How to Build a Bobsled

You're bored and you've decided you've got to something constructive, but you're not sure what. How about building a bobsled? Someone first created a bobsled in Switzerland late in the 19th century, by putting runners on a toboggan to get greater speed. Why can't you? We'll show you how to figure out how to build a bobsled on your own.

Instructions

1. Decide what kind of bobsled you would like. There are many full-scale varieties, including "antique" plans. You may find such plans at Inquiry.net and Telemarktips. You may also find them by going to the library.

2. Build a bobsled out of duct-tape and cardboard with help from the folks at JJ Ranch, a vacation resort and ranch in Michigan. Having enough duct-tape is crucial, for as someone once said, "spare the duct-tape, spoil the job".

3. Whittle a bobsled out of soap. According to Jim Wetzel, the project's creator, the plans are very specific, and can be found at the Science Spot.

4. Become an engineer and associate yourself with the Olympic bobsled team. From them, you would be able to learn how to build an Olympic bobsled, which is a far more advanced version than the Prairie Bobsled of Step One.

Resources

• Inquiry.net provides lots of antique bobsled plans
• Telemarktips has a bobsled plan.
• At the JJ Ranch, you can make your bobsled out of duct-tape and cardboard.
• At the Science Spot, make your bobsled out of soap.
• Hickock Sports has a history of bobsleds.