The photo above shows a pair of HO scale 48-foot intermodal containers that I made using paper, cardstock, and cardboard. If you don’t want white containers, copy or print the drawings found in the link to the pdf below full-size on color paper. I find red or blue paper yields the best looking containers.
I used buff paper for the article so the details would be easier to see.
You can add logos or container company names with photo-editing software, decals, or digital images.
I found artwork online using search terms like “48 foot shipping container pictures.”
After I downloaded the files, I used photo-editing software to scale the pictures to the correct size. I unlocked the aspect ratio so I could change the length and width independently. If you don’t have photo-editing software on your computer, you can scale the images by placing them in a Microsoft Word document.
Regardless of the method used to scale the images, I cropped the pictures so only the parts of the container I wanted to print were visible. The roofs on most riveted-side containers are aluminum. I captured that look by spray-painting the white paper aluminum.
If you’re making a corrugated-side container, you’ll need to print a formed roof like those used on the prototype. I found pictures and drawings for formed roofs online. You can also make your own with CAD software.
To learn more about Ray Bertolozzi’s do-it-yourself intermodal containers, read the April 2023 Model Railroader.
HO scale intermodal container drawings.
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