How to Draw Flatcars

Flatcars carry cargo from point A to point B, an essential part of any freight train. Use these step-by-step instructions to draw your own flatcars.

How to Draw Flatcars
Learn to draw flatcars using these easy directions.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw the above flatcar. Either draw it freehand while looking at your computer monitor or print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Follow the red lines in each illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines drawn in previous steps are shown in gray. Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you a description of how to draw it.

How to Draw Flatcars: Begin the main section of the flatcar.

Step 1: Draw a rectangular shape that has a wedge shape coming down from the center bottom. Add two small wedges, one at the front of the car and one at the back. A ruler can help you keep the lines in your drawing nice and straight.

How to Draw Flatcars: Add wheels to the flatcar.

Step 2: Draw four circles for the wheels, two at the front and two in the back. Add two more circles within each wheel. Sketch a post coming up from the front and back of the car bed.

How to Draw Flatcars: Outline the car's structure for depth.

Step 3: Draw thin bars to outline the car's bottom structure for depth. Draw small rectangles along the length of the car for detail.

How to Draw Flatcars: Add axles to the flatcar.

Step 4: Sketch axle shapes as shown to connect the wheels. Add a square and two triangles to each axle for detail. Draw a wrench shape on the front and back of the car.

How to Draw Flatcars: Outline the final drawing with a felt-tip pen.

Step 5: Use a felt-tip pen to trace the lines you want to keep. Erase any extra pencil lines.

Finish up your train with the most important -- and last -- car; on the next page, find easy instructions to draw a caboose.

Want more help learning to draw? See: