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a custom wooden train for my son

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-seven years and one million words

Toronto, 2012.04.22

Made this unique train for my son's set. The front wheel on the engine was a lot of work. To get this effect, I started with a Percy from a Thomas set, and:

1. Altered the front to add some pistons.

2. Carved in the elements along the side of the boiler.

3. Cut the wood underneath the front axel, removed the axel, filed down the wheels, put a spacer in the spot where the axel had been, replace the axel, and covered the slot I'd cut in with tape to keep the wheels on.

3. Ordered the tender online (from Singapore).

4. Painted the whole thing.

Before and after

Another view

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rand()m quote

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.

—Dr. Seuss