favorites with children and adults alike for generations. This chapter shows you how to build three wooden models that are based on real-life counterparts: a locomotive, a dump truck, and a tractor-rock picker. As the photo on page 20 confirms, the results are certain to please and delight.
These projects will exercise a range of woodworking skills, from the authentic detailing involved in making the locomotive (page 22) and the simple, sturdy construction techniques needed for the dump truck (page 31) to the fine shaping of the tractor and rock picker (page 36).
The locomotive is a 1/32-scale model of an early 20th-Century coal-burning steam engine. In addition to making all of its parts to scale, you can use contrasting hardwoods to highlight particular details of the model. The wooden parts of the locomotive shown on page 20 were finished with three coats of satin-finish polyurethane. Clear nail polish was applied to the
brass parts to prevent tarnishing. By adding railroad tracks and ties and displaying the train in a realistic setting, the locomotive can be transformed from toy to exhibit.
The dump truck is a sturdy toy that faithfully recreates the tireless strength of old-style trucks. It is built to withstand even the most punishing “driver” and its spacious box is designed to hold a variety of articles that its young owner might wish to transport. The model featured in this chapter is made with parts that cannot pinch or squeeze a child’s hand, like the sloped ends of the lever mechanism (page 35).
The tractor and rock picker come from a long line of rugged farming machinery. With its attention to detail and realistic moving parts, this toy can serve an educational function as well as provide many hours of play.
Whatever type of finish you apply to these vehicles, remember to choose a nontoxic product if you are making the model for a child. Refer to the Toys and Crafts Basics chapter (page 12) for more information on child-safe finishes.
Built by Doug Kenney of South Dennis, Massachusetts, the toy train shown at left is a carefidly crafted 1 /32-scale reproduction of an American Standard steam locomotive in operation at the turn of the 20th Century. To complete the realistic setting, the train is displayed on rails and ties cut from contrasting hardwoods. The rails measure lA-by-A> inch; the ties are ‘А-Ьу-Уь-Ьу-З inches.
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