Flying Goose
The body, platform and wheels (Fig. 17) are of 1/4” stock. The wings are a little thinner. Saw out one body and two wings and bore holes for cords, as shown in the drawing. Saw out the platform and four wheels, and finish them carefully. The front wheels turn on 1” flat-headed nails that are driven into the edge of the platform 3/4” from the end. The rear wheels are driven onto a wire axle which turns in two wire staples that are driven into the bottom of the platform, 3/4” from the end and 1/4” from each edge. In driving these staples, take thought to avoid splitting the platform. Also, when boring holes thru the center of the four wheels, take care to secure proper direction and sizes of holes for a running fit in the front wheels and a press fit onto the axle in the rear wheels. Hold the body with foot up, and nail the platform onto it. With round-nose pliers make the connecting rods from No. 12 wire with the eyes neatly shaped and at right angles to each other. Attach the rods to the wings by staples so the joints will work freely without too much play. Attach the other ends of the rods to the outer faces of the rear wheels by means of short flat-headed nails. The nails pass thru the eyes of the rods and are driven into the wheels 1/4” from the outer rims. The nails in the two wheels must be in line with each other, as they act as cranks to actuate the wings. After the rear axle is assembled and fastened in place, the wings are fastened to the body.
The parts of the wings that touch the body must have been rounded off, as shown in section on the drawing. The edges are removed from the holes so as not to wear the cord.
A heavy strong twine may be used for hinging the wings to the body. Each of the two hinges is formed by slipping the end of the cord up thru the wing, then thru the body, then down thru the second wing, and back thru the body; then tie the ends in a square knot under the first wing. Adjust all parts accurately so they are not too loose and yet work without friction.
This goose may be painted white with gray stripes on the wings, red beak, foot and wheels, and green platform.
Attach a string or slender stick to the end of the platform to roll it on the floor.
Watch the flying goose and see if she can rise by flapping her wings.