Christmas Train

[walter monkhouse]

Here is a Christmas yard train that run on a simple mono track.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPNNSNPBi_A

[DrewDennis]

Would love to see details on the build!

[dim bulb]

Would love to see details on the build!

Same here, but gotta wonder how well it will hold up with all the rain we get here.

[algerdes]

If Walter built it - you can bet it will hold up! Thanks for sharing Walter.

[Jyman]

I love the train, I’m also very interested on how it was built.

[Aurbo99]

Same here

Walter, mind sharing details on your build please?

[walter monkhouse]

The Loco is powered by a wheel chair motor and 12 V deep cycle battery . Underneath the loco and cars centers are nylon rollers that keep it on the track , The track is made from 3/4 " exterior / treated plywood with several coats of paint . The mono rail is sections of 1/8 " thick aluminum angle 1-1/2 " X 1-1/2 " which is screwed to the plywood . For the mono rail turns, the aluminum angle is cut every 2 " on one side that allows it to bend to the turn radius . Each 8 foot section of track is connected together by screwing to 2 X 8 wood joiners . Each 8 ft section rests on 5 , 2X2 wood cross ties laid between the joiners . The track is not screwed to the cross ties , they just lie underneath and support it . It takes a while to assemble the track , depending on length , but the track does store in a relatively small footprint . The train will run for 4 to 6 hours depending on outside temperature . The deep cycle battery is located underneath the cab and directly over the drive wheels for traction .