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.
Not sure my previous link to “Team Track Models” made it past the Comment limitations, so just search for that combinations of words. ;+)
You might try control-clicking the link above for the pdf. That brings up a menu on my Mac that includes Download Linked File. I could then open the pdf without any password needed in Preview (the default pdf viewer for a Mac). I would assume the free Acrobat Reader would work for Windows.
I enjoyed building some containers (and some loading docks) from Team Track Models (multiple scales/styles/types/etc.) https://www.teamtrackmodels.com/product-category/transportation/containers/
It is a password protected .pdf so I can’t export it to a file Paint Shop can work with. Am I missing something?