Railroad Train Handcar BRIO / IKEA

It's the classic old-timey railway image - the handcar!

I've really been enjoying learning how to make models in Tinkercad and I hope you enjoy my latest project. This model handcar is easy to assemble and really works! It is compatible with the popular wooden train sets such as BRIO and IKEA LILLABO.

You will need 7 M3 screws, I suggest 8mm long, and two 10mm ring magnets. I also recommend the use of superglue to fasten the drive wheel to the pinion gear.

Assembly Instructions: 

1. Print the pieces. Choose which handcar top option you prefer. I've created one with brick studs on the end for minifigs, but the tolerances are admittedly not perfect. (Also, this is purely for show - the minifigs are too stiff to actually hang on to the wildly swinging handle!)
2. Take the smaller pinion gear and push it through the base from the inside. A small portion of the shaft will poke through to the outside.
3. Take the four wheels and locate the drive wheel (note the smaller hole diameter). Note the cavity on the back of the wheel which will fit over the gear shaft. Add a drop of superglue to fasten these two parts together, and/or drive in an M3 screw.
4. Attach the remaining 3 wheels with M3 screws.
5. Fasten the gear to the body with an M3 screw. Be careful to use only a 6mm or 8mm screw so the bottom doesn't poke through the gear.
6. (Optional) For compatibility with wooden trains, add couplers by fastening 10mm ring magnets to the outside ends of the car with M3 screws.
7. Snap one end of the connecting tied rod to the tie point on the drive gear.
8. Click the handcar cover onto the base, making sure to orient the slot so the longer end points toward the drive wheel. Make sure the tie rod pokes up and through.
9. Click the handle into the holes in the posts, making sure the tie point faces the drive wheel.
10. Snap the other end of the tie rod onto the handle.
11. For best results, add a drop of lubricating oil to the gears and to the tie points to help keep the motion smooth.

Enjoy!