By Grahame Turner, Updated Mar 24, 2022

Magnets behave predictably: opposite poles attract, like poles repel. Leveraging this repulsive force, magnetic levitation (maglev) trains hover above a track, creating a friction‑free ride. This DIY project shows how to build a simple maglev train model using common materials and a handful of magnets.

Step 1

Cut a piece of balsa wood or cardboard to 2 ft × 3 in to serve as the track base.

Step 2

Construct the track walls:

• With balsa: cut four 1‑½ in wide strips, glue pairs together to form two side walls.
• With cardboard: cut 2 ft × 3 in strips and fold them along the middle to create the walls.

Step 3

Attach the walls to the track so they stand 2‑¼ to 2‑½ in apart along the entire length, maintaining a 90° angle to the track surface.

Step 4

Line the track’s center with 12 rectangular magnets. Ensure all magnets face the same way—if the north face of the first magnet points up, keep every subsequent magnet’s north face upward. Allow the assembly to dry overnight.

Step 5

Affix two magnets to a 2‑by‑4‑inch wooden block. Verify that the poles facing upward on the block match those on the track. For a north‑side‑up track, glue the block so its north face points outward and the south face attaches to the wood. Let it dry overnight.

Step 6

Place the wooden block (the “train”) onto the track. The block’s magnets will hover above the track’s magnets, guided by the side rails. Gently push the train forward to see it glide along the track’s length.

Things Needed

• 2‑by‑1‑ft piece of cardboard or balsa wood
• Saw, scissors, or utility knife
• 2‑by‑4‑inch block of wood
• 14 2‑by‑1‑inch rectangular magnets

TL;DR

For a more realistic train appearance, use a thinner block or a cardboard base and attach a toy train model on top. You can also decorate the block to resemble a train’s exterior.