Aiden YeungENGINEERING × FINANCE
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MAIN SOPHOMORE-YEAR PROJECT   /   GRADE 10

SolidWorks
Train Assembly

A toy locomotive modeled one component at a time, then assembled in SolidWorks to review fit, alignment, and motion. The project moves from dimensioned sketches to a complete digital train and assembly animation.

YEARSophomore · Grade 10
TOOLSolidWorks
OUTPUTDigital assembly + motion preview
CAD CASE FILE AY / 01
FINAL DIGITAL MODEL   /   3D VIEW Three-quarter SolidWorks render of Aiden's green toy train, showing the body, wheels, linkage, stack, and front cow catcher

A TOOL FOR THINKING IN 3D

What is
SolidWorks?

SolidWorks is a computer-aided design (CAD) program used to create precise 3D parts and combine them into assemblies. In this project, it provided a way to shape each train component, inspect the geometry from different views, and check how the parts fit together digitally.

FROM GEOMETRY TO ASSEMBLY

CAD turns a design idea into a model that can be inspected and revised before anything is made. The train project uses that workflow to connect sketches, individual components, and one assembled locomotive.

SolidWorks workflow used in the train projectSketch profiles become modeled components, which are placed together in a digital assembly for fit and motion review. SKETCHPARTSASSEMBLYREVIEW

01   /   DESIGN INTENT

From separate parts
to one system.

The original project focused on modeling the train's pieces and assembling them in virtual space to see how they fit and move together.

  1. 01 / PLANSketch the formDefine profiles and dimensions
  2. 02 / MODELCreate componentsBody, wheel, stack, arm, front
  3. 03 / ASSEMBLEBring parts togetherCheck fit and alignment in CAD
  4. 04 / REVIEWStudy the motionUse the assembly animation
↳

Design question How can independently modeled details read as one coherent locomotive and move together in the assembly?

02   /   COMPONENT BREAKDOWN

Five pieces.
One locomotive.

Each component has a distinct role in the model. The cards use the original SolidWorks renders and descriptions.

01Separate SolidWorks render of the train wheel
ROLLING ELEMENT

The Wheel

Role: The wheel guides the train along the rails and enables rolling movement. Design reading: Its circular profile and hub define the connection point; the spoke pattern adds detail while keeping the wheel visually legible.

02Separate SolidWorks render of the locomotive stack
TOP ASSEMBLY

The Train Stack

Role: Represents the exhaust stack associated with steam and smoke. Design reading: The tapered profile and open rim make it read as a distinct upper feature and give the locomotive a recognizable silhouette.

03Separate SolidWorks render of the long linkage arm with a pivot hole at each end
MECHANICAL LINK

The Linkage Arm

Role: The project identifies this arm as the connection coordinating wheel movement. Design reading: The elongated bar and end holes suggest a pivot connection at each wheel, making alignment and joint placement central to the assembly.

04SolidWorks render of the locomotive body as a separate component
MAIN FORM

The Train Body

Role: Forms the central structure that visually organizes the locomotive and provides locations for the other modeled elements. Design reading: The profile and face sketches show how the main volume and openings were shaped before assembly.

05Three-quarter SolidWorks render of the train's character-inspired cow catcher
FRONT DETAIL

The Cow Catcher

Role: Creates the locomotive's distinct front-end detail. Design reading: Its face sketch uses aligned, dimensioned shapes to build the character-like features; the separate isometric study documents the form before extrusion.

03   /   FORM STUDIES

Inspect the shape
from every side.

Rendered and sketch views reveal how the locomotive body and front detail were developed. These are the original project images, not recreated mockups.

Side profile sketch and model view of the locomotive bodyBODY / PROFILE
Side profile of the train body.
SolidWorks elevation view of the green train body with sketch outlinesBODY / ELEVATION
Body geometry in elevation.
Front sketch view of the locomotive bodyBODY / FACE
Face geometry used to define the front opening.
Front view of the assembled locomotiveASSEMBLY / FRONT
Front view of the assembled model.
Front face of the cow catcher with its character detailsCOW CATCHER / FACE
Front face of the modeled cow catcher.
Side render of the finished locomotive assemblyASSEMBLY / SIDE
Side view of the final digital assembly.

04   /   SKETCH TO GEOMETRY

Draw it. Dimension it.
Build the form.

The original documentation shows the cow catcher before extrusion and a dimensioned face sketch used to align its details.

Isometric SolidWorks view showing sketch geometry on the back of the cow catcher before extrusionFIG. 03A
Isometric sketch viewShowing the form before extrusion.
Dimensioned SolidWorks sketch of the cow catcher face, with construction geometry and alignment dimensionsFIG. 03B
Dimensioned face sketchUsed to align and define the front details.
PROFILE→DIMENSIONS→EXTRUSION→ASSEMBLY

05   /   ASSEMBLY MOTION

Check the mechanism
in motion.

SolidWorks assembly tools let the parts be viewed together. The animation documents the model moving as a system; it is a digital preview, not a physical track test.

ASSEMBLY PREVIEW~16 SEC · NO AUDIO
LINKAGE STUDY   /   CONCEPT DIAGRAMConcept diagram of two train wheels joined by a moving linkage arm
The original page identifies the linkage arm as the component that coordinates wheel movement.

06   /   ENGINEERING × FINANCE

Design choices
shape the economics.

This is a finance reflection on the model—not a cost analysis performed during the project.

CAD makes a design concrete enough to discuss in terms of resources. A parts list can lead to questions about materials, manufacturing steps, assembly time, and how much of each component a product needs.

Those choices affect both up-front investment and cost per unit. More parts or more complex geometry may mean more operations and assembly work; simplifying or standardizing components can change the economics, especially as production volume grows.

This train project did not include a bill of materials, supplier quotes, budget, or production run. Looking at it through finance helps me see the next questions to ask: what would it cost to make, how many could be produced, and would the product justify the resources invested?

07   /   PROJECT RECORD

A documented
digital assembly.

The project brings together distinct CAD components, sketch details, an assembled view, and a motion preview.

05

Component types

Wheel · stack · linkage arm · body · cow catcher

01

Digital assembly

Parts brought together in SolidWorks for a fit and motion review.

01

Motion preview

A short animation documents the locomotive model in movement.

PROJECT SCOPE

Digital CAD model and assembly animation. The source documentation does not show a physical prototype or measured operating results.