We don't have any scientific proof but judging from the project request letters that regularlv cross our desks, rock & ride toys are near the top of most kids' wish lists.

This impressive Riding Biplane, from the "Timeless Treasure" line of master toy builders Barrels Of Fun. is sure to please just about any youngster old enough to climb aboard. But perhaps best of all. since il's made from inexpensive materials available at your local lumberyard, putting the Riding Biplane together won't require the hank account of the Red Baron.

What You'll Need

The easiest way to figure your material requirements is to glance at our pattern and stock layout illustrations, pages 51.52 and 53. As shown, the wings (A. B>. seat tC). horizontal stabilizer (D). disk. (E>, exhaust trim (F) and accent pieces (G) are all cut from a single 2 ft. by 4 ft. section of -V4 in. medium density fiberboard (MDF) or plywood. The plane in the photo uses MDF for these parts because it is cheaper than plywood, takes paint better, and doesn't hav e the splintering problem that plywoods usually have. But if your lumberyard doesn't sell MDF. plywood is an adequate substitute.

Although we show suggested layouts on 2 x 10 by 8 ft. long, and 2 x 8 by 6 ft. long construction-grade lumber for the fuselage parts(H. I), vertical stabilizer (J) and rockers (K), feel free to use whatever stock you may already have on hand, iusi keep in mind that the actual thickness of these parts is 11/2 in.

A V-i in. thick length of pine measuring at least 5 in. wide bv 6 ft. long will yield the propeller (L) and the three platform sections (M).

The remaining parts—the front supports (N), back support (O). wing connectors (P). propeller shaft tQl and cap (Ri arc just lengths of various size dowels. If you can't find the exact sizes we show, feel free to substitute dowels in similar sizes. Closet rod (either I '/j in. or I '/2 in. diameter) can be used for the I>/2 in. diameter back support specified.

As for the hardware parts, keep in mind that the screw sizes specified are merely suggestions. You may want to substitute hardware you hav e on hand.

Transfer Patterns

Although everyone seems to lov e full-size patterns, if you know how to work w ith grid patterns, an actual full-size pattern realty isn't needed.

There are two options to follow w hen using grid patterns. If you have access to a photocopy machine with the ability to enlarge. simply enlarge copies of the grid patterned pans until the size of the grid squares is 1 in. You'll need lo do ihis lo each section of the pattern, and then cut and paste to make an actual full-siz.e pattern from the smaller pieces of paper. Or. lav out a I in. grid pattern directly onto your slock, then transfer the paiiem bv looking at our original grid pattern and copying the profile to your full-size grid. With a project such as the biplane, it isn't important to copy our pattern precisely. In fact, feel free to "customize" some of the shapes to your ow n taste. Important: When transferring patterns, be sure to accurately transfer all screw hole and dowel locations.

Cut Parts

Once you've transferred the profiles for parts A through L to your slock, cut them out. The band saw is probably the best

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choice for culling out most of the parts, but if you don't own a band saw. a hand-held jigsaw will also be fine. You'll need the jigsaw for cutting the pair of hand holds in the top w ing. Rip and crosscut lo yield the three platform parts. Once your parts are all shaped, use a drum sander to clean up the profile cuts and remove the saw marks.

As you'll note from the photo, all exposed edges are ra-diuscd. With a '/4 in. radius ball bearing guided round-over bit. mounted in either the router table or in a hand-held router, apply a '/4 in. round over to hoth edges of the w ings, seat, horizontal stabilizer, disk and propeller, and lo ihe outside edge of ihe accents. Bui don't try to radius the outside edges of the exhaust trim on the router table, using your hands to guide ihe stock. Handling small pieces like this is an invitation to an accident.

The Woodworker's Journal

Kid's Choice

Riding Biplane