Over the summer holidays, I took on an exciting project to build a 7.25” gauge Minecraft mine cart at the request of my son. He wanted a ride-on version of the iconic minecart from the game, and this was the perfect opportunity to combine a shared interest with practical engineering.

One of the key considerations was ensuring that both my younger son and I could ride together. This not only added to the fun but allowed me to supervise him driving the cart in accordance with the Model Engineering Association of New Zealand (MEANZ) supervision requirements. 

The project was built with the following components:

• Motor: 250W motor for propulsion
• Controller: SyRen motor controller board paired with a HotRC DS600 controller
• Power Source: Two 26Ah SLA deep-cycle batteries
• Axle Boxes: UCP201 Pillow Block Bearings with suspension at the front using Triumph motorcycle valve springs
• Brakes: 3D-printed ABS brake blocks (a small experiment to monitor wear over time) 

The drivetrain features a chain drive, with the motor powering the rear axle through an idler shaft to gear down the motor.

The chassis is built from 35mm box section steel and angle, ensuring a robust frame to carry the weight of two riders. To ensure it follows the track suspension is provided on the front end, using Triumph motorcycle valve springs for a simple but effective solution.

To prevent tipping or derailing when boarding, I added doors on one side of the cart. These allow the rider to sit down securely before putting weight on the footboard.

The minecart was painted with a base colour applied by roller, and I used laser-cut stencils to spray paint pixelated designs that mimic the Minecraft aesthetic. This detail ties the cart back to its game-inspired origins.

While not a traditional model engineering subject, this project has been a fun and rewarding build. It’s my hope that projects like this, which bridge hobbies and pop culture, will encourage younger generations to take an interest in model engineering.