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

• http://www.legacystation.com/brio-trains
• Maxim track

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:

• A really cool train shelf.

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/.