F.W. Coulson was founded by Cyril Coulson during the early 1940s. Cyril was a pipe welder by trade and used his skills to manufacture juvenile fairground rides. Originally, the workshop was based in the old school on Colstgate Hill, Ripon, which still stands today. The Coulson works, when in full operation, had around 80 employees. The company rapidly gained a good reputation throughout the industry for quality. Coulson works were well known for producing large toysets, however Cyril designed and focused on manufacturing a revolutionary new product: this would become known as the 'minor mobile'. This little toyset was only 10ft in diameter, hand operated, trailer mounted and ahead of its time in terms of design and build materials. Cyril produced a small number before pushing the advertising. He then attended the amusement trade exhibition in London. With interest rising and orders being placed, Cyril decided to attend and showcase the roundabout at the Festival of Britain 1951. The morning before setting up, Cyril was involved in a car accident and tragically passed away aged only 36. Due to Cyril's death, the Minor Mobile came to an end. Coulson works continued to operate under Cyril's sister Joan and partner Brittan until the late 1950s, before transferring to Allan Groves and trading finally ceased in the mid 1960s.
Approximately 16 Minor Mobiles were manufactured. Only a handful are still operating today and ours is the most original one there is!