This page documents one of the classic alternative builds from LEGO set 400-2, released in the early 1960s. The model shown here is a steam locomotive, built entirely from standard bricks and newly introduced wheels on axles.
From the picture, we can deduce a very early interpretation of a steam engine: a compact red locomotive body, a small black chimney, and large brick-built wheels that emphasize motion and mechanical power rather than realism. Like many LEGO models of this era, the design is symbolic rather than detailed, inviting imagination over accuracy. It reflects LEGO’s original philosophy—simple parts, open creativity, and multiple constructions from a single box.
Below, you’ll find step-by-step building instructions and a complete inventory of parts needed to recreate this locomotive exactly as it would have been built in the 1960s. Whether you’re a vintage LEGO enthusiast, a collector restoring classic sets, or simply curious about how LEGO designers approached vehicles before specialized elements existed, this model offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of LEGO System building.
Instructions
Inventory
| Quantity | Photo | Color | Part Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Blue | Brick 2 x 4 |
| 2 |
|
Red | Brick 2 x 4 |
| 1 |
|
Blue | Brick 2 x 3 |
| 1 |
|
Black | Brick 1 x 1 |
| 2 |
|
Red | Brick 1 x 1 |
| 2 |
|
Blue | Brick 1 x 1 |
| 2 |
|
Red | Brick 2 x 10 |
| 2 |
|
Red | Brick 2 x 8 |
| 5 |
|
White | Plate 4 x 8 |
| 3 |
|
Red | Slope 45 2 x 4 |
| 2 |
|
Red | Slope 45 2 x 3 |
| 1 |
|
Red | Slope 45 2 x 2 |
| 1 |
|
Blue | Slope 45 2 x 2 |
| 2 |
|
Red | Slope 45 2 x 2 Double Convex Corner |
| 2 |
|
Blue | Brick, Round Corner 2 x 2 Macaroni with Stud Notch |
| 1 |
|
Trans-Clear | Brick 1 x 2 without Bottom Tube |
| 2 |
|
Red | Brick 1 x 2 without Bottom Tube |
| 2 |
|
Blue | Brick 1 x 2 without Bottom Tube |
| 3 |
|
Red | Brick 1 x 6 without Bottom Tubes, with Cross Supports |
| 2 |
|
White | Window 1 x 1 x 1 |
| 1 |
|
White | Window 1 x 4 x 2 with Extended Lip, with Glass |
| 1 |
|
Red | Wheel with 4 Studs and Metal Axle |
| 8 |
|
Red | Wheel with 4 Studs and Axle with Light Gray Tire Smooth – Small Solid (7039 / 132old) |
| 5 |
|
White | Brick, Modified 2 x 4 with Wheels Holder, Trans-Clear Bottom |
| 2 |
|
Black | Brick, Round 1 x 1 – Solid Stud, No Bottom Lip |
| Total: 56 parts | Total weight: 136.69 g | ||