Buzz
Create your own bustling train yard by drawing steam engines, featuring a collection of hardworking engines. Publications International, Ltd.Choo-choo! Kids and adults alike are fascinated by steam engines. Follow our straightforward guide to draw your own steam engine, or even a whole train yard filled with them.
This guide will teach you how to sketch the steam engine shown above. You can either draw it by hand while following along with your screen or print out this page for a closer look at each step.
Follow the red lines in each illustration to understand what to draw at every step. The lines from previous steps are shown in gray. Each step includes an illustration followed by a description to guide you through the drawing process.
Excited to begin? Flip to the next page to start with the first step.
1. Draw the Cab Section
Begin by drawing a square for the cab section of the steam engine. To the left of the cab, draw a long rectangle with a curved front. For the bottom section, sketch a long rectangular shape with a notch toward the back.
We'll continue working on the cab in the next section.
2. Draw the Bells and Cowcatcher
To create the bells, draw two curved half-ovals on top of the front section. Then, sketch a curved rectangle to form the roof of the cab. Add a rectangle towards the front of the engine for the smokestack. Don't forget to include additional rectangular details on the side, and finish with a curved wedge shape at the front.
Next, we’ll be adding the windows in the following section.
3. Add the Windows
Just above the wedge, draw a slightly tilted rectangle. For the cab windows, sketch two rectangles. Add additional rectangular details on the side of the engine. Beneath each bell, draw a small curved rectangle. At the front of the car and top of the smokestack, add an arched shape. Finally, draw rectangular shapes at the back to form the device that connects the train cars.
In the next step, we will be adding the wheels.
4. Draw the Wheels
Draw four wheels – three large ones toward the back and one smaller one at the front. Add three curved bars on the boiler section for extra detail. Place a diamond shape on the side of the cab and include several rectangular details. Draw a half-oval shape on the linking unit at the back of the car.
Next, we’ll be adding detail to the windows.
5. Add Detail to the Windows
Add bars to the front cab window and a square shape to the back window. Sketch a whistle coming off the bell nearest to the cab. Draw a rectangle between the front and back wheels, along with additional detail shapes around the wheels to begin forming the piston section. Add a wedge to the scoop and a rectangle at the front of the car. Don’t forget to include a few more detail shapes on the side of the engine.
On the following page, we’ll focus on the piston sections.
6. Add the Piston Sections
Draw several long, narrow rectangles to complete the piston sections, the roof, and the structural details along the engine's side.
We're nearly finished. We’ll complete the drawing on the next page.
7. Add the Final Touches
Go over the pencil lines you wish to keep with a fine-tipped pen. Erase any unnecessary pencil marks. Use a clean eraser to gently remove pencil lines, ensuring you don’t leave any smudges.
After perfecting your steam engine, it’s time to add freight to haul. Head to the next article where you’ll learn how to draw boxcars that complement your steam engine.
Explore all the How to Draw articles for more creative lessons.
