Help identifying old-timey toy.

[JoeHova]

Hi everybody-

 

I've been having trouble finding out the name of this one kind of toy that I remember having when I was a kid. I'm interested in acquiring one but I can't figure out what it's called, which is making it extremely difficult to google around for its name. It's basically a disc that has a magnetic axle which rides on a hand-held rail. The rail becomes a little wider at both ends so that the disc will return the opposite way when it reaches the end of the track. I drew a crude diagram to illustrate what I mean. If somebody could tell me what it's called and/or where to get one, I would be very grateful.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v143/chief119/magnetictoy.jpg

[JoeHova]

To clarify, i don't know just how old-timey this thing is. It might be a relatively recent invention or they may have been around for hundreds of years. I seem to remember getting it sometime in the mid-80's, I think at that kind of nerdy toy store (the one that sold hand made chess sets and telescopes and that sort of thing) that used to be at Grand Avenue mall in Milwaukee.

[Invader3K]

I remember the news anchor playing with one of those on Family Guy (I think). I forget what they called it there.

[davebobn]

I know exactly what you're referring to, but I have no idea what it is called. I want to say that I've seen those being sold at Cracker Barrell restaurants.

 

http://www.crackerbarrel.com/browse-retailstore.cfm?doc_id=278#5

 

Ha I was right. I see it right there on the page in the picture. I'd give your local CB a call and see if they have them in stock. Good luck.

[bball123h]

Ah, the ol' magnetic gyro-wheel.

 

http://candy-crate.stores.yahoo.net/magywh.html

[Nottso]

It was called a "Wheel-O." I had one in the late 60's, maybe early 70's. I do not know if mine was the first incarnation or not. Big fun though.

[JimH5]

I concur on the Wheel-O. A mezmerizing toy in its day. . .

[hawing]

http://www.wineonthekeyboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/wheelo.jpg

 

http://www.mesquiteisd.org/library/hhs/images/Whee-lo-SpinningWheeltop.jpg

A couple of images; let's hope Yuku allows them to be displayed. If not:

http://www.mesquiteisd.or...-lo-SpinningWheeltop.jpg

http://www.wineonthekeybo.../uploads/2008/wheelo.jpg

[JoeHova]

Wow! Thanks so much everybody! I can't wait to order one from somewhere, or maybe I'll see if I can find a Cracker Barrel. Thanks again!

[Nottso]

Joe, if ya find 'em post up. I want one or 6.

[JimH5]

Joe, I neglected to compliment you on your artistry. For not having the toy in posession, your rendering is very good!

 

Kudos on your Whee-Lo memory and ability to napkin it.