The Toy Train - Page 1

Major
Project
Article

SEPT/OCT 2002
Volume 45/Issue 5

IN THIS ISSUE
Project Articles
• The Toy Train
• The Cold Frame
• The Toy Puzzles & Kitchen Helpers

DEPARTMENTS
• Ask Smitty
• Owner’s Gallery
• Letters from Owners

Academy Notes
Using the Shopsmith Mortising Attachment to Drill Square Holes

Service Pointers
MARK V Wedge Locks & Way Tubes

Safety Tips
Using the Shopsmith Safety Kit

What's New
Incra Miter Gauge 2000

EDUCATION
• Find A Shopsmith Woodworking Academy Near You
• National Woodworking Academy in Dayton, OH

ONLINE CATALOGS
• Online Accessory Catalog
• Request Printed Accessory Catalog
• Online Replacement Parts Catalog

MARK V INFORMATION
• Find A Shopsmith
MARK V Demo Near You
• Request MARK V Information Package

LINKS
• Links Worth Visiting
• Free Woodworking Tips

FEEDBACK
Contacting Shopsmith

The Heirloom Toy Train

A five-car Train that's loads of fun for you to build -- and durable enough to be around for your grandchildren and great-grandchildren to enjoy

We've been told that the first toy train appeared in the 1820's - just a few short years after the first real train carried its first passengers and hauled its first load of freight. As the railroads grew and the design of locomotives evolved and diversified, so did the toy train. But even today, the favorite of kids everywhere remains the classic 4-4-0 from the Golden Age of Steam. So, with a puff of steam and a hearty tug of the whistle, we're off!

The Locomotive
1. Start by cutting all the pieces to the proper size and shape, using the gridded patterns we've provided. Drill 7/16" dia. axle holes in the Wheel Mounts (D&E) and a 7/16" dia. hole in the Engine Coupler (F). Refer to the patterns for the correct positions of these holes. Drill 3/8" dia. holes in the centers of the Wheels (L&M). Using your Lathe, turn the Pistons (N), Boiler (O), Smokestack (P) and Pressure Dome (Q).

Cut the cowcatcher when the upper, Mid and Lower Platform (A, B, & C) have been glued up. The table is tilted at 30°; the miter gauge at 60°.

2. Glue up the Platform Sections (A,B&C), referring to the pattern for proper positioning. Cut the CowCatcher using a compound cut on your Table Saw - Set your MARK V Table tilt to 30-degrees and your Miter Gauge to 60-degrees.

3. Tilt your MARK V's Table to 15-degrees and cut the top edges of the Upper Cab Sides (I) to accept the tilted Roof. Glue the Upper Cab Sides (I) to the Lower Cab Sides (J), referring to the pattern and exploded view for proper positioning. Be sure the lower Cab Sides protrude 3/4" below the Upper Cab Sides when assembled.

Glue the Cab Sides to the Firewall (H). With your MARK V's Table still tilted to 15-degrees, cut the mating inside edges of the Cab Roof (K) to create the proper Roof pitch. Glue the two halves of the Roof together, then glue the entire Roof assembly to the top of the assembled Cab. For added strength, these (and all) component joints can be reinforced with dowels or screws.

4. Glue the turned Boiler (O) to the Boiler Mounts (G). Reinforce these glue joints with countersunk flathead screws, driven up through the bottoms of the Mounts and into the Boiler.

Drill shallow, 1" dia. holes in the Top of the Boiler to accept the Smokestack (P) and Pressure Dome (Q). Refer to the pattern for proper positioning.

5. Temporarily, assemble the Wheels to their Mounts. Position the wheel assemblies under the Platform and the Boiler and Cab assemblies on top of the Platform. The back of the Drive Wheels (M) should be flush with the back of the Cab and the Truck Wheels (L) must not rub against the CowCatcher. Once you're comfortable that you have all of the assemblies aligned properly, mark for position and disassemble them.

6. Glue on the Boiler and Cab assemblies and reinforce them with dowels or screws, as you prefer.

The underside of the engine, showing the reinforcing screws before they are covered with dowels.

7. Glue the Truck Wheel Mounts (D), Drive Wheel Mounts (E) and Engine Coupler (F) to the Platform. Take care to be sure the axle holes line up properly. Refer to the pattern for the position of the Coupler. Reinforce with dowels or screws, as you prefer.

8. Insert the Axles (R) through their Wheel Mounts (D&E) and glue the Wheels onto the ends, being careful not to allow excess glue or squeeze-out to touch the Mounts.

9. Using a Sander or rasp, create a 3/4" wide flat spot on the Pistons (N) and glue them into position on the edge of the Platform (A), above the Rear Truck Wheels (L). Reinforce with dowels or screws, as you prefer.

10. Glue the Smokestack (P) and Pressure Dome (Q) into the holes in the top of he Boiler (O).

Continue . . .