Magnetic trains are a fun hobby for all ages! Do you have a train set that you want to add magnets to? Or maybe you want to make your own magnetic train set from scratch? Follow along as we build a magnetic train set, then make it levitate!

Supplies

Train set, new or existing

Neodymium magnets

Upholstery tacks

For MagLev - additional magnets, epoxy, and plexiglass

Step 1: Testing Testing Testing

First, we purchased some plain, non-magnetic trains online. This will allow for complete customization and allow us to experiment with different options.

Our first thought was to use some countersunk magnets, like our R622CS-P. The countersunk hole makes it quick and easy to attach these magnets to any object. The R622CS-P have a pull force of 3.5 lb, which is plenty strong to hold, but not impossible to separate. When installed, they had a good, firm hold, but they didn't allow the trains to turn.

Then we put a NSB6 steel ball between them. The hold was still good, and now the trains can turn, but they don't quite have the classic magnetic train look.

Finally, we tested placing some ring magnets underneath the head of an upholstery tack. It was a clear winner! This setup has a firm enough hold, allows for turning, and has the classic toy train look.

Step 2: Assemble Magnetic Couplers

We grabbed a stack of the R621 ring magnets and some 7/16" dia x 1/2" long upholstery tacks.

It's important to make two piles of couplers...one pile having the north pole of the magnets facing out, one pile having the south pole of the magnet facing out. Opposite poles attract. We use our handy Pole ID app to make sure we orient the magnets correctly.

One pile will be the front couplers, one will be the back couplers, so that the trains attract as they should.

Step 3: Train Assembly!

Keeping the two piles of couplers separate to avoid messing anything up, we put the couplers on the trains. We thought we'd be able to push the tacks into the soft pine wood, but it was difficult, so we pre-drilled a small hole for the tacks to push into.

And that's it! It's a quick, effective way to make a magnetic train set. Check out the video we made to go along with this, you can see more assembly and testing there!

We found that it took just over 0.5 lb of force to pull two trains apart. That's a little more than a traditional magnetic train, but still weak enough to remove easily. For larger trains, you might step up to the R622 or R822.

Also, with our setup, the trains couldn't make a really tight turn. There isn't enough room between the trains to do so. Using a thicker magnet would allow for tighter turns. We're quite pleased with the results!

Step 4: Step It Up - Make It Levitate!

How could we make this project, better, cooler, and more attractive (more like repelling)? Add more magnets! We turned some of these trains into a MagLev train set!

Extra materials needed: Some wood for the track, plexiglass, block magnets, we used our BY041 for the tracks and BX041 for the trains.

This time, we need to make sure the same poles are facing each other, like poles repel.

First, we cut the wheels off of the magnetic trains, we won't be needing those anymore!

Next, we glued some BX041 to the bottom of the train, making sure that the same pole was facing out on all of the magnets. We decided to use two smaller tracks, one on either side, rather than a single row of magnets in the middle of the train. From previous experience, we know that using two tracks like this has better stability.

Step 5: MagLev Track

Next, using a table saw, we cut some grooves into a piece of wood to accept the plexiglass (which will hold the trains in place), and mounted some steel in the middle.

We stuck some BY041 magnets on the steel, again making sure that the same pole of each magnet was facing up.

Like poles repel, which is what we want here! We used the steel, rather than gluing, to make it quicker and easier to move and change the magnets if needed.

Repelling magnets won't stay repelling by themselves, some outside force needs to hold them there. In our design, the plexiglass sides keep the trains above the track, stopping them from flipping around or falling off.

We also found the levitation to be a bit more stable when the two tracks were slightly offset. We made the bottom track slightly narrower than the magnet tracks on the train.

Making a MagLev Train set really steps up the magnetic train game! It doesn't take much force to move the trains along the track, so there could be some fun ways of getting the train to zoom around the track!