Mini-Train Model!

I made a mini model train that moves along a track with magnets

For this project I used mainly Bambu lab filament, as well as neodymium magnets. For the software I used Fusion, a CAD software, and Bambu studio, a slicer software. In addition, a Bambu lab P2S 3D Printer was used to bring the designs to life!

It all starts was the first layout. In the sketch function within Fusion, I designed a simple track layout that I would then build everything around. I also added a REALLY rough layout to plan briefly what the full platform would look like in the end.

My next step was designing the actual train cars(eventually because of time constraints, I only printed a select few of them). I first made sure to draw the actual dimensions of the magnets so that my trains could fit the magnets and actually move with them. Then I made a random size for the base train car. I ended up choosing 8mm x 16mm for the base. Then I moved on to choose some themes for the cars, and began sketching the designs

Now I did some basic modeling and coloring to bring the sketches to life! The train cars I chose to design were a locomotive, a coal car, a cabin or passenger car, a log car, and a double tiered caboose. I purposely designed the wheels flat and slightly elevated, and while this is inaccurate of the real life train, it would make the train run much better on the track.

I now wanted to just start adding some color to the design, so I then made a basic sketch for a lake. I made different layers to give the water color some depth. I then thickened it and added the color to make it pop!

I've been thinking about this project for some time, and from the beginning I knew I wanted to add a mountain for the train to go through so naturally, I soon designed the mountain. I made some ragged patterns inside a "iron" looking shape, which would then morph into a flat topless mountain. After, I added some more jagged patterns and extruded them to add the peaks and different sides of the mountain. I also had to redesign the track a minor amount to make the tunnel in the mountain as simple as possible.

My final big addition to the base of the platform would be a train stop. I thought it would add a certain flair and playfulness that wouldn't have been there otherwise. I again started with the basic birds-eye sketches as well as the side view sketch, and like anything, everything came together from the chaos. After a LOT of editing, I finally got a design that I liked and that I think succeeded in achieving the playful cartoon look.

I really wanted the color of the trees to stand out, so what better color to choose than pink! I also wanted to make a simple yet interesting design for the trees, so I modeled then partially after the Truffula Trees from the Lorax with the beautiful cherry blossom color in Japan.

Now was the slightly harder part: making it work. I make a thin frame around the green base of the track which could hold a very large gear on grooves. The green base would sit on the large gear, and would be held in place by pins. The gear would also have a cutout on the top of it that would allow the magnet, connecting to the train on the top, to move freely while simultaneously staying within the track of the train. The large gear would be beveled and would then connect to a vertical gear that would ultimately move the large gear and the train with a crank. This video is a clear demonstration of how as the gear moves, as does the magnets connected. This is essentially the train moving.

These are all various timelapses taken from my printer camera. These are just a fraction of the actual print time however, with the actual number reaching dozens of hours. The total filament used was around 700g-1200g, and cost around 10-15 dollars to produce in terms of filament cost. Sadly, I wasn't able to print everything that I wanted to in time for the deadline of this competition, as I said before with the train cars, but I still really like the way it turned out.

I am REALLY happy about how this project turned out. I think it really pushed my skills and I am pretty satisfied with the product. I think this would have anyone would enjoy playing around with it, and push their creative thinking skills too! I think this is a project that I will likely continue past the competition, as the design part of miniature landscapes and systems is such a fascinating topic. I hope you enjoyed reading this and learning about my project!