How to Draw a Train Front

Step 1: The train body

Draw a tall box with a round top, like a slice of bread. Make the bottom flat.

Tip We look the train straight in the nose, so both sides match.

Step 2: Buffer beam

From the body's bottom left corner, draw a wide flat bar underneath, ending at the bottom right corner.

Step 3: The windscreen

Near the top draw 2 big windows side by side, with round outer corners and a thin post between them.

Step 4: Nose stripe

Under the windows draw 2 straight lines across the body, from the left side to the right side.

Step 5: Lights and grille

Under the stripe draw 2 round headlights. Between them draw a small box with 2 lines across it.

Step 6: Two buffers

On the flat bar draw 2 round buffers, one under each headlight.

Tip Buffers are the round bumpers that push gently against the next carriage.

Step 7: Two wheels

Under each buffer draw a short stubby wheel peeking out below the bar.

Tip From the front a train wheel looks thin, like a coin seen edge on.

Step 8: Guard plate

Start on the bar's bottom edge, between the wheels. Draw a wide flat U and stop on the bar again.

Step 9: The rails

From under each wheel draw a long thin rail slanting down and outwards, getting a little fatter.

Tip The rails spread apart as they come towards you.

Step 10: Three sleepers

Draw 3 flat planks across under the rails. Make each one longer and fatter than the one above.

Step 11: Yellow and sky blue

Go over your lines. Colour the headlights and the stripe yellow, and the windows sky blue.

Step 12: Light grey bits

Colour the grille and the 2 round buffers light grey.

Step 13: Red body

Colour the body red, around the windows, the stripe, the headlights and the grille.

Step 14: Dark grey and brown

Colour the bar, wheels, plate and rails dark grey, and the 3 sleepers brown. Your train is ready!