How model train are made

I think 3rd rail did once,engines from their Korean supplier,very educational.

Dale H

Lionel did one in the early nineties on the rebuild of the 700E Hudson. I have that on VHS and it is also very educational. But, todays engines are far more complicated so a documentary on how they are built now would be very interesting.

I don't know how many people ever tried to build their own accessories but I am in the process of doing just that. Let me tell you when one goes down that design and application road you get a real appreciation for the engineering work that goes into something like a coal dump and such. Getting the thing to work is is only part of the problem, but making it look good is a whole other story.

Then after you got to the point where it works and looks good you can't help but think about another important issue; how would I take this idea and be able to mass produice it?

 When ever I try something like this for the fun of it I can't help but develop a real appreciation for the talented work the folks at our favorite manufactures show in order to bring us our toys.

That is absolutely fascinating.  Thanks so much for posting it.

just goes to show what it takes to build a model train.

very nice.

it would be cool if Lionel or MTH would let us know the number of the shipping container.

thanks for posting.

That little computer controlled drill press is a real piece of work. If I could only begin to remember all the grab iron mounting holes I've blindly drilled on my son's HO engines using little metal rulers and pin prick tools; well anyhow, that gizmo is to die for. 

@ Dale H...forgot about the update that Scott (3rd Rail) sometimes write in the 2 rails sub-forum.

@ GG1man..was meaning today's engine..

@Trainsrme...sadly only in German, but a nice video of the Austrian brand Roco how they make their model, from CAD design, tooling, motor and assembly

About 6 or so years ago, on the Delaware Valley PBS TV channel there was a hour long feature inside the Weaver 0 gauge factory showing the pad stamping, assembly, testing and packing of their domestic train items. tt

Although a little bit has been done on this here and there over the years, I think that this subject is a good opportunity for OGR or TM to do as a new video.  They could cover how all different kinds of O gauge engines are made today - Brass, high end die cast, and low end traditional, and how different types of rolling stock are manufactured, as well.  If done right (as a documentary), and with some layout footage and interviews spaced between the manufacturing segments, it would make for a pretty interesting video that I would buy in a heartbeat, and I also think that it would have potential for broadcast on any one of a number of cable channels (DIY, Discovery, History Channel, RFD-TV, etc.).

Andy