How to Make a Train Crossing Whistle

Train types are identified by their whistles.

Train whistles have fascinated young and old for many years, their different sounds once telling passengers what type of train was coming up the track. Modern day train whistles are toys made from wood for children to enjoy and are easy to build.

Things You'll Need

• 2 by 2 by 10-inch pine lumber
• 3/8 by 4-inch dowel
• Drill press
• Band saw
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Sandpaper
• Wood glue

Instructions

Procedures

1. Cut a 2-inch piece of pine off the 10-inch piece of pine. Do not discard.

2. Mark a 3/8-inch border on one end of the 8-inch piece of pine. This will make a small square on the end of the board. Place four dots equally spaced within this framed area to form the number 4 as it would appear on a domino. Use a drill press to drill the following hole dimensions with a 3/8 inch drill bit. Begin drilling the top right hand dot with the drill press and make the hole 7 1/4 inches deep. Directly underneath on the next mark, drill a hole 4 1/4 inches deep. Proceed to the top left mark and drill a hole 6 1/4 inches deep. Drill the final hole on the bottom left corner with a Hole 4 3/4 inches deep. The two deepest holes will be on the same side of the whistle, while the two shallower holes will be on the other.

3. Cut a "V" notch on the four corners of the end of the 8-inch board where the holes were drilled. The bottom of the "V" starts 3/4 inches down from the top edge with the holes. Cut the "V" notches so there is 3/8 inches in-between the notches on each side. There will be 4 "V" notches when completed.

4. Cut the 3/8-inch dowel into four 1/2-inch lengths. Sand the dowel flat on one side to form a reed, until about 1/3 of the dowel is gone. Insert and glue a reed 1/8 inch into one hole so the flat side of the reed will form a diamond when all four reeds are glued into the whistle. The open whistle hole will look like a diamond when viewed directly from the top. Set aside and let dry.

5. Drill the 2 by 2-inch piece of pine left over from Step 1 with a 1/2 inch hole 1/4 inch deep in the center of one end. Carefully insert the 8-inch train whistle into the hole and glue. Avoid any excess glue in the air openings. Let dry.

6. Cut 2 3/4 inches off the 2-inch square block glued to the end of the 8-inch whistle. Sand and shape the whistle mouth piece.

Tips & Warnings

• Always exercise caution when using saws and power tools, and always wear safety goggles.

References

• Flying-Pig: Train Whistle
• The Wood Crafter: Steam Train Whistle
• Train Web

Resources

• Binkys Woodworking: Train Whistle