YACHT RACING IN THE GARDEN!

Evening Star, Issue 22805, 13 November 1937, Page 8

YACHT RACING IN THE GARDEN!

Even if you live a long way away from any water, there is no need to give up the idea of sailing your model yachts. You can have splendid yacht races in the garden, if there is a wind —you have only to make slight alterations to your yachts first. You must make a “ pulley-keel ” for each yacht—see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, showing the side view and front view respectively. The keel is made of a strip of tin (A), bent double, and at the middle of which a hook of stiff metal wire is attached. (C). Higher up in the folded strip of tin, two holes (x) are bored opposite one another, and between them a little pulley wheel is fixed. (A wheel with a grooved edge). A smooth, round nail is used as an axle for the wheel; place small metal discs on the axle between the wheel and the tin each side, to prevent the wheel from “ catching.” Bend

tho axle with a pair of pliers on each side of the outer tin covering, so that it cannot drop outj but take care that the wheel turns quite easily. The model yacht is sketched in Fig. 3. Remove the metal keel carefully with a knife and a pair of pliers. Smooth the under side of the hull with a sharp knife, so that there is a flat surface at the middle of the place occupied by the old keel, see Fig. 4. In Fig. 2 you will see a shaded part at the top of tho completed pulley-keel, it is a small, square bock of wood, and is screwed on to the smooth part of the ship. When this block is firmly attached, tho keel is tacked on to it—and the boat is ready 1 The race takes place by means of a tightly stretched string or wire, along which the yachts run. They are balanced by means of a weight, which is suspended from the hook (C). Experience will teach you which weight is the most suitable; if it is too light, the yacht will overbalance, and if it is too heavy, it will ho a hindrance to the speed.