their photos.

The Fine-Quality Photos of the First Toy

The Fine-Quality Photos of the Second Toy 

(All 3 above)

  I didn't want to add other toys to this post for  such a unique and fine toy. However, I did offer Denny and Barb to write me a narrative, and of course I'd ask for permission to use their fine photos. They have lots of great toys, but I was narrowly-focused on this particular one. You got to be when you see one of these "beauts"!

Thanks for Dropping by.

As always, have a great part of the morning, noon,or evening wherever you may be.

Stacey