As a kid I grew up watching Thomas and friends, as many have. This along with growing up right next to the railroad in my hometown instilled in me at an early age a love for trains. Particularly old steam engines. I've strived for years to emulate the British style of locomotives. This one in particular based on an old favorite of mine, the bluebell tank engine. Out of all the engines I've attempted to recreate, none I think have turned out as well as this one.

A particular point I am pleased with are the wheels. I'd seen a creator use the technic wedge pieces and thought it was a cool idea. When I made my physical version before this, I had a lock of proper train wheels and this technique presented me with a work around. They worked even better than planned a they have a slightly smaller circumference than the official wheel, allowing for pieces to be placed just a little closer together. And if you remove the rubber from the middle wheels, it'll do turns just fine.

The design as a whole had to be modified slightly from my physical copy. Some was due to necessity Such as how the hand rails attached. The original model I had clips attached in a somewhat slightly illegal connection. So I had to come up with a new solution and I have to say it came out pleasing. I also decided to make the locomotive yellow. Given I thought straight black was a bit dull and it was a palette I was able to work with

My main thought process behind this whole thing was I wanted to see a more affordable engine from Lego again. This is why I did not feel to have any rolling stock included with this. Though I will admit, the landscape was something I conceded with myself. If this is ends up on display, it'd look better with a little stand. I did go though a couple concepts, starting with an open field full of flowers, but quickly moved up to a little wooden bridge crossing a creak. I then felt a stone bridge was more appropriate and so here we are.

Hope you all enjoy it. It's been fun working on this.