The Brick Train Awards are back in 2023 this September. Now in its fourth year, this annual virtual event is for LEGO train fans worldwide!
The awards began in 2020 to promote what the LEGO train fan community has been building, from locos and wagons to scenery. With the collaboration between multiple LEGO train fan communities, including BMR, we have established the Brick Train Awards into a well known activity in this community.
There are 15 categories for the Brick Train Awards this year, from the prestigious best steam locomotive award to 3 categories for wagons, an award for group or individual display, and 3 categories aimed at TFOLs aged 13 – 18 years. As with 2022’s awards, there are three categories specifically for digital model builders too.
You can enter for free via the event website from 1st – 30th September 2023. Each model is judged within a region – Americas (including both North and South America), Europe and the Middle East, or Asia & Australasia – and winners of these regional categories are then in with a chance to win the category at a global level.
Each of the 45 winners will receive a Brick Train Awards 2023 winners brick, and 15 global winners will receive a $100 voucher from global sponsor Trixbrix.eu. The event is also supported by HA Bricks and Brick.is, and all of the sponsors help make the event possible.
Brickworld is soon upon us and I’v been working on a little project for the charity auction this year to settle a promise I made in 2019. And to explain, we’ll need to back up a little bit to 2015.
The Esther Walner Memorial Charity Fundraiser
Each year Brickworld attendees rally together to participate in what has become an exciting and unforgettable event. The Esther Walner Memorial Charity Fundraiser features unique items donated by individuals, groups and companies to help raise money for charity. Proceeds benefit several deserving charitable organizations, including Creations for Charity, Riley Children’s Hospital, FIRST LEGO League, and the Make a Wish Foundation. Approximately 90% of the raised monies will go to these charities. Brickworld supports other opportunities to help kids with the remaining monies. 100% of the money is donated each year.
A Challenge Between Train Builders Begins
In 2015, Anthony Sava set off a chain of events with the donation of a custom built, updated version of his American “Standard” 4-4-0 locomotive, along with decorative display base. Custom models usually generate a lot of interest at the auction, and Tony’s 4-4-0 was no exception. All of us in the train community there at Brickworld that year were speculating on how much the little “American” would bring. There was a huge excitement in the air.
As the 4-4-0 came up to the auction block, several of us train builders, including Tony and I, were sitting together in the crowd. Just before the bidding started, Tony turned to me and issued a challenge. If his model went for over $400, then I would donate a model to next year’s auction. I couldn’t back down from that challenge and agreed.
When the bidding had ended, the 4-4-0 had landed a sale price of $550.00, a full $150 above the mark set in Tony’s challenge. My fate was sealed, at the auction the following year, one of my models would be going up for sale.
The Mikado
So as Brickworld 2016 came, I decided to send off one my locomotives from my existing fleet for auction: my Baltimore & Ohio USRA Light Mikado. I chose this model because it was reliable, sturdy, and had classic locomotive styling. It was a good runner too. All things I felt would make it a good candidate to find a new home.
Tony, not being one to miss a good opportunity for some fun, decided to up the ante a little more for the auction. His proclamation was as follows.
“If this model goes for $1,000.00 or more at auction, I, Tony Sava, will build a custom 8-wide Caboose based on a Texas prototype and gift it to Cale Leiphart.
Furthermore, if the model goes for $1,000.00 or more I will, publicly, in front of all gathered at the PennLUG/TBRR layout at Brickworld, bow to Cale Leiphart and declare him the better train builder.
Further, furthermore, should this model go for $1,000.00 or more, I will build a railcar with a billboard stating Cale Leiphart is a better train builder, and will run it at every Texas Brick Railroad display until Brickworld 2017, including the upcoming Brick Fiesta 2016.”
Not only did my Mikado bring $1,000 at the auction, it hammered home at an amazing $2050. And true to his word, Tony made good on his wager, I even got that caboose after a long delay. It was totally worth the wait though.
Anthony Takes Back the Title
Now we jump ahead to 2019. Tony is once again generously donated a model of his own design to Brickworld’s Esther Walner Memorial Charity Fundraiser. The model this time was an AB set of his fantastic Santa Fe F7’s.
I could not let a good opportunity to challenge Tony pass by, so I threw down the gauntlet. My challenge was as follows.
If Tony Sava’s Santa Fe F7 set could reach the $1,000 mark that he set for me in 2016, I would build a custom caboose based on a Pennsylvania prototype, and gift it to him.
Furthermore, If the F7’s sold for $1,000 or more, I Cale Leiphart would donate a new custom locomotive of my own design to the Brickworld 2020 Charity Auction.
Further, furthermore, If Tony’s models can beat the $2050 price raised by my Mikado in 2016, I would, publicly, in front of all gathered at the LGMS layout at Brickworld, bow to Tony Sava and declare him the better train builder.
Furthermost, if Tony’s Santa Fe F7 set sold for more than my Mikado did in 2016 at auction, in addition to the aforementioned custom locomotive, I Cale Leiphart would build a full train for said locomotive to pull, to be donated to the Brickworld charity auction.
The challenge was on, and Tony’s models smashed it. Anthony’s Santa Fe F7 set brought an amazing $2700 at the auction, the highest item of the night. What had I done?
My challenge was clear, I was donating a whole train to the auction the following year. Tony is still waiting on that caboose, but that’s ok, I haven’t forgoten, and he did make me wait a bit for mine so it’s all fair.
A New Challenger Appears
So a global pandemic called Brickworld 2020 and 2021, and some other circumstances prevented me from building a train for 2022. But despite my failure, there was another epic train model entered in the 2022 Brickworld Charity Auction. Rob Hendrix of Lifelites designed a single truck Shay locomotive and 3D printed the model at 400% scale.
The auction for Robs Big Tiny Shay
Robs not so tiny Tiny Shay brought a crazy $3,4500 at the auction. Complete blowing away both Tony’s and my previous high marks. I was impressed, and also determined. I was determined to beat my good friend Rob and take the title back.
It’s Time to Sell a Train
I’m now less than two weeks away from doing the craziest thing I’ve ever done for charity. I’m going to sell a complete, working, highly detail LEGO model train of my own design at the 2023 Brickworld Esther Walner Memorial Charity Fundraiser.
So here is my plan.
To start things out we have have a steam locomotive and three cars for the regular train. Built to 1:48th scale (8 wide) this Illinois Central freight train is ready to run on your home or club train layout.
The locomotive is an authentic recreation of Illinois Central locomotive no. 790, a 2-8-0 steam freight locomotive now preserved at Steamtown National Historic Park. The locomotive model uses a Power Functions L motor to drive the drivers and features many custom parts. And there may be a surprise or two thrown in, you’ll just have to wait and see.
The caboose is a model of an Illinois Central wood side Baggage Caboose in its late steam era paint scheme.
The boxcar is a Pullman PS-1 40ft car lettered for the Chicago, Indianapolis & Louisville Railway (also known as the Monon). This is an new and improved version of my old design for this car. The flat car is a Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific AAR 53ft car with Caterpillar tractor load. Also new and improved from my previous design.
But wait, there’s more!
