RC Cars, Collectible Model Train
Sets, Collectible Model Cars & More
Tips About Trains & Model Trains
Tools you will Need to Build
a Wooden Train
Toy trains have almost become as much a symbol of Christmas time
as reindeer, snowflakes, and hot chocolate. Almost every
Christmas movie ever made features the heartwarming shot of a
beautifully decorated Christmas tree with an enormous pile of
presents piled under it, and a toy train circling the perimeter.
Another gift that people love to give and receive are the
homemade variety. In some households these handmade presents
become wooden heirlooms that are handed down from one generation
to the next.
Designing and making a wooden toy train is a wonderful way to
combine two traditions.
Your going to have to decide what kind of assembly process your
going to use for your wooden train project.
A dowel assembly system is the process of using wooden nails and
non-toxic glue to hold the pieces of wood together. The upside
to a using a dowel assembly is that it maintains the purity of
the wood. The downside to the system is that regular wear and
tear along with changes in weather cause wood to shrink and you
will have to periodically have to reglue the wooden train.
Many inexperienced woodworkers opt to use nails to hold the
pieces of wood together. Although experienced woodworkers frown
on this method there is nothing wrong with using nails provided
you make sure that there aren't any sharp edges.
Screws are a secure way to fasten the pieces of wood together.
If this is the method you prefer make sure that the wooden train
is periodically examined to make sure that none of the screws
have worked their way loose.
The use of a good strong glue is especially secure. It is also a
safe way to create a toy that you are planning to give to a
young child. Check the toy from time to time to make sure that
the glue is staying stuck. When handling strong woodworking glue
be sure to take precautions, you don't want to have your hand
permanently stuck to a wooden train.
What type of wood you are going to use? Hardwood or softwood?
The first thing you should know is that just because they are
called hardwood and softwood does not mean that the wood you
will be using is hard or soft, all the terns do is clarify
whether or not they are from coniferous or deciduous trees
Softwood is deciduous, it comes from Pine trees. Hardwood is
coniferous it comes from trees that shed their leaves every
fall. You should avoid using Cedar, unless it is really well
maintained it can splinter. If you are giving the toy to a young
child (one who sticks everything in their mouth) avoid the use
of Oak, which is toxic when ingested. If you are considering an
exotic hardwood check and make sure it isn't a toxic wood. The
wood you are using should be planed into pieces of wood that
wont break easily, the thicker the wood the less likely it will
be to break in the middle of your project. Bear in mind, not all
types of wood absorb stains. When you are staining the wood make
sure you are using a non-toxic stain that is child safe.
Find a set of instructions that are easy to follow. Keep them in
a safe place where they wont get lost and adhere to them.
Leave yourself plenty of time. Building a wooden train could be
a much larger, and more difficult project then you anticipate.
Once you become adept at making wooden trains, you may want to
try your hand at creating miniature wooden structures for
classic toy train layouts, and garden railroads.
For more information about
model trains checkout- "Model Trains for Beginners and
Insiders Club"- Click Here!
Model Train Layout Ideas, Tips, and Answers-Click Here!