Here’s an ‘old-school’ friction toy that I have recently discovered. I reckon most of you, being a crafty lot, must have some old cotton reels knocking about so why not give it a bash?
All you need is an old cotton reel, a slice of candle, a couple of matchsticks and some elastic bands. Check out www.cottonreeltank.org for a lovely little illustration explaining how to construct them.
There are all sorts of tweaks you can make to improve your tank. For example, if you cut notches in the rims of the cotton wheel you can get it to climb up obstacles. Sorted!
Thanks Catherine – they are pretty cool eh! I’d never heard of them before but my hubby told me he used to make them when he was little. Old school indeed!!
We use to make these all the time as a kid…I couldn’t remember how we did it so thanks for posting this