How many pieces are in the Freight Loading Station?

Freight Loading Station contains 215 pieces.

When was the Freight Loading Station released?

Freight Loading Station was released in 1999.

🏛 9V

Set #4557

Freight Loading Station

The Freight Loading Station is a charming blast from LEGO's 9V train era.

Before you buy

Who it's for: Beginner build Perfect for younger builders and LEGO train fans of all ages
Build: 215 pieces · about 2 hours Build time is an estimate.
Availability: Likely retired

★★★☆☆ 3.6 community rating

Fans appreciate the set's classic LEGO train aesthetic and its integration with the 9V system, but some find the building techniques simple and the overall design less detailed compared to modern train sets.

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📝 Our Take

AI-assisted editorial summary, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

The Freight Loading Station is a charming blast from LEGO's 9V train era. This set perfectly encapsulates the feel of a bustling railway depot, ready to load and unload goods onto passing trains, providing a realistic touch to any LEGO train layout.

This set is perfect for LEGO train enthusiasts and collectors of classic LEGO town themes. Its compact size and engaging play features make it a great addition to a larger layout or a standalone display piece.

Skip this if you're looking for a modern, highly detailed building experience. Those seeking more complex builds might prefer larger, more recent train sets or modular buildings.

✨ New

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🧱 Building Experience

AI-assisted build estimate, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

🧩

215

Pieces

⏱

Estimated Build Time

📊

Beginner

Difficulty

Build Highlights:

Simple and straightforward build
Focus on playability and interaction
Includes a small crane and loading platform
Integrates seamlessly with other LEGO train sets

📈 Investment Analysis

AI-assisted investment analysis, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

Not enough price history for a trend

Investment Grade

⏳ Retired

The Freight Loading Station (4557-1) presents a moderate investment opportunity. As a retired set from the 9V train era, it carries nostalgic appeal for collectors. Its relatively small piece count (216) and the presence of two minifigures contribute to its potential value. However, the set's value appreciation is contingent on its condition and completeness, including the original box and instructions. While the 9V train theme is popular, this set isn't among the most iconic, which might limit its investment potential compared to larger or more unique train sets.

Not Financial Advice: Content is for educational purposes only. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Full disclaimer

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

Creator Expert • 1,351 pcs

$129.99

Compared to modern LEGO train sets, the Freight Loading Station offers a simpler, more classic building experience. While newer sets often feature more intricate designs and advanced building techniques, this set provides a nostalgic charm and a straightforward play experience. Collectors interested in expanding their LEGO train layouts might consider this set for its compatibility with the 9V system, while those seeking more detailed models may prefer newer sets like the Horizon Express (10233-1).

2 Minifigures Included

Man - Blue Jacket, Green Legs

4 parts

C+

Train Worker - Red Vest, Dark Gray Legs, White Helmet, Moustache

4 parts

The set includes two minifigures: a man in a blue jacket and a train worker with a red vest, white helmet, and moustache. These figures are typical of LEGO town sets from the late 90s.

📦 Parts Inventory

Official piece count: 215
Parts cataloged in this inventory: 80 unique parts, 208 pieces
Minifigures: 2

LEGO counts 215 pieces. This inventory comes from a separate parts catalog and lists 216, including the 8 parts inside the minifigures; the two do not always count the same elements, so their totals differ. Spare parts are counted in neither figure.

Missing a piece? Check this set piece by piece, with look-alike colors flagged and element IDs for replacements.

Glass 2 x 3 for H...

Part #: 2348b 1× Trans-Dark Blue

Hinge Vehicle Roo...

Part #: 2349b 1× Black

Panel 1 x 2 x 3 -...

Part #: 2362a 2× Trans-Dark Blue

Tile Special Roun...

Part #: 2376 1× Black

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2412b 2× Light Gray

Plate 2 x 2 Corner

Part #: 2420 4× Light Gray

Tile 1 x 4 with G...

Part #: 2431 4× Black

Tile 1 x 4 with G...

Part #: 2431 4× Blue

Plant, Pine Tree ...

Part #: 2435 1× Green

Bracket 1 x 2 - 1...

Part #: 2436 2× Light Gray

Brick 2 x 6

Part #: 2456 1× Black

Brick 1 x 16

Part #: 2465 4× Light Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 2540 1× Light Gray

Baseplate Raised ...

Part #: 2617 1× Dark Gray

Support Crane Sta...