I don’t want to just beat Tony’s F7s, I don’t want to just match Rob’s overgrown Tiny Shay, I want a grand slam. I want to set records and have a heck of a story to tell.
To do this, I’m bringing in some help from my friends. To help set a record, I have three mystery bonus cars to add to the auction. Glenn Holland, Scott Roys, and Conrad Schlenker have each designed and generously donated a car for the auction train. What cars you ask? Well they are going to be kept secret until the auction, but trust me, they are awesome and you will want them. Here is how this is going to work.
Once the auction price hits $2700 (Tony’s F7s price from 2019), we will add on one of the special cars to the train. If the auction price hits $3400 (Rob’s Loco from last year) we will add a second bonus car. If it hopefully reaches $3600 (the record from what I’m told for any item at the Brickworld Charity Auction) we add the final car. If any of the bonus goals are not met, those cars will get auctioned off individually.
And that’s how you do crazy auction things.
Thank You to these Sponsors
Scott Hoffmeyer of Bricktracks will be donating a full circle of R104 Curve track to go with the train set.
Andy Mollmann of OKBrickworks is donating all the decal printing for these models.
Rob Hendrix of Lifelites has donated the 3D printed drivers for the locomotive, and other miscellaneous 3D printed parts for the build.
Final Thoughts Before the Big Event
It is just crazy for me to comprehend that I’m actually doing this. But it is the thrill of the challenge, and the camaraderie of friends engaging in fun rivalry that brings me here. And it’s for an awesome cause. I never been able to bid at the auctions like some out there, my budget is smaller than my dreams. But one thing I can do is build, and I’ve been accused of being an ok train builder. I may not have the paycheck to buy at the auction, so this is how I can give back.
I really hope this train brings a crazy price at auction. Not for my ego, but because it is going to help children’s charities. Helping kids is the greatest reward here. So if you can be there at the auction, bid generously, it’s for the children.
NLGM means Noppenbahner L-Gauge Meeting and is organized by you guessed it, the Noppenbahner. It’s hosted in the town of Wörrstadt, Germany, where the Lego event is now almost a yearly tradition. And that brings something unique into the event, something I haven’t experienced before.
The Noppenbahner are a group of German Lego train builders that build their models, just like most European builders, in scale 1:45. They have been around for a few years now and have built some of the most recognizable German trains in Lego. Including some TRAXX locomotives, a lot of German steam locomotives and diesel locomotives like the Baureihe 218. The individual members build their own layouts as well, which are mostly based on the MILS standard. These layouts can connect to both layouts from other Noppenbahner, and layouts built my members from other groups. Their members are based all across Germany, so they don’t meet up on a regular basis. But they decided to turn one of their meetings into an event for similar minded builders and turn this into the NLGM event. 2022 was their first time hosting this event, 2023 was their second turn at it.
They decided to host their event at Wörrstadt, which used to be a small sleepy suburb of Mainz and other big cities in the area but is now internationally known for its Lego event.
Figure 1 Nick form the Noppenbahner has built the Wörrstadt railway station in Lego, visitors who lived in Wörrstadt spent hours looking and recognizing all the details.
Why Wörrstadt?
Ahh Wörrstadt, the name alone brings back memories of a lot of visitors, having friends around, German BBQ at Saturday night and crashing your trains on a huge group layout. The reason why the Noppenbahner decided to host their event in Wörrstadt is quite simple.
Nick lives in Wörrstadt since his forever basically, coming even to the point that he built the Wörrstadt train station out of Lego. As he knows the small town in and out, he was able to secure the towns venue, a beautifully restored town hall, for the event. Luckily for the Noppenbahner, the town of Wörrstadt really liked the idea of having a Lego train event there and supported them by giving them the keys to the location for affordable conditions. The major also gave a short speech to open the event both years. The even included the town symbol of Wörrstadt in their 1×6 sand red event brick at the 2023 event.
Figure 2 the mayor giving his speech during the 2022 event. As you might noticed the author of this article isn’t in this picture ;).
Like mentioned before, the 2023 version was the second time the Noppenbahner organized this event and it was again organized on the last weekend of April. Before we get to much into the event itself and all the cool Lego stuff, there is something else I would like to point out.
Visitors.
I have been to quite a lot of events/conventions in the last six years. As far as I can remember there aren’t any events that I have done where I wasn’t satisfied with at the end of the weekend. But one thing always stands outs to me at events, and that is the reaction and behavior of visitors. Don’t get me wrong I’m not a creep who likes to stalk all the visitors and observe them (maybe.).
Visitors always bring a certain atmosphere to an event. Your goal is always to impress them and give them their “money worths”. There is nothing cooler than having a group of visitors around that are interested in what you do as a hobby, ask in depth or interesting questions and most importantly enjoy your exhibit. There have been so many events around where I was able to meet other builders who like to learn from us or want to check out our stuff in real life. Their where times where I missed a large portion of an event because I was just talking with visitors for most of the time.
A good example of this was a model railway event I attended with the LLMTC early this year, so many of the “normal” model railway builders were asking in depth and interesting question and where really keen on learning what we do. And they just loved recognizing all the details we have built into our models.
However, an uninterested group of visitors can really turn an event down. I have been at events where the visitors where just not interested. I have been at a event where the number of stands where you were able to buy Lego outweigh the amount of MOCs that were on display. This made most of the audience/visitor’s keener on a bargain than seeing interesting MOCs. A “children” event like LegoWorld attracts more visitors which aren’t interested in MOCs but just want to play and built with Lego at the event itself, the consequences of this is that you have a audience of visitors which ask more questions like “” why isn’t that train running?” instead of being interested on how that train is made.
Luckily, I can say that the visitors at the NLGM in Wörrstadt belong to some of the most kind, interested and well-behaved visitors I have ever experienced. The amount of question and interest in us was overwhelming, it’s also turning in something well known in both the area of Wörrstadt and Germany itself. Some visitors travelled very far just to visit this event. The car park was so full that people decided to use the nearby basketball field to park their car. And visitors are now calling it a yearly tradition, where even the elders in the village asked if the event is really going to happen again next year.
Figure 3 one of the visitors’ favorite layouts was Holger Matthes his bridge.
Beside visitors travelling far, befriended builders from across Germany travel to see this event and hang out and talk to us. Something that I can say is very unique to see in a field of MOC building that isn’t that very big or well-known compared to others.
One of the things that stood out at the event was how well behaved and polite the visitors where (might have to do with the fact that they are German). There were some area’s that visitors weren’t allowed to walk through or enter. I have experienced at other events that we had to uses gates (sometimes even riot gates) to prevent people to enter these areas, with visitors still ignoring the gates. But in Wörrstadt, a simple sign on a piece of paper that said (in German of course) that visitors weren’t allowed to enter was more than enough.
Figure 4 normally I would be really scared having my models this close to the edge of the table
2022 event.
Back to some Lego stuff. The 2022 event was held on the 30th of April until the 1st of May. Back when covid was still a thing and it was mandatory to wear a coffee filter on your face in Germany, me and six other members from the LLMTC decided to travel to Wörrstadt. The principle of Wörrstadt is very similar to what other events like the event at Schkeuditz maintain, they create the possibility for builders to create a layout at home to a modular standard of their choice and bring it to the event. Where the organizers try to get as much different layouts possible connected to each other to form one huge group layout.
