Animated push toys for children who are graduating toddlers can be activated by means of the same simple axle assemblies as were employed in the preceding samples of pull toys. The advantages of pushing instead of pulling this type of toy are twofold: (1) stronger traction is assured, thus permitting more complicated mechanical action in a sturdy assembly of heavier materials, and (2) one pair of wheels can be eliminated. The single axle, however, must be strong enough to support the pressure which children will unconsciously bring to bear on a push rod.

Ducks invariably fascinate children once they have had the opportunity of watching them solemnly waddling about on land. Muscovy drakes develop fairly long necks which, on occasion, they thrust emphatically forward and back at other drakes and ducks in a sort of hissing ritual as yet inexplicable to the writer. Their plumage varies from pure white through a mottled black, white, and gray, to an iridescent black with olive depths, affording the amateur toymaker a wide scope for decorative effects. The model pictured in Figure 2.14 has a black body and a white head. As indicated, muscovies have gray feet and light pink bills, with a red mask extending over the eyes.

For the sake of smooth mobility, the comic waddling characteristic is eliminated in this toy because the feet are painted on a pair of perfectly balanced disk wheels. However, by painting in a black background, the progressive appearance of one foot after another adds a realistic deliberation to the ungainly body. The wheels are of 6-in. diameter, cut from 3/4-in. stock, and are fixed tightly to a 1/4-in. dowel axle.

Plan Muscovy Michael

PLAN (HEAD 2 NECK OMITTED)

Patterns For Inner Bodies

PATTERNS FOR INNER BODIES: CUT TWO Of EACH

Fig. 2.14. Muscovy Michael.

The axle passes through the two outer bodies of 1/4-in. plywood or hard-board, cut as shown in the overall outline of the body. These, in turn, are held apart by two double sets of inner bodies. As shown in the plan, one pair of inner bodies (Z), each of which is $ in. thick, is separated by two double sections of the central inner bodies, X and Y, each 3/4 in. thick. In the space between sections X and Y, the pivoted neck moves, actuated by the eccentric cam C. The latter is a disk of 2 1/2-in. diameter cut from 3/4-in. stock and fixed to the axle 1/2 in. off center. Filler pieces (F) f in. thick can be cut in circles, squares, or octagons; and the wheels, cam, and two fillers are nailed together before they are fixed on the axle.

The neck of 3/4-in. stock may be loosely pivoted on a blind dowel P, as illustrated in the plan, or on a long dowel or bolt which penetrates the various body thicknesses. Sufficient washers or lengths of spool are used on both sides of the neck to separate it from the outer pair of inner bodies (Z). Referring to the elevation, it will be noted that a length of rubber band between two screweyes maintains the lower extension of the neck in constant contact with eccentric cam C.

The neck terminates in a head and upper bill cut out as shown in the diagram, to afford easy movement for lower bill A. The latter is loosely pivoted between two headpieces (B), cut from thin plywood, and is controlled by a length of fishline (about 18-lb. test) knotted through a hole drilled through the inner end of the bill, with the opposite end fastened to a tack inside the neck opening to inner body X. The cord can be best adjusted after one plywood or hardboard outer body is attached to one each of bodies Z, X, and Y. The assembly can then be laid on its side and cam C and the neck located with temporary pivots, so that the neck can be pulled back to the limit of its erect position with the bill closed. In this position the fishline should be fairly taut. During a test assembly, if the lower bill fails to open as the neck moves forward, a hole or holes can be drilled from inside the bill and BB shot inserted to weight it down. The two headpieces (B) are then glued into position and the remaining bodies fastened in place. One of the thin outer bodies can be fastened with screws to permit easy replacement of the rubber band if required.