Figs. 311-313.—Framework of Toboggan-slide.
After deciding upon the length of the slide, lay off the distance upon the ground from the bottom of upright B, and drive a stake into the ground at the farther end. Then attach a cord to the stake and run it along the fence to a nail driven into the top of upright B. This cord, shown in [Fig. 311], marks the pitch of the slide, and will give you a guide-line by which to work. When this has been done, cut three pieces of two-by-four about two feet long, and spike them to the fence just below the guide-line (see G, H, and I, [Fig. 311]), spacing them about six feet apart on centres. When these have been fastened in place, take a piece of two-by-four and mark off upon it the distance from the ground to the top of block I. Then square a line across the two-by-four at this point, at an angle corresponding to that at which block I is nailed to the fence (see [Fig. 313]). Saw the two-by-four on this line, and then stand it upright in front of block I, thirty or thirty-two inches from the fence (according to whether eight-or ten-inch boards are used upon the slide), and spike a piece of two-by-four to the top of it and to the top of block I, as shown in [Fig. 312]. Cut and set up a similar upright and crosspiece at G and at H, after which brace all as shown in the illustration ([Fig. 312]).
If you are going to buy boards with which to cover the platform and slide, get twelve-foot lengths, eight or ten inches wide. By using these you will have no waste, and but little cutting to do. If, however, you have material of other dimensions on hand which you can use, the supports of the slide should be so spaced that the boards will reach from one to another. The boards should run lengthwise upon the slide, and be nailed to the framework, leaving as small cracks as possible between them.
In order to prevent sleds from running off the slide, a guide should be nailed to the edge farthest from the fence, from the top to the bottom, and on the opposite side where it extends above the fence top (see [Fig. 310]).
After nailing the platform boards in place,
Build a Railing out of boards around three sides of it, to prevent any one from slipping off (see [Fig. 310]).
A Ladder, made out of two two-by-fours, with two-inch strips nailed across them, should be set against the front of the platform and spiked in place, as shown in the illustration of the completed slide ([Fig. 310]). This will make it easier to reach the platform than by the way of the icy slide, and also prevents those coasting from colliding with those who are returning.
Any ingenious boy will know how to make a swift slide by turning the hose upon it, and allowing the water to run over the surface until every portion is well covered.
A toboggan-sled is out of proportion for a slide of this size, and will not be found as satisfactory as a sled with runners, as the steepness of the slide will not be sufficient to make it go.