Can't display your layout? Enter the brick train awards
Posted by Huw,
With many of us still in some sort of lockdown which is causing LEGO events around the world to be cancelled, those of us who would normally be displaying at them are finding other ways to engage with fellow AFOLs and show off their MOCs, such as get-togethers on Zoom.
The latest initiative is aimed at the LEGO train builders. Here's what you need to know if you want to get involved:
The Brick Train Awards are the first virtual awards for the LEGO train fan community.
Across 10 award categories, our panel of judges from the LEGO train fan community will select a winner for each category in their region. The finalists from each region then go head-to-head with winners from each category to declare 10 global winners.
The awards are free to enter for all, including our TFOL (Teenage Fan of LEGO) awards, aimed to encourage and support teenage LEGO fans who are not usually recognised by some traditional LEGO User Groups and LEGO train clubs.
The Brick Train Awards are a collaboration between Brick Model Railroader in the USA and LNUR (LEGO Northern UK Railway), a LEGO train club in the UK.
Find out more at the competition website.
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13 comments on this article
It's nice to see that this competition is TFOL inclusive, because others are not, which is a little unfair to teens, being a TFOL myself. Unfortunately, I have zero LEGO trains and next to no interest in them.
May the best train win!
"A winner for each category is chosen in each region (Americas, Australasia, Asia and Europe) by our panel of judges."
Why does Africa lose out? It can't be the lack of a judging panel from that region because you could make that up from other regions if that was the case.
This appears to be the first time these awards are happening so there are no past winners to compare entries against, although there are photos on the club websites of trains and layouts. The judging seems to place a lot on how accurate to real life the Lego model is, so can imagine experienced L-gauge train modellers taking part for best steam, diesel, electric.
For non-train modellers there is a category of infrastructure, which allows a wider scope of possibilities for buildings linked to railways. Alternatively, best other category includes micro-scale, or the teenage category may encourage new builders to this theme.
On top of what LinuxBrickie said, Singapore is not listed in the Asia or Australasia regions so does that mean I can't participate?
@LegoSonicBoy said:
"On top of what LinuxBrickie said, Singapore is not listed in the Asia or Australasia regions so does that mean I can't participate?"
According to the FAQ if your region doesn't have a judging panel you are excluded from competing is how I understood it.
I have made 4 train cars for my future western diorama, but I will not participate because I don't want to break the law. This is a contest for LEGO parts creation and it seems LEGO doesn't like western no more.
This going to showcase some pretty amazing MOCs. These train guys take their scale modeling very seriously!
@TomKazutara said:
"imagine Lego produce more train and train accessory sets"
I guess at least we in Germany have some alternative now when it comes to that. ;-)
I just ordered my TEE for example. If TLG doesn't like trains anymore, so what I say.
@LinuxBrickie said:
""A winner for each category is chosen in each region (Americas, Australasia, Asia and Europe) by our panel of judges."
Why does Africa lose out? It can't be the lack of a judging panel from that region because you could make that up from other regions if that was the case."
Hi, I'm one of the organisers. We're working on judges in Africa - the South African LUGs have just been a bit slow to get back to us!
Singapore would come under Asia, so you're welcome to apply in any category there. Look forward to seeing your models!
That's what we're hoping! I'm really looking forward to seeing what appears in the TFOL category.
@bricksmcgee said:
"Singapore would come under Asia, so you're welcome to apply in any category there. Look forward to seeing your models!"
Oh, thanks for that!
@Felix_Mezei said:
"I have made 4 train cars for my future western diorama, but I will not participate because I don't want to break the law. This is a contest for LEGO parts creation and it seems LEGO doesn't like western no more."
Hi Felix, we've had a look at rules as it seems a shame to exclude fantasy / fictional trains from this - we've just updated the rules for the loco and wagon categories to allow these. Our aim is to be as inclusive as possible, and you made a good point there!