Part I – For the Float Builder
For Float Supplies
6
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practical outlines of the vehicle on which it
was built. The idea is to mask the
underpinnings completely by varying the
overall shape, by working curves and swirls
into the ground plan, and developing an
imaginative topside form . Almost every float
has a climactic point: the place where the
personalities ride, or the massive emblem is
mounted, or an animated figure goes through
its paces. The upper levels of the float are
shaped to lead the eye to this point.
Once you have established your design, you
fill out the ground outline with plain, light
lumber, cut in whatever curves are necessary,
and fastened securely with nails or bolts to
the trailer bed. When your lateral shape is set,
the vertical outlines, transverse,fore,-and-aft,
are cut in plywood or wallboard and securely
mounted. If your float is to carry live figures,
platforms for them must be rigidly built and
provided with unobtrusive braces for float
riders to hold on to. If several riders are to
populate the float, they should be placed at
two or three different levels, highest at the
rear and center. Any float should be
symmetrical, one side the same as the other.
The sidewalk-bound onlooker will get no
opportunity to move around and look at any
mysteries on the other side.
In all this construction, you make allowance
for wheel clearance, springing, and the
turning radius of the float. You should
inspect the parade route to note any bumps
or depressions for which allowance must be
made, so your float doesn't scrape a forward
or rear overhang. If the float is on a truck, see
to it that no flammable material is near the
hot exhaust line. You may decide to rig a
special extension to carry exhaust beyond the
overhang. It's advisable, and it's wise, too, to
wrap the exhaust pipe to increase the safety
factor.
Having come this far, you have the skeleton
of a float or basic framework, undecorated,
only partially shaped. Next you round out the
shape, to form it into curves and hollows, or
to give it that streamlined look. Perhaps part
of the exposed portion of your float is solid
material, woodcut to shape, or plaster. These
surfaces should be painted before any of the
other finishing material is added. You might
sprinkle or glitter over the freshly painted
surfaces to give these an eye-catching sparkle.
Putting on the Finish
Putting on the FinishPutting on the Finish
Putting on the Finish
Many special decorative shapes are available
already molded in heavy materials exclusively
for float use. To the outline, after the exposed
portions are painted, attach any of a number
of finishing materials—vinyl or metallic floral
sheeting, in a rainbow of colors, or with
designs worked in; aluminum foil paper, also
in many colors, used flat or crumpled before
application to increase its light-scattering
properties, sparkle sheeting, or any other of
various finishes which may catch your eye.
Artificial flowers, or real ones, may be
attached, as may stars, crescents or other
appropriate decorative cutouts..
Part of your float may require mats, or vinyl
and metallic twists to accentuate its lines.
Your choice is wide. The materials you select
are applied with special adhesives or stapling
devices. And the finish itself is subject to
some corrective shaping to get exactly the
outline you want.
Metallic or vinyl fringe goes around the
bottom of the vehicle to mask the running
gear. A float is generally built with its bottom
level spaced from the pavement to suit the
length of the fringe. If a fifteen-inch fringe is
used, the float edge is built fifteen inches
from the pavement. With a one-inch overlap
for fastening, this allows a one-inch clearance,
just right to create the illusion of floating.