Figure 5 an overhead look of the 2022 set-up in the main room, a large section isn’t visible since it was underneath the platform where I took this picture from.
The running/layout style of this event is point to point. Which means your train is able to start at point A on the layout (most likely a storage yard), travel through the entire layout to point B, where it can use the return loop, or you can choose to park it inside of this yard. This makes running trains way more interesting compared to a tradition loop layout. The play factor in setting up layouts like these is way higher compared to having your trains running on the same circle at the entire event.
Figure 6 back in 2022 the second room had Thomas/TS_ his yard in it, here I was dropping of some coaches and picking up some others to take back into the main room.
So, the 2022 event, what was so special? Well, the number of layouts was so immense that they used a second smaller room to display some extra layouts. Your trains literally had to go through a walkway from the main room to the second room, a concept that adds a lot to the point-to-point driving experience. What was also very unique is that the main yard was on stage in the main room. This meant that trains which were not in use, where parked on a higher level, perfect height for visitors to look at the models.
Figure 7 Inside the yard from Thomas/TS_ was also a turntable which was perfect for turning locos to send them back into the main room.
There was a large number of interesting layouts, too much to list up in this article, therefore I highly recommend checking out Ties’ video of the event which has 20+ minutes of amazing video shots of our models running around.
2023 event.
The 2023 version was similar to the 2022 version however the number of layouts was less compared to the 2022, most of this had to do with the fact that there was another semi-big Lego show in Germany at the same weekend. Nevertheless, the event was still a heck of a lot of fun. Here is a quick list of what changed compared to the 2022 version.
Figure 8 overhead shot of the 2023 layout set-up in the main room.
Well first of all we didn’t have to wear any coffee filters on our faces anymore, which was a big plus. Second, the point-to-point driving experience was expanded compared to last year. This year the second room had a small narrow-gauge layout that was able to work together with the normal gauge layout, in short, this means that trains on normal gauge where able to deliver wagons to the narrow gauge, and narrow gauge where able to transport those wagons on their layout. This was perfect for playing around with freight wagons.
Figure 9 one of the narrow-gauge loco’s shunting beside the mainline connecting. Photo credits: Thomas/TS_.
The storage yard on the stage was heavily expanded with a lot more extra space. The yard was in fact so large that a team of dedicated shunters where always ready to help out with storing trains and rearranging them. This yard solved some of the storage problems that happened previous year. Shunting in this yard was a heck of a lot of fun. Where you were able to team up with one builder on the left side operating all the switches on that side, and a builder on the right side doing the same thing. This was one heck of a team effort to shunt and store all the trains, but it was immense fun to experience.
Figure 10 the 2023 storage yard on the stage where Tamás is shunting in the back. Photo credit: Ervvin
To add even more storage space, Nicolas Tbx made a storage yard which was placed in the middle of the layout. This meant that it was the perfect space to pick up some extra freight wagons while you’re driving from point A to B. Having this extra yard plus some stations where there where storage tracks available, made it really fun to shunt trains from one yard to another. I personally spent a lot of time picking up freight wagons at the different stations and yards and driving those to the main yard.
Figure 11 my NS2454 pulling a small mixed freight train which I picked up in the main yard, and which I’m going to drop off at the yard Nicolas Tbx has built. Location of this picture is Ties’ layout.
Branch line.
One of the more unique things from both the 2022 and 2023 version that both group layouts had their own dedicated branch line. A branch line with no overhead wires, wooden sleepers and instead of double track it had a signal track. This branch line was a warm welcome to the busy and crowded mainline and was the perfect piece of the layout to take your time while driving through and take pictures at every spot. It’s very unique to see events where the number of layouts is so vast, that there is even the possibility to set up a branch line where your able to drive for a significant distance.
Figure 12 Ervvin his Mat64 driving on the branch line and just passing Wörrstadt Hbf.
If you want to see more of the 2023 layout, check out Ties his 1-hour documentary:
So, what makes this event so great?
Well, it’s a combination of the factors mentioned above. First of all, the set-up of the layout, where you’re driving from point A to point B makes driving trains 10x more interesting than a conventional layout where trains just run around the same loop over and over again. With a point-to-point layout you’re really playing with your trains, combine that with the ability to shunt wagons in different yards and station, and the ability to travel with freight wagons from point A to point B and you have a weekend where you just can’t get enough of playing around. Plus add to this equation the fact that you have a dedicated branch line and multiple interesting and unique layouts and then you find yourself with one of the best group layouts to play with your trains on.
Add to this the fact that the visitors are interested, kind and really want too more about us. And genuinely enjoy watching us play with our trains for hours.
And to add this all up, you have a group of warm, friendly Lego trains builders, who want to provide you with an amazing weekend and the opportunity to enjoy it to the fullest. Attending Wörrstadt feels like you’re hanging out with your mates while you’re playing with your Lego trains. And in the evenings, you can sit back, relax and share stories and ideas for new Lego projects. NLGM is what all Lego events should be about, and the Noppenbahner did a bloody damn good job of it!!
Figure 13 the 2023 crew together in one picture.
I want to really thank the Noppenbahner for organizing and having us, I’m grateful for the friendship and the collaboration the Noppenbahner and the LLMTC have. It’s very unique to see that builders from different countries can be so close and so collaborative, I told the story about the LLMTC and Noppenbahner friendship at a model railway event earlier this year, and the other builders just couldn’t believe that we are daily working together and have such a close friendship that has been around for so many years. Thank you so much for everything!
If you’re interested in seeing more of the event, I highly recommend watching the following video’s:
I hope you enjoyed this look into this unique event, thank you so much for reading! And thank you Nick for giving this article a quick read trough to spot any spelling mistakes.
This year, for the fourth time in a row, the LEN-Eisenbahner from Leipzig (Germany) organized one of the biggest l-gauge meetings in Europe. Where builders from all around the world come together to form one of the biggest community layouts that the community has ever seen. But what makes this event so special? And what goes on behind the organization of this event? This and many more will be shown and explained in this article. It is going to be a big one. So, get something to drink and enjoy a story that starts a long, long time ago, in a galaxy far away.
Origin story, something that started out small.
Back in 2019 the LEN-Eisenbahner group had the idea to organize an event which was similar to an event, what other model railroad organizations in Europe organize. Where, depends on the gauge, similar building model railroad clubs would join up in a location and try to connect the group diorama’s together to make a big enough layout to be able to drive from point-to-point. For accomplishing this, they had to find a location that would be big enough to house a lot of layouts at once, and which was suitable to welcome all the builders and visitors.
They found one in an amazing little old tram shed, which is not in use anymore by the public transport company. This tram shed is located in Schkeuditz, a small residential village right beside Leipzig. The tram hall is owned by the local model railroad organization that uses the location as both their base of operation, and to organize a similar event as the LEN-Eisenbahner were planning. This would turn out to be the perfect fit as a location for some many amazing stories and adventures. The tram shed is around 700m2. And one of the plus sides of this location, is that it is located, almost in the middle of Europe. And therefore, relatively accessible for builders all around the EU.
