Science Fair Project with Toy Trains- UPDATE: Toy Trains WIN!!!

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

Good Morning,

I am helping my 6 year old son with a science fair project. He loves our Lionel Trains and I was considering setting up a test track and using a spring scale to test pulling power. I have a couple of “beater” locomotives that I am planning to use, and I can set the cab controller to govern how much power is applied to the rails for the test. Of course, I will be there to assist and supervise this project, but I can’t do the whole thing for him. He’s no genius, but his knowledge of Toy Trains is extensive relative to his age.

My question is whether any of you experts feel that this would be a good science fair project involving Toy Trains or do any of you have any ideas involving toy trains that are either simpler or cooler than this? Thank you for your time.

UPDATE: 11/25/13

We settled on using Toy Trains as a model to show open, closed, and short circuits. David had to memorize and explain open, closed and short circuits. He had to show this with a K-Line F3 Dummy, a couple of cars, and a section of track. The cab controller was wired through a momentary switch. I normally don’t brag about my boy. He is not a genius and he messes up all the time, just like his dad. On this day, though, I have to share this with you. Thanks to all of you who gave ideas and believed that a 6 year old was capable. This is a great board to belong to!

2

A good science fair project would be to demonstrate how electricity can be turned into useful work, and a toy train is a pretty good demonstration of same. Show the power cycle, from wall outlet (120 volts AC) to the transformer (output 14 to 18 volts AC) through the locomotive then back to the wall outlet again.

Six years old sounds a bit young for a science fair project, but what do I know? I’ve been out of the loop for a long, long time. At any rate a toy train would be a lot more interesting than say showing moldy bread and saying you’re growing penicillin.

3

Not sure it would be considered science but how about some pressure switches ( 153C) and getting them to activate crossings and lights as the train tripped them but I like your idea but was wondering if it not a little advanced for 6 years old but being in my late 50’s I don’t know what they teach kids these days and never had kids so not sure of the progress from when I was a child

4

I think you should be asking the child’s teacher.

5

maybe a demostatration of steam power.

What it does and how steam works a steam engine? Lots of figures and graphs available, not to mention using toy train engines as props.