CHAPTER XXXVII.—CARDBOARD-MODELLING AND WOOD MODELLING.
I.—HOW THE REEDHAM BOYS MAKE THEIR CARDBOARD MODELS.
By the Head Master.
For some years it has been the custom for our boys to employ their leisure time during the winter months in the construction of cardboard models of locomotives, and some of the finished specimens exhibit a degree of skill and ingenuity which could hardly be expected. The work, to a great extent, is the result of the boys’ own observation and skill, added to from time to time by those more observant or more ingenious, and handed down traditionally from one generation of boys to another.
As it is a very interesting occupation, and a valuable means of educating both the eye and the hand, it occurred to me that, if it were possible to describe the processes on paper, it would prove acceptable to boys generally. I therefore gladly avail myself of the opportunity afforded me to lay before you, as clearly as I know how, all the steps necessary to produce a finished model.
To encourage those who may underrate their powers, and think it is useless for them to try, I would say that boys of nine, ten, and eleven often produce very creditable work, and that those who produce the very best are not always those most highly distinguished in class-work. A few more words only are necessary: take these three ‘P’s.’ as your helps, and I am sure you will succeed:
1. Be Precise; that is, endeavour carefully to carry out every detail.
2. Be Patient; that is, do not be too hasty in what you have to do.
3. Persevere; if you fail at first, ‘Try, try, try again.’