Figure 1 setting-up day at the tram shed in Schkeuditz.
For the construction of the layouts, they relied on 2 things. First, builders would enter their layout by BlueBrick or planning sheet. Where they would specify what their dimensions are, what type of power system they use, and if they built using MILS, LEN, NOIS etc.
Second, they use a lot of wood, and I mean tons ofit. Most of the tables under need the layouts are constructed on side in advance. And after 4 years of doing this, they exactly know what they are doing and how to be creative. A lot of my respect go out to these guys and how they are always able to build tables and connection units for all the amazing complicated and unique shaped layouts. Be doing the constructions of tables on side, they are able to house more unique looking layouts and display them in curves and different shapes and therefore they are able to be more creative compared to using standard square tables.
What makes this event unique and I think is one of the reasons why it’s gotten so big, that it doesn’t matter how or what you built. Not only does that mean you can pick any type of layout you want, it also implies on what power system or modular standard you use. You can pick whatever you want, PF, 9v, r40 curves or R104+. The organization will make sure that your layout get’s places somewhere and that trains will run over them. The mainline itself is always pf and R104+ where a big part is also 9v powered so that you can excess those areas. A few of the branch lines are 9v r40 so only specific trains are able to excess those. By doing this, the event becomes a dynamic and lively thing, where different builders and different building style meet and come together.
After the 2019 version they decided to go bigger for the 2020 version, and even bigger after that. And now we are at a point that the tram shed is becoming too small.
Back in early 2021, myself and a few other LLMTC members decided to join BSBT with our layouts, and before we knew it, we were in for a big adventure and the event of a lifetime. So, what follows is the report of that 2021 event (what maybe was supposed to have been uploaded back in 2021).
BSBT2021, what an event.
So, after a long time of uncertainty because of the epidemic, we were finally able to go to the event on Thursday 12th of august 2021. We decided to rent a van to transport our modules and trains to the event. So, after meeting early morning at Erwin his apartment we drove together to the event in a really well packed van, which later turned out to be well not so appropriately named. We rented the van from busjehuren.nl, and once the fellow Germans noticed, we came to the conclusion that “huren”, which means “renting” in Dutch, has a really different meaning in German. After getting a tour of the location by the organization we were able to unpack and see what survived the journey. The days that unsuited where filled with seeing amazing trains run, a really cool trip to Leipzig, and one of the best night photoshoots I have ever seen.
Figure 2 not everything survived the transport unfortantly
To fully show the size of the event, I will now give a fictional tour of this event. So, take place in my Trans Europ Express while we cross the layout from one amazing layout to the other. Oh and don’t pay attention to the pieces that we are losing on the way, those were “non-essential”.
Figure 3, the layout design for BSBT2021. The full high resolution image can be seen here.
First location has to be number 12, Maciej Drwięga his Maciejowo station. And come on, who has not been following him for ages. His station has gotten immensely big over the years, what once started with a small station building is now a complete functioning train station. The current station is the size of 88 48×48 baseplates! And all the infrastructure like signal box, a huge station building, and a really neat train shed combine it into the perfect scenery. Combined with the fact that all these have lighting made this the perfect spot for late night photo stops. Oh, and it’s the perfect place to store/dump a train who runs terrible but looks good.
Figure 4 Maciej his station packed full with trains in the early morning sun light. Credits: Maciej Drwięga
Our second stop has to be the station Linderei with bridge (number 7 and 56), a group layout from Urban Erwin and Pieter Post. The station itself is set in the 1920-1930’s where all the scenery, including minifigures, match this time period. Behind this station building is the bridge Urban Erwin made, and this bridge is the starting point of the branch line, which extends all the way to the other side of the tram hall. A perfect location for photos and a lot of traffic jams.
Figure 5 both during night and day the station and bridge is an impressive group collaboration layout and the perfect location to spot amazing models.
Not only is the bridge a starting point of a branch line, the station itself also features a branch line, where once you drive through a piece of scenery you arrive at station Wörrstadt Hbf (number 6). Nick Kleinfelder, from the Noppenbahner group, is the builder of this station. And it is the perfect typical small German railway station. The entire station has controlled signals and working switches and combined with the lighting it was a true sight to behold. I highly recommend checking out his Flickr page to see the progress of the station over the years.
Figure 6 the TEE in Wörrstadt Hbf, waiting for continuing its journey.
After you drive future down the line, and through a time machine, you arrive at the Western layout from Chrisian(number 5). This Western layout was full of little details and moving elements, that made it a layout you just kept looking at. Oh, and it was a really fun place to see a modern day train drive trough.
Figure 7 everything but prototypical, but fun to see never the less.
Future down the other branch line that uses Urban Erwin his bridge, you come across station Stammbach from Ben Gollwitzer (number 2). Ben is also a member of the Noppenbahner group, and since they wanted to stay in contact during the event, they made a direct phone connection between Nick and Ben there stations. The station also uses working signals and was perfectly located for trains to wait to go up or down the branch line.
Figure 8 Stammbach station full with trains waiting for going up or down the branchline
After getting the clear signal we can leave the station and see the beautiful Bw Kleinfeld (number 32) which is also built by Nick Kleinfelder(I wonder if that’s where the name of the layout came from). This turntable and roundhouse were the perfect spot for loco’s to turn and refuel before heading back onto the branch line.
Figure 9 a trully impressive sight to see, all the locomotives in the fully packed roundhouse.
After driving down the branch line a bit more we come across the amazing Glenfinnan Viaduct (number 57) by Thomas/TS, where we are slowing down a bit, since we really don’t want to crash and destroy the bridge. This bridge is of course modeled after the iconic real-life viaduct which was featured in some kind of wizard movie. The bridge itself is located, like the real life one, in a curve and therefore a true piece of L-gauge Engineering.
Figure 10 Maciej his PKP SP32 at the Glenfinnian Viaduct. Photo credits: Maciej Drwięga
There is still so much more to see here, but one layout I do got to mention is the Rangierbahnhof Zwickau-Bakken(number 41) by again Thomas. This shunting yard uses a hill to shunt freight wagons into random order, and can be operated fully automatic or manually, I highly recommend checking out this video he made of the shunting yard.
Figure 11 shunting yard Zwickau Bakken Ablaufberg was the perfect spot for getting your trains shorted in a unique and diffrent order. Photo credits: Thomas/TS.
The combination of these amazing layouts with all the amazing models, and people made it a weekend that we will never forget. And after 3 days of running trains, we all came home with enough pictures and new ideas to last us for another year.
Beside showing off amazing models and running on a huge layout the entire weekend, the organization also organizes multiple games and challenges. One of these challenges was a speed building competition, where 2 builders had to build a Lego train set, where only one builder is able to see the instructions, and the other is able to see all the parts. Or the legendary pot racer building competition where you had to build a pot racer by using an existing speed champions set.
Figure 12 you gotta love potracer. Photo credtis: Urban Erwin
BSBT2022, were legends meet again.
Before we realized it, it was time for BSBT2022, were luckily this time there were no covid restrictions. With the lessons we learned from BSBT2021 it was time to head out for another weekend of running trains and meeting amazing builders. (And this time without renting a van with a name that some Germans still talk about to this day).
