Train Bed Project #2

[blitz]

I built a train bed for my first son a few years ago (http://forums.beyond.ca/st/376816/toddler-train-bed/) and #2 was ready to get out of the crib so it was time for another fun project.

His room was a lot smaller, so I switched up the train to something that was a little more compact. Built 100% out of Baltic Birch plywood, custom design, breaks down into individual panels with an allen key. I built it in October, hence the lack of snow in the photos.

This was the inspiration:



Awesome plans:



Cutting panels:





Starting assembly (awesome shop, huh? )



Inspecting the progress:



Rough build process:





Kerfing for the curved roof:





A break to build some pull out shelves for the kitchen:



To make the yellow and black stripes on the front easier to paint I used my track saw to cut the design into the panel:





Wheel assembly:



Part 2 below:

[blitz]

Building the front light









Disassembled for paint. Zero VOC kitchen and bath paint on the outside and sealed with foodsafe walnut oil on the inside:









Final test assembly:


» Click image for larger version

I cut in false panels and vents:



Cut channels for the low voltage LED wires:



A light coating of plastidip made the metal bits on the train looks pretty nicely sooty/dirty:



Final assembly in place:


» Click image for larger version

All the wiring is setup for the LED front light and LED strip interior lights, but he's not quite ready for that responsibility yet so no photos of that.

The entire thing was built in my driveway with 5 Festool power tools and a drill.

TS-55 Panel Saw
D500Q Domino
OF 1400 EQ Router
Rotex RO 150 FEQ Dual-Mode Sander
Carvex PS 420 Pendulum Jigsaw

[dtrieu]

That's unreal! Great work!

[roopi]

[jwslam]

So... how much are you selling these things for?

[NoPulp]

Both beds are so cool! Well done!

[cet]

That is awesome. Were did you pick up the allen key bolts?

[ganesh]

Awesome Job.
I wish I had these skills to build a bed for my daughter.

[blitz]

Originally posted by jwslam
So... how much are you selling these things for?

More than other people would be willing to pay, lol.

I would say 60 hours total work went into this one, but that would reduce a fair amount for the 2nd one as I was doing a lot of the designing as I built.

Originally posted by cet
That is awesome. Were did you pick up the allen key bolts?

Lee Valley had almost everything I needed, the 1/4-20 quick connect stuff is here: http://www.leevalley.com/en/Hardware...,43715&p=45375

Avoid the brass stuff, I found it a nightmare to deal with and a bitch to install. These insert nuts use a 6mm key to screw them into place and are really tough. I also found you have to drill the holes a little larger than the 8.7mm to 9.1mm they recommend to avoid splitting in the Baltic Birch.

[EK 2.0]

Shit I am 37 and now I want a Choo-Choo bed!!!....

[yellowsnow]

wow, amazing work!

[cet]

Originally posted by blitz


Lee Valley had almost everything I needed, the 1/4-20 quick connect stuff is here: http://www.leevalley.com/en/Hardware...15&p=45375

Avoid the brass stuff, I found it a nightmare to deal with and a bitch to install. These insert nuts use a 6mm key to screw them into place and are really tough. I also found you have to drill the holes a little larger than the 8.7mm to 9.1mm they recommend to avoid splitting in the Baltic Birch.

Thanks for that. I'm building a lot bed for my daughter and was looking for something like this to fasten it all together

[jeffh]

Awesome, whered you get the piece for the smoke stack? Looks like it has welded seams, so not something youd find at the home depot.

[J.M.]

Turned out great!

[infected]

Sweet! Now people might start asking for adult sized versions for queen or king mattresses!

[blitz]

Originally posted by jeffh
Awesome, whered you get the piece for the smoke stack? Looks like it has welded seams, so not something youd find at the home depot.

6" to 4" HVAC coupling

Spray painted it with a stainless steel paint before the plastidip. It's also where I hide the master on/off switch for the lights.

[jeffh]

Right. Looks welded from afar. Good job.

[Swank]

Wicked job, I love the plans, should have been on a cocktail napkin

[taemo]

damn that is awesome man!
can i commission you to build me a new bed?

[NoSup4U]

I don't have kids, but I would be willing to pay $$$ for this if I slip one passed the goalie

Nice work!! I know a few people that would love this design if your're willing to share?