curved train track

[autobodyman]

I started making the curved track for that train I made a while ago:
worldofwood.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=finproj&action=display&thread=1700

I drew out my curved track pattern in coreldraw, printed and glued that to a board, cut the outside edge of the track and routed that, with the home made router bit I made.

Then I cut the inside edge of the track on the scrollsaw and started hand carving the inside of the track. This was going to take me several days. The thought of doing this on the router table freehand kind of frightened me, considering my bit didn't have a bearing. I made a "zero" clearance throat plate for my router table and drilled some shallow ¼" holes in the bottom of the track. Turned a couple handles in the lathe and routed the inside of the track. Burned it a bit but sanding took care of that.




I figured at least this way my fingers were out of harms way and if the wood shattered I'd be farther away.




This is part of what I need to make to mount the train on the wall. When I finish the curved track I need to build a support for the track to hang it on the wall, then I'll need to make a couple Intarasia tunnels to hand on the wall at the ends of the track.

What do you think?
Thanks ~Mike

[imahic]

This has been a cool project to follow along. Can't wait to see when you mount it on the wall.

[boodrow]

Mike that is a great lookin project , the detail is superb I like it a lot
Boodrow

[Joe Lyddon]

That's a cool way to make the curved track...
... BUT... can the train follow such a sharp curve?

... or is it just for the effect? ;D ;D

Looks good!

[Stretch]

Very cool Mike. I can't wait to see it finished and mounted on the wall with the tunnels.

[Leo Voisine]

wicked cool mike

[autobodyman]

Mar 2, 2010 14:13:27 GMT -6 Joe Lyddon said:

That's a cool way to make the curved track...
... BUT... can the train follow such a sharp curve?

... or is it just for the effect? ;D ;D

Looks good!

Joe,
Just for effect, the cars can make the turn however the train itself can't. I probably should have made the curve more gradual to be more realistic but I have limited wallspace and wasn't sure how good it would look with that long a gradual turn into the tunnels.

Thanks ~Mike

[autobodyman]

Mar 1, 2010 22:33:34 GMT -6 imahic said:

This has been a cool project to follow along. Can't wait to see when you mount it on the wall.

Well I don't have the Intarsia tunnels made yet, but got the track and supports made and installed on the wall.

I may, in the end have to find a different place for my Intrasia Racoon. Though the wife thinks it looks good here still, I'm not so sure.

I still need to design and build the tunnels, maybe this weekend I'll get started on it.

What do you think?

Thanks ~Mike

[Joe Lyddon]

Mike,

Beautiful!

[countryjoe]

I'm thinking that coon is looking at lunch lol beautiful job Mike.