Figure 13 my roundhouse packed with loco’s all over the world. It saw a lot of use during the event!
The significant difference from last year was, that this year the organization purchased a lot of black clothes, and I mean a lot of them. The difference was immediately noticeable, and we highly recommend it for events. It hides all the mess and ugly wood with a blank continuously black cloth which helps with not only the presentation but also the pictures. Talking about pictures, the tram hall got some really cool ambiance lights, which are adjustable and therefore perfect when taking nighttime pictures. The difference between the settings was highly noticeable, and it was nice to not run into things in the dark that you are not able to see. There was a perfect quote from Tamás when we drove our trains in the dark without these ambiance lights:
“I was running my br65. It hit something and I heard a lot of bang. The nose was damaged and a 9v controller fell on the ground, no idea what happened.”
Figure 14 late night photostop at Donát his station. Featured in this picture is Tamás his br65 which really hates 9v controllers.
The layout set-up was similar to last year however, there were even more builders that we able to travel all the way to the event. By the uses of the NOIS modular system by Tbx Nicolas a lot of the layouts felt like one continues connected module which was an improvement upon last year. Some of these modules were built on the spot, and Nicolas really loved it when I asked if he was able to build one with 2 R104 switches for a crossover. By having more builders than the previous year a lot of the blank spots in the layouts from last year were corrected.
Figure 15 smaller layouts like this one from Jelle filled up a lot of the blank spots in the layout, and added a lot of live and detail! Photo credit Maciej Drwięga
I would like to take you through a tour of all these layouts again and stopping at a few that are really worth mentioning. This time take a seat in my ICM 4241(also known as the orange banana).
Figure 16: another packed layout design. Full high resolution image can be found here.
Let us start at Wörrstadt Hbf (number 3) by Nick Kleinfelder. We already visited this amazing layout during our 2021 tour, but a lot has been added, like this amazing looking bridge that we are just quickly going to crash into.
Figure 17 yup that isn’t the first, and won’t be the last time this will happen.
After getting back on the tracks, and gathering all the pieces that we already lose, we are stopping on the number 62 Brücke(bridge) from Michael. And this bridge is the perfect spot for so many photo opportunities. The landscape around the bridge is perfectly covered with a lot of small and interesting details. And it might be one of the most photographed layouts from this event.
Figure 18 Tamás his br65 with a small freight train. And Nick in the background being goofy. Photo credits Tamás de Groot.
After passing by some of the other amazing layouts on the branch line we arrive at Tamás his layout (order ehh I mean number 66) that gives us perfect excess to the main line. We are driving for a quick stop towards number 68, Erwin his banana fiddle yard. This yard is built using a lot of grand curves and therefore has a realistic and natural feel to it. Combined with the added lights makes it the perfect spot to stop and drop off some wagons (or dump your hopper wagons here during the entire event since they were a nightmare to use).
Figure 19 the Banana yard with the famous LLMTC hopper wagons. Photo credits: Maciej Drwięga
After passing by my Roundhouse (number 32) we are off back to Tamás his layout and onto Maté’s station (number 6) from Maté. This station is filled with models from both Maté and Donát and has a really cool modern-day train shed with some really cool and interesting details.
Figure 20 there is always time for a photostop at Maté his station!
After a quick stop we are continuing our journey towards the PFx project layout (number 82). Here Michael Gale was able to evaluate and show his new PFx products. And man was it a treat to see these things in action. I do not want to give away too much, since a lot of the products were still test versions. But the craftsman ship was impressive. And talking to Michael while you are waiting for a green signal to pass was a real treat and amazing experience.
Figure 21 PFx project layout at night.
Talking about green signals, this was the first of many working signals provided by Donát Raáb. With the center point being Ashilfalva station (number 7). This was the center of operations for the working signals project, whereby uses of original Lego sensors and S-bricks, he was able to detected if a train was in a certain part of the layout, and therefore preventing a crash. This system did take some work to set-up but was amazing to see in action, and I highly recommend checking out more about it this video. The station itself was huge and the meet-up point for a lot of the express trains that were going across the layout. And at night, the lights that were added to the layout gave it the perfect look of a busy mainline station.
Figure 22 Donát his station was the center of the working signals program. You can see all the red signals in the background keeping the lLMTC nightexpress safe.
After getting the green signal we are able to leave the station and continue towards a favorite from last year Maciejowo station (number 8) from Maciej. And of course, a lot of pictures have to be taking once passing through this legendary station. After that we arrive at the last big fiddle yard (number 75).
Figure 23 perfect scenery for a late night photo stop
A destination we aren’t able to reach with this train (and not because of the tight radius curves this time) is the narrow gauge layout they had on display. These layouts (number 22, 31 and 42) used the narrow-gauge Lego system and had some really intricated and interesting models running on them. A surprise to see so much narrow gauge in action!
Figure 24 it always impressive to see all the little working narrow gauge trains in action.
As a special event, the organization team organized a “loc-Olympics” event. Where you were able to enter your locomotive in a series of challenges. Like a speed run, or a pulling power test. And the results behind these where surprising. As a building competition, there was the special “95 years of Lego” competition. Where all the participants got the same creator set and had to build something in the theme of 90-years of Lego. And the result builts from this challenge was surprising and creative. These challenges make a cool extra entertainment factor to the event itself, and we are already looking forward to what the challenges are next year!
Nighttime photo’s.
Uncommon compared to other events is that BSBT is open until late on the Saturday evenings. And therefore, has a special “late night photoshoot”. The goal behind is to turn on all the buildings and trains that have light and thereby creating light in the darkness. The result off this is utterly unique for any event and is one of the highlights of the weekend. Unfortunately, still builders are still too lazy to add lights which can make driving in the dark a bit dangerously. Anyway, the layouts get a different life to it. Driving around the layouts gets impossible since everybody is stopping every 2 seconds to take a picture. I remember back in 2021 that there was an entire group of photographers taking pictures off our trains in Maciej station at the same time, while a traffic jam formed behind the station for other builders who were waiting on their turn to take photos.
Figure 25 Maciej his station full with lights and in the background full with a group of photographers trying to capture the magic. Photo credits Maciej Drwięga
So, what’s next.
The BSBT even has been growing increasingly throughout the years and that comes with a real problem. The current location (the tram hall) is getting to small to host every layout and builders that wants to take part in this event. So that’s one of the reasons they are now judging all the entries more strictly than before. Therefore, we highly recommend that if you want to join the even next year, that you would let the organization team know as soon as possible. The dates have already been set(11-13th of August 2023). So see you next year?
Figure 26 always fun having so many diffrent locomotives as guest, but why don’t they clean up after themself? Photo credits Maciej Drwięga.
I really want to thank the organization team behind the BSBT event. What they pull off every year is so impressive, and they surprise me each year on what they are able to each eve. The event itself is growing and growing and I am really looking forward to the bright future what this event is able to hopefully fulfill. The team behind this event is full of the most enthusiastic and friendly people I have ever met in the community and their only goal is that everybody can enjoy the weekend and have a fun time. Being able to be together with some many likeminded builders who you can share ideas and stories with is something I am truly grateful that I’m able to be a part of.
