A flat strip of tin should be cut as long as the two slides and of such a width that it will fit easily into the slides soldered to the truck to receive it. Care should be used when soldering the slides to the truck to get them parallel with the sides of the frame and also parallel with each other as shown in [Fig. 75].
Several cross-members may be made of folded tin and may be soldered to the flat piece of tin that is to slide between the slides. The truck body should be soldered to these cross-members so that the body will clear the fixed slides when slipped into place.
These cross-members or body supports are usually found under the bodies of large trucks and they add a very realistic touch to the model. They should be just long enough to clear the edges of the fixed slides when attached to the flat strip of tin.
Fig. 75.
Cut three pieces of tin 1¼ inches wide and long enough to make the cross-members, about 3 inches (make sure of this measurement for yourself). Scribe a line ⅜ inch in from each of the long sides of the three pieces and then fold down two sides of each piece from the scribed lines, making three cross-members or supports as shown in [Fig. 76]. Solder these to the flat strip of tin that is to fit between the fixed slides. The truck body should be soldered to these three supports.
A round can with the lid soldered on will make a very satisfactory tank truck. A part of a small can, such as a tooth powder can, may be soldered to the top of the tank for a filler dome and imitation faucets made of wire or of brass cup hooks may be soldered to the rear of the tank and a small delivery can may easily be made and hung on the faucets as shown in [Plate XIII].
Fig. 76.
Six different types of truck bodies that may be attached to the chassis are shown in [Fig. 77].