I have created a lot of 3D model trains in my days. But I haven’t really created one with active led lights and rotating wheels. I want to try to go above and beyond my previous models and improve on how I create my models. I also want to work with led lights and to see how I can keep the lights still while the object is in motion. I want to make a colorful design with led lights that can stay in one place, and I want to try adding stuff I can rotate. So, I want to create a cardboard electric train with led lights and rotating wheels.

Supplies

Cardboard

Pencil

Ruler

Paint in these colors: black, white, red, and blue

3D printer

4 sets of white led lights

4 sets of red led lights

2 black led light connectors

2 red led light connectors

2 led light switches

Hot glue

Razor

Step 1: Draw and Paint the Layout of the Train

Length: 7 inches

Width: 3 inches

Height: 3 inches

Keep in mind that the top of the train must be 6 inches

Draw the layout of the train with pencil or a marker with the given dimensions above. Use a ruler to straighten out your lines and your sides of the train. Ensure an extra inch on the sides of your train for the wheels. Then, draw the details of the train and paint the details using the images given above. The bottom must be black.

Step 2: Cut Out the Train

Using scissors or a razor knife (recommended) cut out the entire layout of the train. Cut out the bottom of the train too. You will add the led connectors to it and will hot glue it back on later. Then, on the front and back of the train, you see black markings near the bottom. Using a pencil (or another tool you prefer to use), punch into the cardboard to have 2 open holes for one black marking. You will have a total of 8 holes (4 per side). Also, puncture 2 holes on the bottom of the train for the led switches to connect with the led lights. And puncture 8 holes on the bottom of the sides (4 on each side) for the wheels.

Step 3: Install the Led Lights and Connectors

These next 2 steps will be tricky. Now that you have the 8 holes on the markings, flip the layout so you don't see the painting. Put in 2 white led lights in the outside holes of the front of the train (make sure the leads of the led lights are facing you). Next, do the same thing for the red led lights, this time, put them in the inside holes. Make sure you install the led lights on the back of the train. Once the led lights are installed, hot glue them to the cardboard, so they don't move. Next, take the red led connector and wrap the leads of the connector around the 2 short leads of the white led lights. Then, take the black led connector and wrap the leads around the 2 long leads. Make sure to hot glue the wrapped connectors (don't hot glue too much because if the lights need fixing, it will be harder to take out the connectors with too much hot glue). Add the connectors for the red led lights in the back.

Step 4: Install the Led Light Switches

Now the led lights are ready to turn on. Grab one led light switcher and put both wires through the hole punctured. Wrap the red wire around the short lead of one white led light. Then, wrap the black wire around the long lead (make sure it's the same led light).Then, hot glue the connectors. Then, hot glue the switch to the bottom of the train. Do the same thing for the red led lights.

Step 5: 3D Print the Wheels and Pantograph

Wheel connector dimensions:

L: 4 in

H and W: 0.5 in

Wheel dimensions:

L/H: 1 in

W: 0.5 in

Use a CAD software and create 8 wheels, 4 wheel connectors, and 1 pantograph. Use the image for guidance (you should have 2 pieces for the pantograph. You will hot glue them together later.). Make sure you 3D print the parts.

Step 6: Fold the Pieces Together

All the led lights are installed. Now, hot glue the bottom to the front and back of the train. This will require some folding. Then, glue the sides together. Make sure you leave 1 inch of the sides of the train for the wheels.

Step 7: Install the Remaining Parts

Sand down one wheel connector and insert it through 2 holes (one on each side) on the bottom of the train. Then, take one wheel and install it to one side of the wheel connector. Take another wheel and install it to the other side. Repeat this process with the other wheel connectors. Once you have 4 sets of wheels installed, hot glue the pantograph pieces (if you don't know what a pantograph looks like, search it up) together and hot glue the pantograph on the top of the train. You're done! Make sure your led lights are working and your train looks like the image given.