I also want to thank Nick and Tamás for helping out with this article.
Ciao! ~Enrico
If you’re looking for more photo’s and video’s of the events I highly recommend checking out these links:
On February 5th and 6th, 2022 several LEGO® train builders gathered in Timonium, Maryland for the Great Scale Model Train Show to put together and display a L-Gauge Modular Standard (LGMS) train layout. The layout was planned and coordinated by Monty Smith. Contributors included Justin and Jesica Rupp, Nate Robinson, Eric Swanson, Robert Tebeau, Cale Leiphart, Glenn Holland, Brandon Burt, Robert Douthwaite, Bob Hayes, Jason Miller, and John Albright.
So first, maybe we should review what LGMS is. The objective of the L-Gauge Modular System (LGMS) is to provide a platform for realistic group layouts where a number of participants can bring LGMS modules to an event and assemble a coherent, reliable, and plausible layout suitable for public display, realistic operations and switching, or loop running where applicable.
LGMS uses a carefully designed set of standards for building layout modules so that every one is bringing a module can seamlessly mate up to any other module following the standards. The most up to date standard can be found on the LGMS website.
The Layout
The February show plan.
The show layout measured 67ft long x 15ft wide, with several bridges, sidings, industries, a branch line, and a staging yard incorporated into the layout. Monty Smith, the layout coordinator, did an awesome job working within the confines of the space we were given by the show while still designing an interesting layout with some creative running opportunities.
Here is a video tour of the layout.
February Timonium Show Layout Tour
And here are some of the trains we ran over the weekend.
On Sunday morning of the show, we held a mini operating session. What is an operating session you ask? The typical model railroad operating session seeks to model how the real railroads operate on a daily basis. Just like a real railroad, one can perform tasks on a layout such as delivering and picking up freight cars to and from industries, classifying (sorting) cars in the yard from arriving trains, and building outbound trains. Passenger trains make station stops and can be assembled and broken down in the passenger yard. Traffic control, a train dispatcher and signaling can also be involved.
For this op session, we really just wanted to play around and get a feel for what we could do. It was a pretty laid back, made up as we go fair, but was quite fun, and a good learning experience for future op sessions.
Robert Tebeau and myself staging our locomotives in preparation for the Op session.
Myself, Justin Rupp, and Robert Tebeau took the role of running freight trains and switching on the layout. Each of us controlling our own locomotive. Bob Hayes operated a passenger train, stopping regularly at stations and taking priority on the main line. Monty played the role of dispatcher, instructing each freight train/switcher on what cars to pick up and set out and where they needed to go, while also directing the passenger train schedule.
As I said, it was pretty laid back, and maybe could have done with a little more advanced planning, but we all had a blast and operated for close to an hour before stopping as the show crowd picked up and we went back to running trains normally. It was a great learning experience and we plan to try another op session based on our experience at the 2022 Brickworld event coming up in June.
In Conclusion
This show was a ton of fun. The layout was planned well, and there were some great modules making up the display. We ran a wide variety of trains, from Steam to diesel to moderns high speed trains, and there was no shortage of excellent rolling stock to pull.
A big hand goes out to Monty who was our LGMS coordinator and layout planner for this show. This was not Monty’s first LGMS layout, he has coordinated two previous LGMS layouts the Great Scale Model Train Show and also one for Brickfair Virginia 2021. He is also helping with the track plan for two upcoming shows, Brickworld, and the NMRA National Train Show, coordinating for the Brickfair Virgina LGMS layout, and will be coordinating the October GSMTS LGMS layout. Monty has got this layout planning thing on lockdown and his hard work is much appreciated. And he also builds some cool trains.
Some of Monty’s Diesel handiwork in the staging yard.
For more information on LGMS and also upcoming shows featuring an LGMS layout you can visit the LGMS website and join the LGMS Facebook group. Links below.
We’re back with the final installment of our look at the cars from the Secret Santa Rail Car Exchange I participated with in 2020. If you are just joining us, take a look at part one, two, and three of this series to catch up on the what, how, who, and why and see the cars you missed. We have some time.
We’re back with part of our look at the cars from the Secret Santa Rail Car Exchange I participated with in 2020. If you are just joining us, take a look at part one and two of this series to catch up on the what, how, who, and why and see the cars you missed. We won’t start without you
We’re back to look at a few more of the cars from the Secret Santa Rail Car Exchange I participated with in 2020. If you are just joining us, take a look at part one of this series to catch up on the what, how, who, and why. We’ll wait for you.
Trevor drew Monty’s name, and the car he built to gift was perfect for Monty’s fleet. Trevor choose to model one of the more interesting pieces of intermodal equipment to come out of the 1980s, the Roadrailer.
The complete Roadrailer kit. The truck sitting beside the trailer is used when connecting one roadrailer trailer to another roadrailer trailer.
RoadRailers were specialty trailers that could easily be moved from the highway to the rails without having to be loaded onto a flatcar. The technology dates back to the 1950s. The trailers were built with integrated railroad wheelsets that could be lowered into position when the trailer was pulled behind a train. However it was not until the 1980s that the idea finally gained traction.
Modern roadrailers do not include integrated railroad wheels, but ride on regular trucks that do double-duty, serving as articulation points between multiple trailers in a train. Each regular truck is equipped with one fifth wheel at one end and a connector plate at the other end. The connector plate slides into a female receptacle on the rear of the trailer in front and is secured with a steel pin. At the head of a Road Railer train there is an adaptor truck equipped with one fifth wheel and one regular AAR Type “E” or Type “F” automatic coupler. Each semi-trailer has one king pin at each end. Because the truck (bogie) is significantly lighter than a rail flatcar or well-car, roadrailer freight trains are much lighter and therefore are more energy efficient than traditional intermodal trains.
Triple Crown roadrailers.
Though the use of road railers has waned in recent years, Triple Crown still uses them. The “TCSZ” on the trailer is the AAR reporting mark for Triple Crown Service. The trailer number beginning with 464 indicates that the trailer was built approximately 1999–2002, and weighs only 1,000 lb (454 kg) more than a regular highway-only trailer.
Frisco Express Reefer: Jeffry’s model for Bradley
Those of us who know Bradley, know he has a bit of a love for the St. Louis–San Francisco Railway, or as it’s more commonly known, the Frisco. Love may be an understatement, I swear he eats sleeps and breaths nothing but Frisco. So when Jeff pulled Bradley’s name, the road choice was obvious.
With the road choice nailed down, the choice of car type came next. Bradley has already modeled a very nice Frisco train depot, so Jeff played into that and built a piece of head end equipment to compliment Brad’s depot. And what head end car is cooler than an express reefer. Pun fully intended.
Jeff’s Frisco Express Reefer in front of Bradleys awesome train depot.
Express refrigerator cars were used to carry perishable crops like berries and melons to distant markets at passenger train speeds before spoilage could occur. Normally, they were operated at the head end of passenger trains, which required that the cars meet the same design standards as steel postal cars in terms of high speed trucks, passenger car brake systems, air, steam and signal lines, passenger car buffers as well as passenger paint and lettering schemes.
