Anybody have some tips on how to create this? I've been thinking about creating one from a pile of junk for some time, and I even have some calculations done already. The main issue is getting actual materials for it. I've been thinking about using a bundle of copper wire for the rails, but then there are issues such as efficiency and then getting enough current to go through them.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions or tips?

why use copper wire for the rails? they would likely just weld the projectile in place. go get some steel bars.

rail gun... coooool

i played w/ one made with magets a ruler and a bunch of little metal balls

thats a gauss gun. not the same principles. railguns require a very high current to be run through the rails and projectile. a gauss gun doesn't.

oh my teacher said its a rail gun i never did like that teacher...

yeah well, railguns tend to be chunkier. http://www.powerlabs.org/railgun.htm

 

by the time you get to the really interesting energies the projectile starts getting welded to the track or vapourised. thats why i suggested steel bars over copper wire.