How do you make maglev train model?

Answer 1

The simplest model (the only type that can be described without writing a book to explain how to do this) cannot function identically to a maglev, but will look like it does and can show the concept (suitable for a school science project). Construct the guideway and train of wood using the pictures of these that can be found on the internet. Use flat magnets (all exactly the same) with their opposing poles on either side of the flat for the lift. These must be spaced close together and glued to the guideway center and to the train center. They must be arranged so that the North-South poles on each are arranged so that either North and North or South and South will be next to each other when the train is placed on the guideway. Now, the train will float along the guideway. Propulsion of a true maglev cannot be duplicated in a simple model, but can be done by placing a small electric motor with a rubber tired drivewheel in the center of the train (where it won't be noticed). Hide the battery within the wooden train as well,and place a switch on the top of the train. Now be sure your guideway is long enough, it must have an area at least twice the length of the train at one end (both ends if you want to be able to go 2 directions) with no magnets installed - this is the "set-down" area. Ready to go now, but look at the bottom of the train - skids need to be placed on each side of the magnets so that when the train leaves travel area of the guideway it settles down on the skids and does not damage the magents on the bottom of the train.