Customizable Alphabet Train

These print-in-place alphabet train cars can be customized to write your own train message! Design and print your own or request a custom train message.

See here for video: https://youtu.be/EO4HTPzR4yo

See here for stable download: https://thangs.com/mythangs/file/27771

Due to small parts and potential for breakage, this toy is not suitable for young children.

Print your own

Each train car is 20mm in length, and you will need an “Engine” for the front and a “Caboose” for the back. Consider the size of your build plate as you are planning the length of your message! Remember that the train can be oriented diagonally to buy you a bit more space.

Import the letters you need into your favourite STL editing software. Meshmixer is my favourite, but there are many others that will work fine. Unsure that all files import into the exact same position. Leave the “Engine” at the origin, then shift the first letter exactly 20mm to the right (positive x direction). Shift the next letter 40mm and so on finishing with the “Caboose.” Combine the objects together, export, and print.

I also recommend checking out this OpenSCAD file by OutwardB that imports and positions the cars automatically: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4883497

A short "Test Train" file has been included for calibrating your settings ahead of time if needed.

The inner spheres print on top of tiny supports within the cavity of the neighbouring car. Once printed, a light twist of each car frees the ball within the cavity and the train can turn and bend. Be sure to let your print fully cool first! If the plastic is still soft, the connector may break when you try to move it.

Letters C, E, F, G, P, S, T and Z come with or without customized supports.