My friend Richard says he and a neighbor kid built one of these when they were kids. They found the plans in the library and had to trace them with "onion skin" paper since the librarian wouldn't let them take the book home. (wisely) Since $5 was six months allowance combined they "found" all their wood locally, mostly apple crates from a local grocer.
I am trying to locate the copyright owner. If you have any information regarding this, please contact me.