Construction Page
The tracks are simply two magnet strips, each measuring about 24" long, 1/2" wide, 1/8" thick, with their North side facing up. They are attached with carpet tape about 1/4" in from the edges of a piece wood, 24" long and 6" wide. Four two-foot sections of track were constructed.
The sides of the track have a Plexiglas wall attached to it, so that you can see the train platform float above the tracks.
The train platform is made of foam-core board, 5 and 7/8" wide by 6" long. On the bottom is a pair of magnet strips, about 6" long, 1/2" wide, 1/4" thick, with their North side facing down. They are placed about 1/4" in from the side edges.
Along the side edges of the platform was placed a strip of Scotch. This provided a very smooth, slippery surface for the train to rub against as it travels down the track.
Boards were attached to the ends of the track with magnets placed on the ends as well as on either side of the train.
The train floats down the track, using a small push for propulsion.
Magnetism Research Page