The potential to build my own wooden trains as recently been observed. That is, the idea does not seem soooo far fetched any more now that I own a router and a router table. Towards that end I have started to amass some ideas and some links. Some additional thoughts are that I could use a CNC machine. I would like to make my own CNC machine. To that end I have started another post about ideas for building my own CNC machine.
Some places to order router bits:
- http://www.amazon.com/MLCS-Train-Track-Bit-piece/dp/B000GG09R2
- http://www.rockler.com/train-track-router-bits-and-free-plan-individual-bits
- A review of router bits.
A second way to approach this would be to use a tool like a CNC Shark. This has a lot of appeal for replication of items. However, at nearly $4K (at Rockler) that is a lot to start out with. Better to get some experience first. Learn where I can source my supplies from etc.
Some plans for cutting track:
- TrainTrackPlan.pdf (for cutting and routing track)
- All the different types of BRIO track which have been made.
- http://www.woodenrailway.info/track/images/track_id_guide_2000.png
- http://magicref.tripod.com/trains/woodrail.htm
- Some general word-working plans including train tracks
- Some Thai blog with cool Brio train layout.
- Plans for track widths
Tutorials on how to make curved track:
- Simple tutorial for curved track
- Another tutorial, but this one is older and only in the WayBackMachine. (This one includes design plans.)
Some Places to get components for rolling stock or rolling stock:
- Diesel Engines
- http://shop.woodentrain.com/Union-Pacific_c26.htm
- E-bay shop for componets
- Shop Wooden Trains Rolling stock page.
- BigJigs Trains
- Lionel Wooden Trains
- Plans for Locomotives
- Cupler pins
- Wheel Pins
- Ceramic Magnet with hole
- Rare earth Magnets with holes.
- More Magnets from Rockler
- Help Needed in Finding Plastic Wheels for Brio trains...
- Wood burning units for signing track and stock
- Here is a tutorial on building rolling stock: http://workshop.electronsmith.com/content/flat-car-prototype/
- Here is the shape for 3D printing a plastic wheel.
- Find Nails to hold Magnets
- More Nails
- Discussion about magnets on rolling stock
- Magnets on Ebay
- More Magnets on Ebay
- Again More Mags
- 50 Count of mags
- Whistleline sales on Ebay
- http://store.woodenrailwayadventures.com/madeinusa2.html
- http://store.woodenrailwayadventures.com/make-your-own-train-page.html
- General discussion of needed parts: http://lumberjocks.com/topics/42083
- More discussion of parts needed and where to get them: http://www.wtrak.org/construction-locomotives.htm
- http://ask.metafilter.com/108944/Where-to-find-modular-wheel-assemblies-for-kids-magnetic-trains
Some places to learn about child safe paints:
- http://www.make-baby-stuff.com/finishes-for-wood.html
- http://www.rockler.com/how-to/seal-toy-project-shellac-paste-wax-acrylic-paint/
- http://www.rustoleumspraypaint.com/idea/paint-childrens-toys/
- http://www.paintwoodentoys.com/
- http://www.toymakingplans.com/website/ToySafety.html
Some places to order manufactured sets
Some places to get a custom branding tool or wood etcher to sign the pieces I make.
- Branding tool with Inter-changeable letters, the 1/4 inch size looks about small enough, but this requires further investigation.
- There are also custom branding irons like those sold here.
Accessories:
Research Parts
- Research Brio here: http://www.woodenrailway.info/
- Research Modular wooden track tables here: http://wtrak.org/
- Research on various wooden train manufacturers, list of manufacturers: http://www.choochootrack.com/.