This car was built by American Car & Foundry, AC&F. The car is 50ft in length and featured passenger style trucks and of course is lettered for Bradley’s favorite road, the Frisco.
Matt’s Northern Pacific Wood Chip Gondola for Jeffry
Matt drew Jeff, and the resulting car is a really nice wood chip gondola. Here is some more info from Matt on his car.
My build was for Jeff Fonda. His railroads and era of choice were Northern Pacific (NP) or Great Northern (GN), and mid to late steam (40’s to 50’s). The first step was to find a prototype, one that hadn’t been modeled already by Brick Model Railroader (BMR) or Brick Train Depot (BTD) – meeting all three of these criteria would prove to be tough!
In the beginning I quickly realized that both these roads had woodchip gondolas, which was a type of car I personally hadn’t seen done in Lego before (which meant BMR and BTD certainly hadn’t done it). The problem was that the majority of the cars I was seeing were later than Jeff’s chosen build era. I briefly started looking at other types of cars, but since a woodchip hopper had been something I’d wanted to build for a while I came back and searched a bit harder. Eventually I found the NP 52000-52749 series of cars, which were drop-bottom gondolas built in 1937.
Northern Pacific wood chip car in Pasco, Washington. Photo by Ron Hawkins.
By now you’ve probably seen the photos of the car, and may be thinking, “Matt, don’t you know anything about math? 118837 is not between 52000 and 52749!” You would be correct. These types of wood chip cars, like wood chip cars on many other railroads, were in-house conversions from existing cars. The few 52000 series cars that were converted for wood chip service were renumbered to NP 118500-118540. Now you might think, “OK, but you’re still 297 cars off…” I also found the NP 118800 series of cars, which were very similar 40’ drop-bottom gondolas converted to wood chip service. In my research I learned that these wood chip cars were used in captive service to specific mills and the extensions were to increase capacity were designed by the mills, thus the design varied between each class.
The resources I found for the 118500 series were very scarce, and the few photos I found showed the cars in 1980 being prepped for retirement and wearing much different livery than they would’ve in the 40’s or 50’s. I also found very few photos of model cars, and these were low quality and only from the side. The source I had found for the 118800 series cars had a number of very large photos of a very well-detailed model. There were some features of these cars that I knew I wouldn’t be able to get right, so I decided to merge the two designs. The fact that each mill had different designs for the cars that it was served by in my mind lent credibility to my design.
Once the prototype was settled upon, it was time to design the car! Some of the prominent details that I tried to capture included the corrugated ends and ribs of the gondola, the flat, smooth sides of the extensions, the rods to operate the door mechanisms, and the gap between the floor and the trucks, due to the need for the entire length of the car to be able to dump, which also puts the underbody details on display.
Studio render of my final design, missing a few pieces and with large gaps between SNOT assemblies.
The widest part of the car ended up being 9-wide since the corrugated ends needed to be an even width (8-wide) and the ribs and upper lip of the gondola extended beyond this. The design is almost entirely SNOTed, with lots of internal structure to hold everything in place securely. (It may have been a bit overbuilt, but that probably helped it get to Illinois in a minimal number of pieces!)
Some of the internal assembly and SNOT holding the car together.
Once the design was done, it was time to order parts and decals. Lately, my preferred method for ordering parts is to make a wanted list on Bricklink, use the auto-select function to automatically generate carts, then order two or three of these carts at a time. This way I don’t have to make a special order for the one or two missing parts if there’s any parts missing from orders, last-minute changes to the design, or if I simply forget a piece. (I ordered all the parts at once for a boxcar I recently built and was missing a single 2×2 tile in the end…) The downside to this method is that I can’t start building it when the parts start arriving (though I still did that anyways).
Partially assembled bits of freight car.
Partially assembled bits of freight car.
The last step before shipping it was to photograph the car for my records and to share on social media. Without a dedicated photo area or workspace, this involves dragging furniture around…
My makeshift photo area using a not-so-handy dresser.
My makeshift photo area using a not-so-handy dresser.
Then the last step was to pack it up and ship it out! I’ve heard the motto “if it shakes, it breaks” from the ceramics industry, so I took that advice and packed the box with bubble wrap and paper so that when I shook the box I couldn’t hear movement. As far as I know it didn’t break in transit, so I think it worked!
Lots of paper… and some bubble wrap!
Lots of paper… and some bubble wrap!
Lastly, here are some more shots of the completed car.
Part 3 Coming Friday
That’s three more cars down, and we still have 5 more models to go. Come back tomorrow to see the next group of cars.
Last year I was invited to join a group of friends from the LEGO train community in a Secret Santa Gift Exchange. If you’ve never participated in one, a Secret Santa is a Christmas tradition in which members of a group or community are randomly assigned a person to whom they give a gift. The identity of the gift giver is to remain a secret and should not be revealed until the gifts are opened.
Since all of us in the group are LEGO train builders, for this gift exchange we decided to exchange rail cars. The cars that came out of this exchange were awesome and the whole event was an unbelievably fun experience! It was such a success that we decided to do it again for 2021, and the gift opening date is only a few days away.
But for now we would like to look back on the cars from the 2020 exchange. So for the next few days, we’ll be sharing those builds with you and giving a bit of background on them, Who built them, who received them, and why the designer chose the car they modeled.
Hello train builders. October is here and you may have noticed that we’ve been a bit quiet on our annual OcTRAINber build challenge event this year. Life as, it sometime does, has kept us busy with things other than LEGO® trains. However, we didn’t want the community to miss this years OcTRAINber. So, we decided that for the fifth year in a row, OcTRAINber must go on!
Last years OcTRAINber, “Dioramas, Dioramas Everywhere”, was a big one. Both in scope, and work for builders and us judging. Since we have not had the big pre announcement of theme, and run up to October allowing builders to plan big projects ahead of time, we have decided this year to head in the opposite direction and pick a theme much smaller in scope.
This years theme will be “Critters”.
“Sweet Toot” a critter style locomotive built by Plymouth for the Domino Sugar co. Now preserved at the B&O Railroad Museum.
Loosely defined, a critter is a light-duty or industrial switching locomotive between 300 to 1000 h.p. weighing less than 100 tons, although most tip the scales at less than half that weight. These small locomotives are usually built to fill a specific need for each customer. This results in these tiny engines often having an odd look about them. They can be found in most industrial settings, such as a steel mill, but can be seen hauling coal at a power plant, clay at a brick factory, as well as junk yards and lumber mills. Some are used by the railroads as shop switchers to move dead locomotives around for maintenance or repair. Critters have been manufactured in standard or narrow gauge. Critters can be diesel electric like their “big brothers”, some are pure electric running on trolly poles or even battery power, and others are gas mechanical with a transmission.
Reading shop switcher 1251 certainly fits the spirit of the critter locomotive.
While smaller steam locomotives are not typically thought of as “Critters”, there are abundant examples throughout the steam era that fit the critter mold perfectly, so we’re going to throw them in as well.
A battery-powered shop switcher at the Chessie System/C&O terminal in Huntington, West Virginia is seen here during May of 1984. The little critter was built by General Electric in 1917 for the Chesapeake & Ohio and today resides at the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum. Rob Kitchen photo.
