Train Train Train (Jigsue)

[JohnB]

G'day all,
Here are some pics of another style train that I make.
I put it here, because, although I do use the scroll saw to make some parts, it is not the primary tool that I use.

Sue: These are the other style of wheel I was talking about. I make these ones myself.

Enjoy and feel welcome to steal any ideas you may want to

The number and letter on the carriages is a long story.

A fellow from Adelaide was doing some work in Kal. prior to Xmas and saw a bit of a display that I had set up in the window of the local lolly shop.

He rang me and asked if I could send him some pictures as he wanted to buy a 3 piece set for his daughter, (Hence the Girlie colours) but was going home that same day.

Now I never make 2 things the same, so I reckoned what I'd do is take photos of, what I thought was suitable from my stock, that way when he would be getting exactly what he chose.
Anyhow, dug out all the trains, photographed them, numbered them and sent him the pics.
and haven't heard a peep since. I know he got the email because I had a notification.

I HATE THAT

[PuzzledMoose]

Those are great, John. Very nicely done - and very eyecatching

.. what did you use for the numbers on the train? The one on the red locomotive looks kind of embossed?

[Cutting Cathy]

John you are amazing!! Your trains are so fun and colorful!! I can only dream of doing work that good!! Thanks for sharing!

Cathy in NE

[DukeNukem]

Hey John, I'll bet those trains do really well at the craft shows very nice work.Jerry

[thecopperfish]

Those are GREAT John! I love them! You do such great work on everything you make. Thanks for sharing the pics, I love seeing your work.
Chris

[jigsue]

John

They are absolutely beautiful ... and what's the matter with "girlie colours" anyway? They would be on my Christmas "to make" list, I will steal the idea - thanks. I have done ones similar to the first lot you showed us. Instead of using metal hooks, I sometimes use stick-on magnets. I buy it in strips and just cut a piece off and stick it to the carriages, I worry a bit about the sharp edges of the hooks. I cannot find any pictures, next time I make them I will photograph them. I have done lots of stuff that I have never photographed, usually because I am always in such a rush to get them finished and despatched, that I forget (most people that buy or are gifted pieces by me are used to the smell of fresh varnish). We have taken to leaving the camera in the kitchen, now, to remind us.

As for the guy who didn't come back to you ... well, we all have names for the likes of him!!! So, if those wonderful little choo-choos are going begging ...

Keep up the good work. I am so jealous of those of you who can spend more time on woodwork than I can, but am quite happy to share all your good ideas.

Thanks again,

Sue

[utbva]

Those are wonderful John.

Now I will need to make something like that for my grandson. He is really into the Thomas the Train stuff now.

[Nubbin]

Those are really cool, John. I think I will have to give something like those one day.

[JohnB]

Thank you all for the comments.

Ian, The number and faces I make up on the computer, print them out, lacquer the sheet, then cut and glue them in position. The whole train is then given 2 coats of clear.
What I have started using on the latest batch is, clock numbers, the self adhesive type. Being the trusting person that I am, I put a couple of drops of super glue on the back of them, rather than just rely on the self stick

Cathy, although I have probably been making these for about 6 years, each batch is an improvement over the previous one. As I've said before, my head is always churning with ideas, and as I'm making one lot I'm always thinking, "what if I did ???? next time???"

Jerry, They are a steady seller. Sometimes we'll go a couple of markets without selling any, than we might sell 2 or 3 at once.

Chris, Thank you. I keep in mind one of what one of my instructors used to say when I was doing my apprenticeship. When you finished a piece He'd ask YOU what you thought was wrong with it.
When you told him, he'd answer with "Why". Meaning that if you knew that something wasn't right, why didn't you make it right.

Sue, The hooks were a concern for me too, on the name trains. I thought of using the little magnets like they do on the Thomas sets, but couldn't find were to get them with the rounded ends. I was also a bit worried that if a magnet pulled out, it would be easy for a kiddy to swallow.

I don't think the hooks pose any problems, now that I've sold so many, and given one to every niece, nephew and great niece and great nephews and friends kids.

I know about the "Fresh Varnish Smell"

Bill, The blue engines are by far the best sellers

Andy, thanks mate, give them a bash, they're fun.

[jigsue]

John

Just for further reference, the magnets I buy come on a continuous roll, (looks like a roll of draft excluder, with the sticky on one side). You just cut off the amount you need and stick it on. Having said that, I know where to buy it here, but that is not much help, I guess

Sue