Making Paper Shipping Containers - my experience so far

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
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I was looking through a discussion thread (http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/245741.aspx) the other day that I had saved to my Favorites (a nice feature of the forum software, by the way). When I first saw this thread last year, I went to the krafttrains.com website the OP mentioned and downloaded some HO container files. Several months later, I tried my hand at assembling some. Rather than reply to the old thread, I thought I’d make a new one. So, with a shout out to forum member LensCapOn, here is some feedback you were asking for [:)]

I printed a few of the krafttrains single, standard-size 40-ft containers on cardstock. Then I carefully cut them out and folded firmly along all the lines to make nice sharp creases. I made an inner core out of old cereal boxes - I carefully measured and cut separate pieces for the tops, ends, sides, and bottoms. I laminated two pieces of cereal cardboard together for each surface to make them more sturdy. I glued everything together with a Scotch glue stick, so the paper wouldn’t warp. The bottom was the last to go on, and had “wings” on the sides that slipped inside against the side pieces. I smeared a little white glue on the insides of the side pieces before sliding the bottom piece in place. Unfortunately I didn’t take any progress photos, but you probably get the idea.

So, here is a group photo of the four paper containers I made, plus one plastic Walthers container… can you spot the imposter from 3 feet away at first glance?

… yeah, I couldn’t either! [:D]

But the China Shipping one is the Walthers model. From a distance, the paper models look every bit as good.

I found the dimensions of the krafttrains containers were just a bit off, though. At least for the 40-ft standard containers. Here is a close-up shot of one on top o

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I would suggest dusting some dark colored chalk on the corners to hide the white paper. You could also use a fine point black Sharpie pen on the corners, just test it to see if the ink bleeds.

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When printing these paper containers, make sure your printer is set to 100% in the preferences. When i did my first set, i hadn’t checked that and mine were a wee bit too small.

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Thanks for this. I need a bunch in N scale. I will try theirs.

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@ azrail - good suggestions. I was thinking colored pencils or even crayon. I even thought of craft paint, but was afraid it would distort the paper. I’ll have to experiment and see what works best. These are my guniea pigs, anyway, so I won’t be too heartbroken if they get a little messed up.

@ James - I actually printed these from the Staples website and picked them up from the store. I’m reasonably certain the output was set to “actual size” but I’ll double check the next time to be sure.