But wait, there is more. Locomotives are fun, but rolling stock can be great too. And what use is a locomotive if you have nothing to pull with it? So we adding small rolling stock categories in as well. This can be anything from a mine cart, to a small caboose. Any type of rolling stock that is a bit smaller than usual.
Lehigh Valley 2606 is a classic “Bobber” style caboose. Short in length and with only for wheels. These cabooses were not the best riding cars, but they are iconic of early 20th century railroading.
Like the previous installments of OcTRAINber, the idea of this building challenge is to actually challenge builders. To get us out of our comfort zones. We Trainheads build a lot of trains, but we too often focus on the big fancy trains. The big freight locomotives and the first class passenger trains. But there is a whole world of interesting railroad subjects that while smaller in stature, are just as hard working and important. This is your mission, to build the little unsung heroes of the train world. Unleash the Critters!
Rules
Ok, we do have some rules to go over first. Our intent is to keep things simple here and let you have as much creative freedom as possible, but do have to keep things orderly and fair, so bear with us.
Entries must be original models. No stealing. This also means no MODs (thus also no sets), only original MOCs.
One entry per person, per category. You can enter as many categories as you like, but you can only enter one model in each category. We want quality over quantity. So pick your best model and make it shine.
Third party parts are allowed, clone bricks aren’t. We know this can be a thin line, just walk it wisely, and we’ll do our best to judge fairly on this.
We are making no rules for the scale you choose to model in. We are welcoming models of 6, 7, and 8 studs, and anything in between or beyond! However, we appreciate detail and accuracy. Reasonably sized models are usually better for that, but we don’t knock anything or anyone with serious skill.
NEW BUILDS ONLY. We are willing to accept anything unpublished or anything that was not published before August 1st 2021 as new. We want to inspire and promote a challenging build, entering an old model doesn’t quite work in that regard.
Entries MUST be made on our Flickr group in the appropriate thread. This is the ONLY place we will be looking for entries, nowhere else. Sending photos to us on social media or showing us in person do not count as entries! These threads will open on October 1st.
We will be accepting entries from Midnight on October 1st to Midnight on November 15th (meaning November 14th, at 23:59 PDT). That’s right, you have six weeks of OcTRAINber. Why the late deadline? Well in the past we’ve announced the theme ahead of time, giving builders time to plan and order parts if needed. Since we did not have a pre announcement this year, were giving you all an extra two weeks bast the end of October to get your entries in.
Digital entries are allowed. Keep in mind though that digital entries are competing in the same categories as real physical models. So to be fair we will be looking at digital models as if they are genuine physical models. Ask yourself, can this be built in real life? If not, then it may not fair well in judging. This is where showing your “work in progress” will really be important.
Categories
This year there will be six categories you can enter in. Three for locomotives, and three for rolling stock.
Locomotives
Any locomotive weighing less than 100 tons and producing less than 1,000hp, not typically used in main line revenue service. Think industrial, mining, shop switcher. Think small.
Steam – 0-6-0 or smaller. Usually a tank style locomotive. Sometimes fireless. We are also accepting compressed air powered locomotives here.
Internal Combustion – Anything using an internal combustion’s engine for power. This can be gasoline, diesel, propane, distillate, etc.
Electric – Any locomotive using straight electric power, either from 3rd rail, overhead wire, or by on board batteries.
0-4-0 No. 1 is a compressed air locomotive built by the H.K. Porter co. of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Rolling Stock
Any non mainline revenue equipment, typically shorter than 30ft in length, and often running on less than 8 wheels. If it’s big and carries freight or passengers, then it’s not what we’re looking for.
Bobber Caboose – Bobber cabooses were short 4 wheel cabooses.
MOW – Maintenance of Way equipment. The rolling stock used to maintain the railroad. And yes we know some MOW equipment can be huge, but that’s not what we’re looking for. Think speeder car, track tamper, dump cart, tie crane, etc.
Industrial – Any car used in an industrial setting such as a factory, mill, ship yard, mine, etc.
Used in Maintenance of Way “MOW” service, this Central New Jersey speeder car would transport work crews around the railroad to help maintain track, signals, and other line side items.This industrial style car was used to transfer coal to coke ovens in a Coke Plant.
Best Motorized Model
We will have a special award for best motorized model. This can can be from any one of the above categories (we can’t wait to see how you try to motorize a bobber caboose), so all entries are automatically entered for this. Assuming of corse you have some type of motorization. Motorization is not a requirement though for the main six categories.
Some Notes on Entries
Keep in mind that OcTRAINber is a ‘quality over quantity’-building event. This means that we rather encourage you to build one amazing build than several sub-par ones. Build your best, not the most.
We’ve also tried to give you a wide berth in the definitions for each category. We want to encourage you to explore as much as possible and come up with some really interesting stuff. But we also know that it could be easy to stretch those definitions into something not really in the spirit of the theme. Sure an EMD SW1 could technically fit the letter of the rules, but is it in the spirit of the theme. Remember to think small. The theme is critters, and we want to see your best, small modeling.
Just like previous years, we want to encourage you to show off your Work in Progress or “WIPs”, so we can make OcTRAINber a month that is all about trains within the Lego community. Therefore, extra credit will be given to the best WIP stories and/or pictures during the event.
Points
Points will be awarded in three categories: Credibility, WIP Story, and Build.
First of all, credibility of the prototype. This means we will be looking at how much the build represents the real life prototype. If you are sending in a fantasy model, we will look at how credible the build is; would it fit in, does the backstory make sense?
Second of all, the WIP story. This refers to both showing off your building process, but also to how and why you decided to model a certain prototype. The better the story and the more updates you give and the more elaborate your building story is, the better.
Third and last but no less important, the build itself. How detailed is it, how accurate is it, does it look like what it is intended to look like. Does it use pieces in a clever way. Does it use clever build techniques. Does it make every ones jaw drop in amazement.
Prizes & Winners
We haven’t finalized on prizes yet, but since this is a building challenge, we will for sure have some, just like in previous years.
We will pick the winners after we have announced the official close of the competition and have stopped accepting new entries, which will be some time after November 15th. Once the judges (who, just like last year, will be announced in an upcoming article) have come to a sound conclusion regarding the winners, we will post one final article announcing them, and then we will be in contact with those winners regarding their prizes.
Final Words
For the past four years, OcTRAINber has been organized by Gerbrand van den Eeckhout, a.k.a. Raised. Unfortunately due to a growing family life and career commitments Gerbrand felt the need to step down from organizing this year’s event. We are extremely grateful here at BMR for all the hard work Gerbrand has put into OcTRAINber and we will miss his presence in this year’s challenge. With out him, OcTRAINber would not be what it is today. So let’s all give Gerbrand a big thank you making OcTRAINber the event we all know and love.
Thank you Gerbrand, and we hope some day you find the time to once again have a hand in this challenge. Until then, we will do our best to continue what you started and keep it awesome.
So, that’s it for now. OcTRAINber has officially started. Now the only thing you have to do is start building, and unleash the critters! Happy OcTRAINber!
Gerbrand on the left , and Cale Leiphart on the right, visiting the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in 2019.
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