Vintage Lego Builds

Rebuilding forgotten Lego that were missing instructions

Idea Book 238-1 : Basic Large Wheels Train

Idea book 238-1 Page 1

Welcome to the LEGO Train Instructions! Step back in time to the classic world of early LEGO System building with this charming steam locomotive and tender featured on the first page of the German edition Idea Book No. 1 (238-1). Captured in a nostalgic scene of a young builder assembling the model, this vibrant red-and-black train with its blue cargo car showcases the simplicity and joy of 1960s LEGO creativity—using just basic bricks, wheels, and plates for an authentic rolling adventure. Since LEGO never provided official step-by-step instructions for this delightful design, we’ve recreated a comprehensive guide complete with detailed building steps and a full parts inventory to help you assemble it today. Perfect for vintage LEGO enthusiasts, collectors, and families rediscovering timeless play in 2025, start chugging along with this iconic train build now!

Instructions

Inventory

Quantité Photo Nom de la Pièce
16 Brick 2 x 4 Brick 2 x 4
20 Brick 2 x 4 Brick 2 x 4
2 Brick 2 x 4 Brick 2 x 4
6 Brick 2 x 3 Brick 2 x 3
5 Brick 2 x 3 Brick 2 x 3
1 Brick 2 x 2 Brick 2 x 2
2 Brick 2 x 2 Brick 2 x 2
4 Brick 1 x 2 Brick 1 x 2
3 Brick 2 x 10 Brick 2 x 10
8 Brick 2 x 8 Brick 2 x 8
4 Brick 1 x 8 Brick 1 x 8
7 Plate 2 x 3 Plate 2 x 3
8 Plate 4 x 8 Plate 4 x 8
4 Plate 6 x 8 Plate 6 x 8
4 Brick 1 x 6 without Bottom Tubes Brick 1 x 6 without Bottom Tubes
1 Brick 1 x 6 without Bottom Tubes Brick 1 x 6 without Bottom Tubes
8 Brick 1 x 6 without Bottom Tubes Brick 1 x 6 without Bottom Tubes
8 Plate 1 x 8 Plate 1 x 8
4 Plate 1 x 6 Plate 1 x 6
2 Hinge Coupling Nylon - Two Connected 2 x 2 Plates Hinge Coupling Nylon – Two Connected 2 x 2 Plates
12 Brick, Modified 2 x 4 with Wheels Holder, Opaque Bottom Brick, Modified 2 x 4 with Wheels Holder, Opaque Bottom
12 Wheel with 12 Studs with Light Gray Tire Smooth - Large Solid (715 / 36) Wheel with 12 Studs with Light Gray Tire Smooth – Large Solid (715 / 36)
16 Brick 1 x 8 without Bottom Tubes, with Cross Supports Brick 1 x 8 without Bottom Tubes, with Cross Supports
16 Brick 1 x 8 without Bottom Tubes, with Cross Supports Brick 1 x 8 without Bottom Tubes, with Cross Supports
6 Brick 1 x 8 without Bottom Tubes, with Cross Supports Brick 1 x 8 without Bottom Tubes, with Cross Supports