I am not one to be active on in the internet (I typically am just an avid reader ) but wanted to post some work that I’ve done creating Amtrak Lego trains. For these pieces, I tried to resemble the style of James Mathis’ work, with dimensions resembling the Lego train sets and track and an intent to capture the essence of these train sets. Granted, his work is much better than mine and not all my works are playable (though that was my original goal…but designing for form and function is tough!). I wanted to create the Amtrak trains that cross my home state of North Carolina as I've haven't seen them represented much in Lego form and wanted to build something near and dear to my heart.
The first train set is unique to Carolina and represents the state owned passenger equipment that operates on the Piedmont service between Charlotte and Raleigh.
The second one is the classic Amtrak consist of a P42 locomotive, Amfleet coaches, and a Viewliner. These cars are used in the Carolinian and Silver Star/Meteor.
The third train set takes the P42 locomotive and adds on Superliner cars. This represents the Auto Train that runs through Carolina (but has no station stops in NC). At some point, I’d like to make an Auto Carrier that goes along with it, but I’ve kept it on the drawing board for a while after stubbornly wanting it to be less than 8 studs wide but still able to fit a small Lego car in it.
I welcome any thoughts on making these designs better! I have built all of these and made sure that they can operate in real life and are generally durable enough for my 3 (now 4) year old to not instantly destroy my cars when she wants to put Lego figurines into the coach or cafe cars.
Also, I wanted to post my .io files— what platform do you recommend? I know Bricklink and Rebrickable exist out there. I have no interest in making any money off of it. For some of my projects, I’ve taken from and learned from other designers’ files and would like to pay it forward if at all helpful. Not sure if I’m allowed to post it across multiple sites so if anyone has guidance there it would be appreciated!
Lastly, a big thank you to this community. I enjoy reading this forum and seeing your Lego MOCs with such detail and precision that I didn’t even know was possible to do that with Lego pieces! My approach of having a simpler design is my acceptance that I will not come close to many of the wonderful designs that have been shared on this board.
Thanks!
