Answer: After you complete the checkout process, you will end up on a page with two .pdf downloads.  The plans are (7) pages long and include (10) figures, the Instructions are (3) pages long and include (14) steps.  As you step through the Instructions, the plans provide a clear understanding of what you are putting together.  By following these plans and instructions you will end up with a 16" tall table with a play surface 32" x 48".  This play surface is the "Standard" Thomas Train size.  Thomas Train sets are designed to fit this standard size.

Question: How do I get these Plans & Instructions?

Answer: Complete the checkout process using the PayPal shopping cart.  This allows you to securely use your PayPal account or Credit Cards.  Upon completing the checkout process, you will be forwarded to a page with downloadable pdf (Adobe Acrobat) files.  If something unexpected happens at this point, do not worry.  You will receive an e-mail with the same links.  You will be able to download each file a total of (5) Five times.  Save the pdf to your computer and print each document.

Question: Is this Train Table really "Simple" to build?

Answer: Well, Simple is a relative term.  The plans are straight forward, easy to follow, and come with plenty of sketches.  If you are good at following directions and paying attention to detail along with average skill with making stuff out of wood, this train table will be simple to make and look great.

Question: How long should it take me to build this table?

Answer: I should take around (6) hours to complete including standing in line at the Home Improvement Store, but not including waiting for the paint/stain to dry.  Now that is for a novice using hand tools.  I have built and assembled these tables in under (2) hours and I would expect someone with all the cool woodworking toys to be in the same time frame.

Question: How much will I end up paying for material?

Answer: Approx. $30 to $35 for the wood and hardware if you decide to use Pine, up to $70 for wood and hardware if you choose a hardwood such a Oak.  This includes the top material which usually comes in 4 ft x 8 ft panels.  This material runs $18 to $22 for the whole panel.  Have this cut to size at the Home Improvement Center and you will end up with enough drop to make another top.

Question: What makes these plans Great?

Answer: Your results.  The plans are inexpensive, straight forward, easy to follow, and come with plenty of sketches to keep you on track.  When you are complete you will end up with an attractive, durable and extremely sturdy Train Table.  I have made over 800 of these tables and dozens more have been built successfully by people using these plans.  This table has been designed, tested, and re-designed with my son's and your child's safety in mind.

Now that I have my Table Plans & Instructions...

Question: What material should I use for the Top and How on earth am I supposed to cut it to size?

Answer: While browsing your local Home Improvement Warehouse you will find a number of options when it comes to potential Top Material.  In order to get the size you will need to purchase a 4 ft x 8 ft panel.  I recommend 3/8" or 1/2" BC Sanded Plywood.  This will give you strength and flatness and a smooth surface to Paint.  Another option is 1/2" MDF board.  The MDF board has a smoother surface, but it is not quite as strong at the Plywood and is more susceptible to damage from liquids.  Whatever you get, do not leave the store without having them cut your top.  Remember you want 32" x 48" no more, no less.  And you might as well have them cut a second top out of the drop that you have buy anyway.

Question: Should I buy Pine or Hardwood?

Answer: The quick answer; buy pine if you intend on painting, hardwood if you plan on staining.  If you have good tools and experienced at woodworking you might try Hardwood.  Your finished product will look fantastic, but any errors with hardwoods are hard to fix or hide and the replacement wood is expensive.  Using pine will still result in an attractive, durable, sturdy table, while mistakes can easily be covered up with wood putty and a little sanding (and Paint).  Make a big mistake with Pine and the replacement wood doesn't cost so much.

Question: My Child is Tall/Short can I make the legs Longer/Shorter?

Answer: The standard legs on this Train Table put the play top surface just above 16" off the floor. This is the optimal height for children from 2 1/2 through 4 years old. We have noticed that children 5 and up tend to play at the tables on their knees. 16" again is just about right. If you would like to make longer/shorter legs just make sure you put the holes in the same location from the top of the legs and make each leg piece the same length.

Question: I can't find the screws you have on the material list?

Answer: The material list suggests  (20) No. 6 x 1 ¼” Fine Thread Drywall Screws.  Actually any wood screw will work just make sure it is No Longer that 1 1/4" long.

Question: The legs only have a glued joint, should I use finishing nails or screws?

Answer: If you follow the instructions, you will end up with only a glued joint along the length of the leg.  This joint is strong if you use wood glue and the joint is tightly clamped.  I did a number of test on this joint using different glues and woods.  I found that the joint was more than sufficiently strong and typically stronger than the adjacent wood if the joint is tightly clamped.  If you cannot get a good clamp on this joint, Yes, I would recommend using finishing nails or screws or if you are really good, some biscuits.

My Train Table is finished...

Question: Should I paint it or stain it?

Answer: First off, many people do not paint or stain their tables.  By not doing so, you end up with an all natural table, which is probably best for children.  But kids being kids, they will want to draw, or color, or spill all over your newly built table and a all natural table is unprotected against these threats.   If you do want to paint, the general rule of thumb is stain Oak, paint pine.  Don't bother spending extra money on Oak if you end up painting.  Most pines do not accept stains to well, it can end up splotchy and unprofessional looking.

If you do paint, use a Primer, such as Kilz, followed by a Epoxy Latex.  This will result in a durable, easy to clean coating.

Question: Can I use an official Thomas (Learning Curve) Top?

Answer: You sure can.  This Train table was design to fit the "Standard" size table tops produced by Learning Curve.

Question: My Child plays Trains at his Table all the time, is this a problem?

Answer: Not in my book.  Getting the tracks and trains off the floor is great for you and good for him.  Having his own space to play will keep him involved in the interactive toy (whatever it is) for longer periods of time. Of course you will still need to feed him, but that is why God gave him two hands.  One for food and one for trains.

Question: and now he is crawling on top of the table, will it hold?

Answer: Yes.  In fact the table will hold if you would like to crawl up there with him.  This table design was load tested at 240 lbs.  This does not account for any jumping up and down.

Question: This Train Table is Great, how do I show my thanks?

Answer: Let me know, send me a picture, forward the site to a friend, or add a site link to your own blog/website.  Any of these would be greatly appreciated, but most importantly just enjoy the fact you were able to build something that your child loves.