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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

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rand()m quote

The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to such a pass that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love, and in order to occupy and distract himself without love he gives way to passions and coarse pleasures, and sinks to bestiality in his vices, all from continual lying to other men and to himself.

—Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov