How to Make a Large Cardboard Train for a Display

Reuse old boxes to make a display train

From small children to avid adult collectors, people love trains. Make an inexpensive cardboard train to use as a decoration at a birthday party or for a display at a school assembly. If you cut a hole in one side, children can sit in the train and pretend they are conductors. Use old moving boxes, poster paint and glue to make the train.

Things You'll Need

• 5 cardboard boxes, 18 inches x 18 inches x 24 inches
• Glue (hot glue or white glue)
• Drawing compass (optional)
• Scissors
• Staples or tape
• X-ACTO knife (optional)
• Poster paint
• Paint brushes

Instructions

1. Assemble two cardboard moving boxes, and seal the top and bottom flaps shut. Glue the short sides of two boxes together. You can use hot glue or a white glue such as Elmer's. If you are using hot glue, place several dots of glue along the edge of one box as well as several dots in the center. If you are using white glue, spread a thin layer on both box sides. Allow the glue to dry. Lay the two boxes on the ground horizontally. The two boxes should measure about 48 inches in length.

2. Assemble another box. Glue the box in place by dotting the glue along the sides as well as in the center of one box side. Press the box on top of the two boxes to make the train's cab. The boxes should resemble a letter "L" on its side.

3. Draw eight circles on one box. You should be able to fit two circles on each box side. You can draw the circles freehand if you like, or you can also use a drawing compass. The circles should be at least nine inches in diameter. Cut out the circles using either a pair of scissors or an X-ACTO knife. Glue four circles in a row along the bottom of the train on one of the long sides. Glue the remaining four circles in a row along the bottom of the other long side of the train.

4. Cut a smoke stack from the remaining box. Cut out one long side (18 inches by 18 inches by 24 inches) and roll it into a cylinder. Secure the shape by stapling the edges together. You can also use tape to hold it in place. Glue the smoke stack to the top of the train. It should be halfway between the middle of the top of train and the train's front.

   Allow the glue to dry overnight.

5. Cut a window out of the cab of the train with an X-ACTO knife. Cut a 9 inch square out of both sides of the train as well as the front of the cab and the back. You can also cut one entire side of the cab out, so that children can climb into the train.

6. Paint the train using any colors you prefer. You can give your train personality by painting a face on the front.

   Allow the paint to dry for at least four hours, and then apply another coat.

References

• Family Education: Homemade Box Train