(plaster) mixed to the consistency of a thick paste. When this was dry, a suitable sealer was brushed on, followed by oil paint. Streamline wheel pants were made in the same manner, over a wooden form shaped largely with an axe.

An easy way a producing a streamline body is to make a framework of wooden strips nailed to heavier members and cover it with canvas. If the canvas is fitted dry and then soaked with water, it will shrink into a tight-fitting cover, which is finished by painting.

Some of the cleanest-cut racer bodies were of all-wood construction, with frames made of 2 by 4's, and covered with plywood panels or thin boards. Much of their trim appearance resulted from the care used in painting them. A good paint job is worth the trouble.

Probably no detail of design is more important than weight distribution, as extensive tests at the Akron course have shown; and probably none is more neglected by soap-box racer builders. The ideal is to have each of the four wheels support the same amount of weight when the driver is in his seat.

Once you start building a model soap-box racer for yourself, you'll be so intrigued with it that it won't be long before you'll be wanting to exhibit your success in competition. And the thrill of the contest, whether you win or lose, is an experience you'll remember always with a happy sense of satisfaction.

After you've experimented a while on the building of model racers and you think you're really ready to build one for competition, get a copy of the rules from the sponsors of the contest you'd like to enter. You'll find them very helpful and easy to follow.

Brake Construction

Listed here, in brief, is a sample of the rules used by the sponsors of one of the famous soap-box derbies held in the Middle West.

Ready-Made Parts

1. ;The car must be built by the boy entering the contest. Advice only may be accepted from others.

2. ;Wheels, tires, bearings, axle rods and steering wheel and steering shaft are the only coaster car parts that may be used in ready-made form. No other automobile parts are permitted in the steering system or anywhere in the brake system.

3. ;Secondhand automobile spring leaves may be used in the springing system, or suspension, of the car. Spring leaves may be taken to a workshop for cutting, trimming or punching.

4. ;Heavy coil springs may be used only on the front-end springing system.

5. ;Hardware (such as pulleys, turn-buckles, hinges, stabilizer springs, metal cleats, nails, screws and bolts) may be used freely in the construction of both chassis and body.