03 December 2025

Let’s talk retro: the Grand Traveler 246 just rolled in

Vintage lovers in the house? How about fans of old-school travel?

It’s time to get hands-on with the newest piece in our Vintage Machinery Series — a DIY locomotive inspired by classic steam engines, those true icons of the golden age of rail. The Grand Traveler 246 is the kind of train that would’ve stolen hearts in the early 1900s… and probably impressed the most famous train fan in TV history.

Who, you ask?

Well, let’s just say Sheldon Cooper might have written this article — but don’t quote us on that. Anyway, Sheldon told us to pass along a few fun train facts. So welcome aboard, the Grand Traveler and the golden age of rail are ready to amaze!

Trains crafted, not manufactured

In the early 1900s, even with large factories already up and running, nearly 80% of locomotive work was still done by hand. Metal panels, fittings, interiors — everything had to be shaped and adjusted by skilled craftsmen. And building a single locomotive or railcar often involved hundreds of specialists. A top-tier Pullman Palace Car, for example, required around 600 people to complete. No surprise there — Pullman cars were essentially one-of-a-kind design projects, built with the same care as custom homes or high-end boats.

And speaking of craftsmanship — how about a challenging train DIY project? Our latest release is sure to delight anyone who loves trains and the charm of the golden age of rail. Inside the kit you’ll find 410 precision-cut pieces, a MASTERS complexity level (4 out of 5), and 8–10 hours of engaging assembly time. The result? A beautiful, vintage-inspired wooden locomotive, built entirely by your own hands.

Luxury, status, lobster, and silver

No surprise that on truly grand trains like the Orient Express, dinner wasn’t just “dinner” — it was at least lobster served on polished silverware. Back then, rail travel was basically the red carpet of long-distance trips: elegant, extravagant, and full of people who appreciated the finer things. There was just one tiny problem… silverware had a habit of disappearing. So railway managers took a very practical approach — they literally chained the silver to the tables to keep it from turning into “souvenirs.”

No silver plates in the Grand Traveler — it’s all wood 😊

But everything else you’d expect from a classic locomotive is right here: the smokestack, the front headlamp, the driving wheels and side rods, the boiler shape, and the engineer’s cab with those tiny steps. Our team packed in all the details. Now it’s your turn — build this beauty and send it rolling full steam ahead!

Slow down — some rides were meant to last

Here’s a little gem from Sheldon: back in the day, engineers on luxury trains would actually slow things down so passengers could savor the journey. Early 20th-century trains were considered wonders of technology, and people genuinely wanted the ride to last as long as possible. Some even complained when the train arrived “on time.” Imagine saying that to today’s always-rushing travelers!

And speaking of enjoying the ride — the Grand Traveler doesn’t just sit on a shelf; it moves. Powered by a rubber band motor, it can travel up to 20 feet on a single wind-up. The start lever sits right on the side near the cab, and to wind the motor up, all you need to do is twist the front of the locomotive.