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Thread: Dobbin - A Touch of Nostalgia
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9th February 2024, 02:21 PM #1
Dobbin - A Touch of Nostalgia
I am not a toy maker and this toy is so far short of the amazing examples of toys that regularly get posted in this section of the Forums that I hesitated to post.
However, I am making mention of this one as it holds a special place in life's memories for me. It is a simple wheeled wooden horse. It is the second one I have made. The first one I think was about forty two years ago and I made it for our first child. All the children played with it and was probably the most popular toy we ever had. We even had a very large 11yr old nephew ride it down a steep drive way once and I thought that would have been the end of it, but it survived. This one is destined for our first grandchild (yeah, there're a bit late coming) and while at seven months she is not going to be riding it by herself, I expect her father will be happy to support her for a while.
I hope too it will be nostalgic for our son, but his sister did not remember the toy so now I am uncertain that he will remember.
P1090294.jpgP1090295.jpg
It is made from nearly all scrap materials. The seat and the reins came from an old handbag purchased from the local op shop for $5 and there is some high density foam beneath.
P1090297.jpgP1090299.jpg
The wheels are brand new from one of those mini scooters and would have been a rear wheel in that context. They flash when rotated and are the only real departure from the original toy, which had metal wheels with a solid rubber tyre.
P1090298.jpg
This is the original plan I used all those years ago. Sorry about the orientation. I used to be able to correct the orientation, but something has changed on the computer and the old technique doesn't work. I am trying a work around, but no success so far.
Dobbin plan 2.jpg
There is a second toy to come, but I will have to post that later as there is a finishing touch required.
Regards
PaulBushmiller;
"Power tends to corrupt. Absolute power corrupts, absolutely!"
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9th February 2024 02:21 PM # ADSGoogle Adsense Advertisement
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9th February 2024, 02:41 PM #2Senior Member
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Great you grand kiddies will love it and you for making it.
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9th February 2024, 02:48 PM #3
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9th February 2024, 03:59 PM #4
I'm just trying to picture you squeezing it into your hand luggage for the flight over to Norway.... Did you consider making a set of skis to replace the wheels during the (even) colder months?
Well done; I'm sure the little one will grow to love it as much as her dad loved the original!Nothing succeeds like a budgie without a beak.
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9th February 2024, 05:06 PM #5
Chief
It will go into the main luggage. Lots of space withing the frame for small items: Socks, u/wear, thermals, polar bear skins etc.. The son did start to make up skis for the pram but that project got aborted. I think a toboggan will be the go if they wish to scoot down that track.
I suspect she will be made to use the toy even if it holds no interest. If she has half the dare-devil in her of her father, she will be breaking speed limits on Dobbin before she can walk.: If she has the measured calmness of her mother, she will be telling her father to "get off" so she can have a turn!
Regards
PaulBushmiller;
"Power tends to corrupt. Absolute power corrupts, absolutely!"
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9th February 2024, 06:42 PM #6
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9th February 2024, 06:47 PM #7
Paul,
It looks fantastic especially being a Mk ll an all that, are you going too keep the nostalgia look, or will there be updates available, Bluetooth,Airbags,Phone Docs, reverse camera ABS extra.
A horn [emoji849].
Also my condolences for becoming Grandpa,
I know you were proud of that non Grandpa thing, have you thought about separating from the kids, it’s not too late.
Cheers Matt.
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9th February 2024, 07:11 PM #8Bushmiller;
"Power tends to corrupt. Absolute power corrupts, absolutely!"
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9th February 2024, 07:48 PM #9
A hod?
I did say there was a second toy and again it is a retro thing from a time when toys were fashioned at home and not purchased on Ebay or elsewhere online.
I just call it a brick cart, but as I titled above, could it be classified as a hod? Doesn't matter.
I did make something similar about four decades ago for the ankle biters, but there were fewer bricks. This one has several functions. It is firstly builders bricks for co-ordination skills. The positioning of the handle barely ahead of the back wheels means that it can be pushed without fear of it tipping and smacking a much-loved small child in the face. Then I decided to incorporate the alphabet onto the bricks so that later on it could be used as a learning tool, if the mobile phone breaks down or Norway's hydro supplies run out of water and the electricity goes caput. Here I struck an issue as the son's partner comes from the Czech republic and they all live in Norway. When deciding how many bricks to use I realised that 9 x 5 worked out quite well. The Czech alphabet has an additional sixteen letters and the Norwegian alphabet another three: making forty five in total which is five rows of nine:
P1090302.jpgP1090312.jpgP1090313.jpgP1090301.jpg
All materials were recycled except for the circlips retaining the wheels. They are mounted on stainless steel tubing:
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Two of the other sides contain lower case letters and numerals:
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There is a degree of colour coding. For example, English vowels are gold and the extra Norwegian vowels are silver.
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I wasn't completely happy with the lettering. I used a stencil and a marker, but the flimsy nature of the stencil proved too difficult. From the Czech letter "C" I resorted to freehand. .
For the moment the handle is simply screwed in place and will be removed for transportation. SWMBO asked if this meant I would be unable to take sufficient clothes with me because of the weight. I pointed out that the timber is radiata pine, the axles are tubes and it is going in her case so it won't worry me too much (I've got the 'orse).
Regards
PaulBushmiller;
"Power tends to corrupt. Absolute power corrupts, absolutely!"
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9th February 2024, 08:24 PM #10
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9th February 2024, 08:37 PM #11
Ah yes. Sandvik perhaps. I could be tempted by a No.280.
Sandvik No.280.jpg
Thank you for reminding me.
Regards
PaulBushmiller;
"Power tends to corrupt. Absolute power corrupts, absolutely!"
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9th February 2024, 08:44 PM #12
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9th February 2024, 09:50 PM #13
Again; well done for making another great toy that should last for years and a good use of recycled materials.
With the multiple languages she’ll be subjected to I’d be interested to hear how she will incorporate Norwegian and Czech into ‘Strine!Nothing succeeds like a budgie without a beak.
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9th February 2024, 09:53 PM #14
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10th February 2024, 08:47 AM #15
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