Magnetic Train Cars (Freight, Passenger, Caboose)

Three magnetic, articulated train cars compatible with wooden train sets from Brio, IKEA, Hape, etc.

UPDATE 9/5/25: Added printable lumber cargo for the freight car. It also takes a 8mm x 2mm magnet for use with magnetic cranes. The magnet squeezes in without glue on the PLA that I tested. It also looks great printed in wood PLA, but in my experience wood PLA might make the magnet hole too tight. An easy solution is to scale the size of the lumber up by a few percent.

Assembly:

All three cars use the same frame and wheels. The tops snap on and off and are interchangeable. It can take a bit of force to snap the wheels and the cars onto the frame, but I haven't had any pieces break yet. The model uses 8 mm x 2 mm magnets (8 mm x 3 mm should work too) that can be pushed into the connectors with a little force. Magnets from Maker's Supply, Amazon, or your preferred source should all work. I recommend inserting the top of the magnet first and then pressing the bottom in. You can scale up slightly if you would like a little more room and prefer to use glue. Make sure both magnets are inserted facing the same direction (i.e., North is pointed in the same direction on both magnets, so that on the front of the car North is facing outward and on the back of the car South is facing outward). 

Printing:

These were designed for .2 mm layer height and a .4 mm nozzle. They print great without supports in PLA; I have not tried any other materials, but they should work with PETG as well. Use Arachne walls. In the main print profile, I have set it to print by object so that a different color can be used for the frame/wheels and the car with just one filament change.

Be sure you also check out my other train designs:

Geared train track switch

Gondola magnetic train car with articulated front loader and backhoe: