How to Build a Model Monorail

Monorails are a part of the mass transit system of many cities. They consist of rail cars that move on a single track above the ground. A model monorail can help children learn about mass transit. Use a model monorail for a child's science fair project or as an aid in teaching. This is a simple project for a child, requiring just a bit of help from an adult. Learn to build a model monorail for your next craft project.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Construction paper
• Adhesive
• Scissors
• Measuring tape or ruler

1. 

   Cut out a rectangle of construction paper, 6 inches by 7 1/2 inches. The construction paper can be any color you like. Create the model monorail track by making folds every inch and a half along the length of the rectangle. Place glue or tape along one of the short sides of the rectangles. Bend the construction paper along the folds until the paper is in the shape of a square tube. Press the glued side to keep it in place. Make the track longer for more room to slide the rail car.

2. 

   Take a piece of construction paper. Cut it into a rectangle 3 1/2 inches wide by 6 inches long. Make 1 1/2 inch folds just as you did in the previous step. Folding will create three sections. Take one outside 1 1/2 inch section. Fold it so that it creates a square tube, much as you did for the track, along the center section. Hold in place with glue. Repeat this with the opposite outer section. Making this piece will help the monorail glide on the track.

3. 

   Create the rail car by cutting another rectangle 3 1/2 inches by 6 inches. Again, make a fold every 1 1/2 inches along the length of the construction paper rectangle. Bend the rectangle into a square. Measure the open end spaces of the rectangle, cut, and attach construction paper to fit over the open ends. Hold in place with adhesive.

4. 

   Make posts to hold the monorail track up in the air. Use your scissors to cut a piece of construction paper that is 3 inches by 6 inches. Make this into a square tube by folding and bending the length of the rectangle. Repeat this process to make another post. Use adhesive to attach the posts to the model monorail track. If you have made the monorail track longer than specified then make as many posts as you need to hold it up.

5. 

   Add any details you would like to your model monorail. You may put windows on the rail car. Draw a stripe down the side of the track. Write the name of your monorail along the side of the rail car or the monorail track.

Resources

• About Monorails