Progressing to a three-bodied toy with a movable central portion in addition to pivoted outer legs, the procedure is only slightly more complicated. In the case of the articulated elephant shown in A of Figure 3.7, the overall thickness can be increased by cutting the center or inner body from f-in. material. This should present but little difficulty inasmuch as the outline makes use of gradual curves only, as indicated by the dotted lines in the diagram.

Two identical outer bodies are then sawed from 1/4- or 1/2-in. stock, covering the cavity provided in the inner body for the pivoted trunk. The latter is cut from the same thickness as that used for the inner body, but should be well planed and sanded on both sides of its curved top so that it will move freely. All edges should be sanded round.

The legs are cut from 1/4-in. scrap and the ears cut from gray felt and glued in place; or they can be cut to a smaller size from 1/8-in. veneer and carefully pivoted in place. Care must also be exercised in accurately balancing the trunk, lest it hang down in a grotesquely lifeless manner which will diminish interest in the toy.

After sanding all outer edges round, paint the entire trunk gray before giving it a tryout to see that it hangs easily between the two outer bodies. Then glue and brad the three bodies together and paint them gray also. At the same time paint the legs and, after they are dry, pivot them in place. Add dark brown or black wrinkle lines where it is desired to show age.

Fig. 3.7. Patsy the Ponderous Pachyderm.

Paint the tusks white, with gold or yellow balls at their ends. Detail B shows a view of the assembled elephant, looking up from underneath.

Patsy's white girth band can be painted in place or represented realistically by a piece of white tape glued in position. Her blanket is a scrap of red silk fringed at the ends and tacked or glued to her back. The lower corners can be held in place by small dabs of glue, and the blanket gaily decorated with gold paper stars and yellow or gold braid, embroidery floss, or paint.

Patsy will sit down, stand on her hind legs, or balance her forefeet on a half-barrel, amiably waving her trunk in the process.