As a LEGO train fan, I can't help but sense that our hobby has been undergoing a period of renaissance recently. It is an impression that has been gathering gradually as we have emerged out of the global pandemic and have started to reconnect with our friends and fellow hobbyists.

One of the factors that reinforces my renaissance claims is the emergence of awesome fan-initiated events aimed exclusively at LEGO train fans. For example, the BSBT train event in Leipzig Germany which I covered in August only emerged relatively recently in 2019. Yet, it is becoming a must-attend event for LEGO train fans in Europe. I want to turn my attention to another relative newcomer to the LEGO train event calendar, the Brick Train Awards.

The Brick Train Awards (BTA) was founded in 2020 as a collaboration between LNUR (the UK LEGO train club), and Brick Model Railroader. The BTA is effectively the "Oscars" of the LEGO train world! It showcases the very best of our hobby and is a source of inspiration to keep building amazing LEGO train models and layouts of all shapes and sizes. The BTA is a global event drawing participation from around the world. In fact, the BTA organizes its participants into three regional zones:

This reflects the special nature of how model train hobby enthusiasts tend to focus on models that are of personal importance. More often than not, this is based on childhood memories, nostalgia, etc. of where they live. Furthermore, this grouping keeps candidate entries thematically clustered and makes it easier for judges to use regional expertise and familiarity to guide their decisions.

Award Categories

One aspect of the BTA that I find very commendable is the wide range of award categories. No less than 13 awards are available in each region as well as two global awards: The Public Vote and Best Layout which are judged across all participants. This is not only generous but also reflects the diversity of models that are equally deserving of recognition. An exquisitely detailed freight wagon represents similar levels of care, skill, and passion of its builder as a stunning steam locomotive. Also, it encourages us train fans to think more in terms of railways and layouts rather than exclusively about rolling stock.

Awards are available for the major categories of Locomotives and Wagons as well as awards for aggregate models such as complete train consists and layouts. Sub-dividing each of the Locomotive and Wagon categories is a good idea since it will help the judging process to be more manageable and likely more fair since models of similar scope will be judged together. Also notable are the awards for digital or “virtual” builds. This is also a progressive idea since many talented builders might not have either the desire or resources to physically build a model in actual brick. Yet, by using a digital model creation tool such as BrickLink Stud.io, MLCad, LeoCAD, Bricksmith, etc., it gives motivated and creative builders a platform to showcase their talents.

Lastly, a “people’s choice” award is granted to the model which earns the most likes from LEGO fans on all of BTA’s social media channels. This type of award is a great way of driving more community involvement and increasing the visibility of events such as the BTA and the LEGO train hobby in general.

Public Vote

NWR #4 “Gordon” A1 Pacific with 3500 Gal Fowler Tender by Michael Gibbs

Best Individual / Group Display 2022

Black Rock to Orroroo by Damien Graetz

Focus: TFOL Awards

I want to focus the rest of my BTA coverage on the TFOL (Teenage Fan of LEGO) award category. This category is open to LEGO fans aged 13 to 18 and also accepts both physical or virtual models in each category. My desire to highlight this category is motivated by the "renaissance" theme I mentioned earlier.

There is no better indicator of “renaissance” than the emergence of very talented youth train builders. I started to become more aware of this when I attended BSBT. I was both impressed and inspired by the number of gifted younger builders. A terrible trope in the model train hobby is the so-called "death of the hobby" because it is dominated by "grey hair" and declining interest from the youth. I think this is an awful stereotype, and thankfully, a mostly false one based on my experiences in the LEGO train hobby.

Therefore, I must congratulate the BTA on allocating no less than three awards in the TFOL category. Nothing disabuses bad stereotypes than drawing attention to truly gifted talent on the horizon for our hobby. Offering a platform for TFOL builders to showcase their models not only encourages more participation but can also motivate potential newcomers to the hobby. When younger fans see what other younger builders are capable of achieving, it can be the spark of inspiration to get started!

On a personal note, when I was a kid, I would eagerly read all my father’s model train magazines. In one of those magazines (The Railway Modeller in the UK), every issue had a special column called “Junior Modeller”. This column would showcase either a layout, a locomotive, etc. built by a “junior modeller” (any age up to 18). In almost all cases, the article copy was written by the youth modeller and therefore the article had a “voice” and perspective which was familiar to fellow “junior modellers”. I cannot emphasize enough the impact those “Junior Modeller” articles had on my young mind! They truly were the inspiration for me to dive into the hobby.

Shown below are the 2022 TFOL winning entries—they truly showcase some amazing building talent!

TFOL Winners: Americas

BEST LOCOMOTIVE: DMIR Yellowstone by Elijah Stewart

BEST WAGON: Borden’s ‘Butter Dish’ milk tank car by Conrad Schlenker

BEST DISPLAY: Interlocking Tower by Single Truck Shay Studios

TFOL Winners: Europe, Middle East, Africa

BEST LOCOMOTIVE: A4 Pacific Union of South Africa by Jens Huber

BEST WAGON: MÁV- Start “Bhv” passenger car by Donát Szüts

BEST DISPLAY: Grosmont coaling tower by Brick Bug

TFOL Winners: Asia & Australasia

BEST LOCOMOTIVE: KiHa 40 (キハ40) JR West by @Dratini1nj

BEST WAGON: SR PMV by Sethbricked

BEST DISPLAY: Iwami-Kawamoto Station (石見川本駅) and DMUs by @Dratini1nj

I would definitely recommend checking out all of this year’s winning entries on the Brick Train Awards website. For those in the LEGO train hobby, you will recognize some familiar names in this year’s winners as well as new names. The Brick Train Awards has established itself as another valuable resource and pillar of the LEGO train hobby community. I really look forward to next year’s awards—who knows? Maybe I’ll be inspired to build something new for BTA 2023!

What TFOL builders do you follow? Let us know in the comments below.

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