Museum of Science and Industry

The train tracks were laid out first in the CAD drawings. This information was then sent to a CNC machine, which is a large machine that uses computer files to router or cut shapes. 3/4" plywood was cut with a groove showing where the track would go. On each side of this groove, 3/16" thick cork was laid, to act as both a shock absorber and as a bed for the track. The tracks were then laid down on the cork. Over the tracks and cork the ballast was applied, which is crushed rock mixed with glue.