I started a little building challenge for trainheads (and those that might want to have a go) and Peter Norman donated a prize so it became a contest. An interesting aspect of train building in LEGO is that it’s one of the few areas where a number of people work from the same or similar prototypes. For these challenges I decided to take this one step further and get everyone to work from exactly the same source material.

The rules are in the flickr trains group but I’ve copied them here for those who don’t use flickr.

This time we can all build a US diesel switcher: a Baldwin AS-616 as it comes in a variety of liveries. I found a nice side-view projection and there’s a flickr group dedicated to Baldwin’s.

Peter Norman has graciously donated a prize to the first challenge so there will be judging. The winner will receive a very valuable Lego train related item. Peter, I and possibly a third judge will decide the winner based on no fixed criteria. There will not be a rankings system.

* The deadline for entries is February 28, 2009. Deisgns must not have appeared in public before the 1st January 2009.

* To enter the contest provide a small link to the image in the flickr thread using the [FLICKR-URL] technique (copy the URL for the model’s flickr page and surround it by square brackets). If you are not a flickr member email a direct link to a 240px wide version of your entry to me and a link to more pics and I will enter for you.

* The Challenge is open to 6, 7, or 8 wide, powered or not. All entries must be able to at least navigate Lego train track.

* Entries may be in CAD format but the file must be available for inspection and must be deemed to be buildable by me to be eligible for the contest. Similarly non-LEGO components may be used but it is best to be aware of the judges’ prejudices.

If you have any questions just post them here but read through all the text first.