7838 - Freight Loading Depot

1983-1985
315 pieces, 3 minifigs

instructions
booklet, 16 pages
21.0 x 29.7 cm (A4)

Depot
from 7 years

In 1983, LEGO introduced a second wave of sets for the train system, replacing some sets from the first wave. As part of this second wave, LEGO introduced this freight loading depot, 7838.

A-Model

The grey era of LEGO Trains had 3 types of buildings: railway stations, crossing levels, and depots for loading goods. Through the years, LEGO released 3 such depot sets, all with an additional wagon, and this 7838 was the first of the three (together with 7823 and 7839).

This freight loading depot comes with a nice little building with space for cargo, a crane, and an extra wagon. It makes heavy use of the 1983 new parts (space supports, sliding doors, door rail plates), and it comes with three trans-clear 1x4 bricks without inner tubes, that are unique to this set. Usually these were used for space sets in a trans-yellow color. Other parts, like the crane bucket and the tipper ends, were really old, even at time of release. The set does not come with conducting rails.

7838 was available between 1983 and 1985, after which it was replaced by depots 7823 and 7839.

based with kind permission on a series of reviews by Christian Andersch; revisions, editing and additional research by Fouke Boss.