[MOC] The Boxcar Children

[Vdog]

Hello,

This is my most recent moc, it is the red boxcar from The Boxcar Children series of children's books. I designed this moc using studio 2.0 and I am waiting on several Bricklink orders to build it in real life. This MOC has 1170 pieces, and all the parts with the exception of Benny’s pink cup are currently available parts and colors. The boxcar contains elements of both Canadian and American boxcar design and is not based on any particular model. The biggest influence in my design process was creating a way for the doors to slide open and closed, while keeping snot walls. 

This MOC is based on the original book in the series; the highlight is the dark red boxcar on an abandoned railway track. The boxcar is 24 studs by 6 studs, and is compatible with other LEGO trains. The doors of the boxcar are functional and slide open and closed. Just like in the book, the children access the boxcar via the stump of an old tree.  In addition to the boxcar is the stone fire pit built by the children to cook their food in the pots and pans they found. Also included in this proposed set is the waterfall that the children use as a refrigerator to store their milk, and the swimming hole they created in the stream.

The Boxcar Children is based on one of the bestselling children's book series of all time. The Boxcar Children tells the story of four orphaned children, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny, who mysteriously appear in a small town on a warm summer night. No one knows who these young wanderers are or where they have come from. The children make a home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar they discover in the woods.

2024 will be the 100th anniversary of the release of the original book in the series. Written by the Gertrude Chandler Warner, the series includes nearly 160 titles, with more being released every year. In the subsequent books, the children encounter many adventures and mysteries in their neighborhood or at the locations they visit with their grandfather. A touching tale of family togetherness targeted to kid’s age’s four to twelve. The books explore themes of personal integrity, problem-solving, generosity and kindness. The National Education Association listed the original book as one of its "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children". In 2012 the original novel was ranked among the all-time "Top 100 Chapter Books", by the School Library Journal.

At age fourteen, Henry is the oldest in the Alden family. He likes to figure out how things work, which makes him good at repairing and building stuff. While he’ll never brag, he’s a great runner, too! It’s not always easy being the oldest and having so much responsibility, but there’s nothing that Henry can’t handle.

Jessie is twelve. She can always be counted on to take charge in a situation. She’s good at being organized, she makes lists in her notebook and always keeps track of facts when there’s a mystery to be solved. When her younger siblings need help, Jessie’s there. She loves planning adventures and taking care of Watch.

Everyone knows ten-year-old Violet is creative, she loves to draw, take photos, and play the violin. She’s a little on the shy side, but because she’s quiet, she’s a careful observer. With her artist’s eye, Violet picks up on important details that her brothers and sister sometimes overlook. Can you guess her favorite color?

Benny’s only six, but just because he’s the youngest Alden, it doesn’t mean he can’t help solve mysteries. He’s always curious and full of questions. In fact, one of his favorite questions is “When’s lunch?” because he’s usually hungry! Benny loves playing with Watch and visiting new places.

Watch is the family dog, a friendly wire-haired fox terrier. Back when the children lived in an old boxcar in the woods, they found him as a stray. Since then, he has been loyal to the Alden's, especially Jessie, who once removed a thorn from his paw. Watch also has a special bond with Benny, who gives him treats.

I believe the Boxcar Children will become a very successful set if it is selected in LEGO Ideas. The set has 3 target audiences, children who are reading the books, teachers who use the books as part of the curriculum, and AFOL train enthusiast who want a boxcar set to add to their train collections.

If you would like to join the Boxcar Children on a LEGO adventure, please vote for this project and share it with your friends and family.

https://ideas.lego.com/projects/aa4cfa30-e9a2-418d-a1a0-79638e50a54f

https://ideas.lego.com/projects/aa4cfa30-e9a2-418d-a1a0-79638e50a54f

If you would like Lego to produce a Boxcar Children set, please support this project on Lego Ideas, by signing in and supporting. Lego accepts project Ideas and any that get 10,000 supporters can become real sets available in stores.

 

 

*Edit, I will post pictures of the built with real bricks moc when my Bricklink orders arrive. 

 

 

[Feuer Zug]

Nice diorama. The second I saw the first picture, it reminded me of the cover art of the first book. Best of luck on Ideas.

[zephyr1934]

That has some neat building techniques in it.

If you feel like revealing your secrets, I'd be interested in seeing how you got the snotted door to be able to slide.

[Vdog]

3 hours ago, Feuer Zug said:

Nice diorama. The second I saw the first picture, it reminded me of the cover art of the first book. Best of luck on Ideas.

Thank you for the comment, I was hopping it would be recognizable. 

1 hour ago, zephyr1934 said:

That has some neat building techniques in it.

If you feel like revealing your secrets, I'd be interested in seeing how you got the snotted door to be able to slide.

It is partially visible in the picture of the children stepping out of the boxcar, attached behind the door is a column of bricks that has a 1x1 bracket at the bottom and top that holds the door in via the tile it rides on. 

[XG BC]

looks nice even as a european with zero knowledge of the book. supported

[garmsey]

I really like your diorama and tie into the book series.  I have supported it.

[ColletArrow]

I too have no knowledge of the book series (although the character set-up sounds almost identical to Swallows & Amazons...), but this is a beautifully presented model. The end view of the wagon makes it feel a tad too tall and/or narrow for me, but the overall diorama and little additional scenes work well together. Excellent job!

[Vdog]

 

As promised here is a video of the sliding door in action.