For junior Hopalong Cassidys it should be no great problem to impose a rugged western atmosphere upon some of the staid farm features. The barn, for example, is easily converted into a log structure by gluing or bradding lengths of 1/2-in. half-round molding to its walls, as sketched in A, Figure 4.17. This will probably eliminate the sliding doors, which can be easily replaced by a pair of doors hinged to a thin frame set flush with the thickest outer edges of the log molding. Both the logs and the rough planking of the gables will be effective when stained a medium brown.

The framework for both the ranch house (B), and the combination cook house and bunk house (C), may be based upon appropriately remodeled cardboard boxes, or constructed from available wooden strips, with 1/2-in. half-round molding logs glued around the outside walls. The roofs, if cut from wood, may be hinged if desired, and are painted to represent shingles. Cellophane or celluloid windows are glued to the backs of cardboard window casings, which are in turn cemented over the log window openings. Thin plywood or heavy cardboard floors will reinforce the structures and, in the case of the ranch house, will serve as a permanent footing for the posts supporting the roof of the veranda. Instead of dowel posts, the substitution of peeled twigs will add a realistic western touch.

The same type of fence sections previously illustrated can be used for the corral; they will look less eastern, however, if lightly stained instead of being painted white. An effective "snake" fence of rails, which can be folded up, can be made from 6-in. or 8-in. lengths of 1/2-in. dowels, if the craftsman has a long drill, clamps, and an adequate supply of patience. As indicated in A, Figure 4.18, four sections alternate with three, pivoted on riveted wire "posts" which pass through identical holes bored about f in. from each end. End sections may be closed up with thin strips of wood bradded to the end rails as illustrated.

Fig. 4.17. Western ranch buildings.

For the typically western chuck wagon, the farm wagon of Figure 4.15 can be easily converted into a modified Conestego wagon such as is pictured in B, Figure 4.18. Four pieces of wire from coat hangers are bent into identical hoops about 21/2 in. high, and are then stitched into a piece of white material as indicated. Each pair of hoop ends fits into small holes drilled in the wagon bed, and the bottom edges of the cloth top are tacked to the outer sides of the wagon as shown. If a new wagon is constructed for the ranch, a more authentic model will have higher sides and narrower end pieces.

Fig. 4.18. Ranch accessories.