Let’s Build a Wagon for Those Shipping Containers!
Almost a year ago, I shared instructions for building a LEGO shipping container—a simple but versatile design that can slot neatly into your cityscape, industrial layout, or train yard. Clearly, what is missing is a train wagon to carry those containers! I did have a wagon design shown below; however, it was not a design I felt was suitable enough for instructions at the time.
Thankfully, I have finally taken the time to revise the design and produce instructions, which is the main topic for this article!
This LEGO wagon is loosely based on the British Rail FGA container flat wagon, but it is generic enough to represent any single-deck “con-flat” wagon. The real-world FGA wagons were designed in the 1960s to carry standardized freight containers across the British rail network. My LEGO version borrows the same open-frame structure and container pad layout, but with a build streamlined for both simplicity and repeatability.
IMage via Wikimedia
Parts List (234 pcs)
Here are all the parts you will need to build it. The wagon consists of 234 pieces, and I’ve depicted it in dark blue. However, like the containers themselves, you can easily substitute your own choice of colour to match a theme or your available parts.
So collect those parts and let’s get building!
Instructions to Build a Shipping Container Train Wagon
These instructions may be somewhat condensed for some readers, but should hopefully provide enough detail to work out each step. I have provided part outlines and assembly arrows for additional clarity.
While the build is modest in terms of part count, it scales well for layouts where you want multiple wagons in a row. I’ve personally built nearly 25 of these wagons, and seeing them lined up in a railyard is pretty satisfying. There’s something visually powerful about a long line of uniform wagons ready for cargo, especially when each container is a different colour or has custom decals.
Heads up that when you add containers to the wagon, you may have to move the bottom “feet” of the containers inward by 1-2 studs to prevent interference with the wagon’s 4x mounting pads.
Share your builds in the comments—we’d love to see your custom container colors, modified wagon versions, and entire train consists in action. In any case, happy building!
What does your train yard look like? Let us know in the comments below!
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