Another easy toy to assemble from six spools of identical size is the pull toy illustrated in Figure 2.5, which will crawl over objects and always land right side up, and is not easy to damage.

Fig. 2.5. Pull crawler.

Assuming that the available spools are of a standard 1 1/4-in. length with flanges of 1in. diameter, it will be necessary to cut out twelve links 2 1/8 in. long and 1 8 in. wide from cigar box wood or any available 1/8 or 3/16-in. scraps. As indicated in the drawing, the outer edges are rounded, with holes drilled in both ends to house the axles. The latter consist of 1/4-in. dowel rods cut into five lengths long enough to extend through four thicknesses of links plus washers. Thus, using links cut from 1/8-in. veneer, the five long axles, equipped with their five pairs of inner washers not exceeding a thickness of in. each, would be slightly less than 2 in. long; the rear end axle would be 1/4 in. shorter.

Since the success of this toy depends upon its capacity for freewheeling, the central 1 1/4-in. portions of the dowel axles should be sanded down to a diameter upon which the spools will rotate easily. Holes are drilled in the links so that the spool flanges will be evenly spaced f in. apart. The holes in the inner links should be reamed out for loose fitting, but all outer holes should be scant, to form a fixed housing for the dowel ends glued into them. The round member at the front does not rotate, because it is drilled to receive the pull cord. It can be cut from a piece of 3/4-in. dowel or a long spool, and is held in place by small screws, nails, or a length of dowel or pencil stub.

Before painting or enameling, the toy should be first "dry" assembled, complete with washers, which may be small metal ones, or homemade from flat tin or cardboard. After smooth operation is assured, apply contrasting colors to the spools and links, with due care not to clog up any moving parts. If this happens, use sandpaper liberally. After gluing the dowel axles into their end pieces, small upholstery tacks can be used to finish them off if desired.