Wargames Atlantic 20ft Shipping Containers: Assembly Guide
By Sarissa Precision Ltd – Sarissa Precision Limited | Published: 2026-11-04
Category: How-to Guides
A step-by-step guide to assembling and painting Wargames Atlantic 20ft shipping containers for 28mm container scenery and scatter terrain.
Quick answer
Assemble the Wargames Atlantic 20ft Shipping Containers by dry-fitting the main shell first, then gluing in stages and painting before adding final details. Work in a well-lit area and keep the container square as you go.
Why the 1/56 scale works for 28mm games
The Wargames Atlantic containers are scaled at 1/56, which is close enough to 28mm that they look right alongside most heroic-scale miniatures. That slight difference matters more for dioramas than for tabletop scatter terrain, where the containers read as large industrial objects rather than precise scale models.
If you already use 28mm container scenery from other manufacturers, check the footprint against your existing pieces before mixing them. A container that is noticeably taller or wider can look out of place next to a carefully built compound.
Preparation and tools that save time
Before you start assembling shipping container models, clear a workspace and gather a few basics: a sharp hobby knife, fine sandpaper or files, plastic cement, and a cutting mat. A small engineer’s square or a LEGO brick can help you check right angles.
Wash the sprues in warm soapy water if you notice any release agent, then let them dry fully. Skipping this step can cause paint to bead later, especially on large flat panels.
Step-by-step assembly and painting
- Dry-fit the shell: Snap or hold the main panels together without glue to check alignment. Common mistake: forcing warped parts. If a panel does not sit flat, check for flash or a misaligned tab before gluing. If the dry fit is tight, sand the mating edges lightly rather than trimming the tabs.
- Glue in stages: Apply plastic cement to the long seams first and let them set before adding the end caps and roof. Work on a flat surface and check squareness with a small square or a LEGO brick. Common mistake: gluing everything at once, which can pull the box out of shape. Let each stage cure for the time recommended on your cement before handling.
- Clean up seams: Once the glue is fully cured, scrape or sand any raised seams flush. A fine sanding stick works well on the flat panels. Common mistake: sanding before the joint is hard, which can open the seam. Run a fingernail across each seam; if you feel a ridge, keep sanding lightly.
- Prime and basecoat: Prime the assembled container with a spray or brush-on primer suitable for plastics. Then apply a basecoat in your chosen container colour. Common mistake: spraying too heavily and filling panel lines. Use several thin coats. Let the primer cure fully before painting; otherwise the basecoat may lift.
- Add weathering and details: Paint rust streaks, grime, and faded logos using washes, pigments, or sponging. Focus on corners and the lower edges where wear naturally occurs. Common mistake: overdoing rust on a clean container. Build up effects gradually. Seal the finished paintwork with a matte varnish to protect it during games.
Product facts
- Wargames Atlantic - 20 Foot Shipping Containers: Exact 1/56 scale version of a common 20 foot container. This scale is a good match for 28mm miniatures, so the container looks correctly sized as scatter terrain without dominating the table.
Wargames Atlantic - 20 Foot Shipping Containers
