I’ve always enjoyed Christmas, especially when it’s time to set up and decorate the traditional Christmas tree. When I was little, I used to imagine that elves lived inside the tree and used the decorations to have fun. So I always dreamed of having a little train under the tree for the elves to ride. Even though I’m no longer a child, I now have the design and engineering skills to bring that childhood dream to life!

I think I'm not the only one who is dreaming of such a thing, and on top of that I have big plans to make this train The Ultimate Christmas Train, so here we are!
 

EDIT: I received many questions regarding the campaign duration and rewards delivery time. 
Please check Update #1 and FAQ to get more info.

• Modular Track System : Print and assemble simple or complex circuits around your Christmas tree.
• Working Locomotive : The project’s centerpiece; featuring a motor, LEDs, and even a working steam generator, all of that in a beautifully crafted design.
• Various Wagons : From Candy haulers, to Passengers wagons or Santa’s gift wagon, Build YOUR dream train.
• Accessories and decor elements : Trees, candy canes, snowman, tunnel, train station, and more to come (let me know your ideas!).
• Customizable : Use your own colors, add more elements, and expand the ecosystem however you like.

The project will include:

• 3D printing files and profiles (.stl and .3mf)
• Assembly instructions (.pdf)
• Bill of materials (hardware and other non 3D printed parts)

NOTE: RC compatibility will be achieved through the Cyberbrick ecosystem, making it easy for everyone to integrate!

EDIT: Wow you unlocked all the stretch goals! I can't thank you enough for the amazing support.

That means I have a lot of job to do, but I'm so happy to be able to push the project further than what I originally though, so again a huge thanks to everyone who backed the project.

Last year I spent countless hours designing and printing the first iteration of my Christmas train.
I managed to print a basic version just in time for Christmas :

Here’s what I have already achieved:

✅ Circular tracks

✅ Locomotive design

✅ Working water tank and steam exhaust (thanks to a cheap atomizer)

✅ Integrated LED lighting in the locomotive

✅ Motor propulsion

✅ Basic hauler wagon

I am really happy with the overall design, and believe me, seeing that first iteration running under the Christmas tree made all the hours put into designing, prototyping, and troubleshooting all worth it. 

To turn this project into a full ecosystem that anyone can print and enjoy, I still need to complete:

      ✅ Refine and design more tracks that fits all together

• I have now completed the universal connector design and I have three different sizes of circular track sets, plus many straights ones and even some slopes. I am satisfied with that for now but it can still evolve during the project.

      ✅  Electronics improvement and cleanup

• Work in progress, I'm currently trying to integrate the Cyberbrick ecosystem to the locomotive, and I have completely redesigned the powertrain to make it more powerful :)

  EDIT: Done, see Update #4

      ✅ Other wagons design

• I have completed the design of all the basics wagons, still need to work on new ones unlocked with the associated stretch goal.

      ✴️ Documentation, assembly guides, and bill of materials (BOMs)

• “Base Kit" Bill of material released (see Update #6) to give you the chance to pre-order all the parts you'll need for the project. 
  Please note that the list will continue to evolve during the campaign, but at least you'll have somewhere to start.

      ✴️ And I hope all the stretch goals elements!

• Tracks, and RC compatibility done, still need to work on wagons and interactive elements

      ⏺️ Accessories and decorative elements

Building this project requires hardware, filament, electronic components, and many, many hours of development.

Your support will be used to:

• Buy the required hardware and material
• Create new parts and elements to expand the train ecosystem
• Create High-quality instructions and bills of materials

By backing the project, you’re not just funding a train — you’re helping bring a whole Christmas train ecosystem to life for thousands of makers.

I’m Raph, a maker and lifelong Christmas enthusiast who has spent over 10 years working with electronics and 3D printers. I love building all kinds of stuff, from crazy ideas to practical accessories, my goal is always to spark imagination, and empower others to create.

I run a small YouTube channel (in French) and this project and its development will be shared as a video series if you're interested.
This Christmas Train is a passion project born from childhood memories — and I’m thrilled to finally share it with the MakerWorld community.