Train

During my sophomore year at RPI, I took a machine shop class where we were given the choice to make a cannon or a train. Most people choose the cannon because the train is generally known as the more challenging one, but I had already made my mind up before walking into the machine shop on the first day. I wanted a train, and I didn't mind the challenge. 

Most of the train was machined on the lathe and the vertical mill, but we also used a drill press and a band saw in addition to learning how to weld, laser cut, and plastic mold. We had the choice to CNC one part of our project, but I made my train entirely by hand for the extra practice. I even ended up customizing my train with the help of an enthusiastic TA. 

My biggest takeaway from this class was learning how much I enjoy machining. Fortunately, the project was graded on completeness rather than precision, and I learned a lot through fixing the mistakes I made along the way. Now that I have more machining experience, I'd love to make another train to see how my skills have improved.