Wednesday, November 28, 2012

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 It  is also called "The Pitmaster", and was originally made in 1944.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:

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

(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







17 comments:

  1. I have one of these if you want to buy it.

    Allancowan1@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Allan,

    I'm not buying or selling right now.
    However, if you are a toy collector, how about being a guest on my blog.JUst write back, and I'll send you instructions as to what I'm looking for, image sizes, and so forth.

    Thanks for the e-mail,

    Stacey
    toysearcher@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I would like to buy!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sorry I didn't leave my contact info.

    ryuncarver2@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have trhis toy and am looking for replacement belts. I need all of them. Do you knbow where I can buy? The rest of the toys is in excellent condition. Let me know.
    dranton@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hello Dranton,

    I just found (January 21,2014) the ebay listing below:

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Reuhl-Pitmaster-Model-Crusher-replacement-conveyor-BELT-KIT-/161180191497?pt=Diecast_Vehicles&hash=item2587168b09

    You might want to ask the seller how the small black belts stay tights and intact after gluing,since these are not completely looped but have to be glued.

    I hope this helps,

    Stacey
    oldantiquetoys.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Where can I buy a toy rock crusher

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sherry,

      Thanks for visiting my blog.
      These toys were made from 1944-early 1950's.
      To find one you'll ave to check e-bay periodically, and Liveauctioneers.

      The one below recently sold on ebay for $ 500.00 U.S.
      http://www.ebay.com/itm/REUHL-CEDAR-RAPIDS-ROCK-CRUSHER-SCALE-MODEL-
      TOY-/141385864986?pt=Vintage_Antique_Toys_US&hash=item20eb41171a

      The Reuhl Rock Crusher is certainly an amazing toy or model!

      Stacey

      Delete
  8. I was recently given on of these! It is awesome! How can I purchase new belts for it? What do you think it might be worth? hsteve959@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. my father who was an engineer in the heavy construction industry gave me one of these models in the early 60s. it had no belts at that time. if anyone is interested in purchase please contact me at lfish9994@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I have one rock crusher and I also have a 1938 paver still in package never opened. If interested email me Lilybowers1111111@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Lilly,

    Your e-mail address doesn't work!

    Regards,

    Stacey Bindman
    Blogwriter of Oldantiquetoiys

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi all. I'm looking for a rock crusher and paver, if possible. My grandfather had several of these. He was the president of Cedar Rapids, Inc. in the 80's.

    He promised them to my brother and me, but when he passed they were nowhere to be found.

    If anyone can help, I would greatly appreciate it.

    Please email me at ckemp23@hotmail.com. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Lily Bowers
    lilybowers1111111@gmail.com
    Google+ Profile–Privacy
    My Account

    ReplyDelete
  14. Looking for new or old rubber belting for the 1:24 scale Rehul /Cedar Rapids PitMaster crusher?

    ReplyDelete
  15. I actually just came across a couple of these really cool rock crushers. I'm doing some research interesting and selling them. Is anyone interested in the 2 of them of them? Thanks for your interest I have pictures available Bruce..blindsley1@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Bruce,

    I tried to contact you, but your e-mail address is incorrect.
    As a result, my reply to your post was returned to me undeliverable, and your
    e-mail address does not exist and/or is incorrect.

    Thanks for writing,

    (Mr.)Stacey Bindman
    Blogger of this website

    ReplyDelete