Part #: 2635a 2× Red

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 2921 4× Black

Brick 2 x 4

Part #: 3001 7× Black

Brick 2 x 3

Part #: 3002 4× Red

Brick 2 x 2

Part #: 3003 2× Light Gray

Brick 2 x 2

Part #: 3003 2× Black

Brick 1 x 2

Part #: 3004 2× Black

Brick 2 x 8

Part #: 3007 1× Black

Brick 1 x 8

Part #: 3008 2× Red

Brick 1 x 6

Part #: 3009 1× Light Gray

Part #: 3010 2× Black

Brick 1 x 4

Part #: 3010 5× Blue

Brick 1 x 4

Part #: 3010 2× Light Gray

Chain 17L [21 Links]

Part #: 30104 1× Dark Gray

Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 3020 1× Light Gray

Plate 2 x 2

Part #: 3022 5× Black

Plate 2 x 2

Part #: 3022 3× Light Gray

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 7× Light Gray

Plate 1 x 1

Part #: 3024 5× Trans-Yellow

Plate 1 x 1

Part #: 3024 2× Trans-Red

Road Sign Clip-on...

Part #: 30259pr0008 1× White

Plate 4 x 6

Part #: 3032 4× Black

Plate 2 x 8

Part #: 3034 9× Black

Plate 4 x 8

Part #: 3035 2× Black

Plate 6 x 8

Part #: 3036 1× Black

Brick Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 3062b 1× Trans-Yellow

Brick Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 3062b 1× Trans-Red

Tile 2 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3068b 1× Red

Tile 1 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3069b 2× Blue

Tile 1 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3069b 3× Red

Tile 1 x 2 with '...

Part #: 3069bpr0100 1× Green

Hook, Plate 1 x 2...

Part #: 3127 1× Light Gray

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 32083 1× Black

Hinge Plate 2 x 4...

Part #: 3639 1× Light Gray

Hinge Plate 2 x 4...

Part #: 3640 1× Light Gray

Plate 1 x 6

Part #: 3666 5× Black

Plate 1 x 6

Part #: 3666 2× Blue

Plate 1 x 6

Part #: 3666 2× Light Gray

Turntable 2 x 2 P...

Part #: 3679 1× Light Gray

Turntable 2 x 2 P...

Part #: 3680 1× Black

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3701 2× Red

Technic Axle 8

Part #: 3707 1× Black

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 2× Black

Technic Plate 2 x...

Part #: 3738 1× Light Gray

Plate 2 x 6

Part #: 3795 1× Black

Part #: 3823 1× Trans-Light Blue

Steering Stand 1 ...

Part #: 3829c01 3× Light Gray

Brick Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 3941 2× Black

Bar 1 x 4 x 2 wit...

Part #: 4083 1× White

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4085c 2× Blue

Tile Round 2 x 2 ...

Part #: 4150 1× Light Gray

Tile 1 x 8 with G...

Part #: 4162 6× Black

Hinge Vehicle Roo...

Part #: 4214 1× Blue

Panel 1 x 4 x 3 [...

Part #: 4215b 2× Trans-Dark Blue

Brick Sloped 33° ...

Part #: 4286 6× Light Gray

Brick Sloped 33° ...

Part #: 4286 4× Red

Box 2 x 2 x 2 [Ho...

Part #: 4345b 1× Light Gray

Box 2 x 2 x 2 Doo...

Part #: 4346pr0016 1× Light Gray

Brick Sloped 75° ...

Part #: 4460a 2× Red

Technic Axle 3

Part #: 4519 1× Black

Cockpit 6 x 6 x 1...

Part #: 4597 1× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4623 2× Blue

Windscreen 3 x 4 ...

Part #: 4872 2× Trans-Light Blue

String Cord Thin ...

Part #: 56823c20 1× Black

Wheel 11 x 12 wit...

Part #: 6014a 6× Light Gray

Tyre 21 x 12 with...

Part #: 6015 6× Black

Bar 1 x 4 x 3 Win...

Part #: 6016 1× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 6019 1× White

Brick 1 x 10

Part #: 6111 2× Red

Plate Special 2 x...

Part #: 6157 3× Black

Technic Axle Conn...

Part #: 6538b 1× Green

Technic Axle 1.5 ...

Part #: 6553 1× Yellow

Tile 1 x 6 with G...

Part #: 6636 2× White

Road Sign Clip-on...

Part #: 890pr0001 1× White

🧱 Sticker Sheet for...

Part #: 72644 1× [No Color/Any Color]

The set features a good selection of basic bricks and plates in black and light gray, useful for expanding train layouts or general building. The inclusion of train wheels and track-compatible elements makes it a valuable addition for train enthusiasts.