A creation titled “1800’s Railroading | Bridges and Engines” (1800’s Railroading | Bridges and Engines) by railway enthusiast Shawshank has reached 10,000 votes and advanced to the Second 2025 Review.
LEGO® Ideas is a program that turns user-submitted creations into actual retail products, with designs reaching 10,000 votes qualifying for review by the LEGO Group. If this creation passes the Second 2025 Review, it will be released as an official LEGO® Ideas set between 2026 and 2027.
Creator Shawshank is a builder who specializes in railway-themed works on LEGO® Ideas, marking his second review advancement. His latest work, “1800’s Railroading | Bridges and Engines,” meticulously recreates a 4-4-0 steam locomotive and wooden truss bridge that symbolized America’s golden age of railroading in the 19th century using LEGO® bricks.
A 4-4-0 steam locomotive crossing a wooden truss bridge. The 1800s American railway landscape is faithfully recreated.
Faithful Recreation of 1800s Railway Icons
The centerpiece 4-4-0 steam locomotive was a representative steam engine that operated from the 1800s to early 1900s. Its name comes from its wheel arrangement: four leading wheels, four driving wheels, and zero trailing wheels.
If compared to automobiles, it was like a “standard passenger car” – medium-sized, well-balanced, and widely used for both passenger and freight service. During America’s westward expansion, it served as an essential mode of transportation and can still be seen in Western films today.
Detailed structure of the wooden truss bridge and precise locomotive side construction. The wooden framework reflecting period construction techniques and the steam locomotive’s wheel arrangement are clearly visible.
Shawshank’s locomotive model recreates every detail of this historic vehicle. From the steam-generating boiler and piston mechanisms that transfer power to the wheels, to the iconic smokestack, precise construction demonstrates a thorough understanding of the actual locomotive’s structure. The red and gold color scheme faithfully represents the ornate appearance of period locomotives.
Wooden Bridge Construction Techniques Also Represented
Another highlight of the creation is the recreation of wooden truss bridges that were widely constructed in the 1800s. During that era, wooden bridges played a crucial role in railway construction across rivers and valleys. The creator used wood-colored LEGO® bricks to faithfully represent actual truss structures.
Detail of the wooden bridge and surrounding environment viewed from the locomotive’s rear. Stone piers, flowing river, and surrounding natural environment are carefully crafted.
The bridge section recreates construction techniques of the era, from stone piers to wooden superstructure. Blue bricks representing flowing water are placed beneath the bridge, while trees and rocky terrain are positioned around it to represent the natural environment of 1800s America.
While wooden railway bridges were susceptible to flood, fire, and decay damage, and sometimes suffered catastrophic collapse accidents, they continued to function as vital infrastructure connecting communities until they were replaced by steel and concrete bridges in the 20th century.
What Are the Chances of Production?
While train-related projects don’t have the highest approval rate in LEGO® Ideas, the 2023 production of the Orient Express demonstrates precedent, giving Shawshank’s creation a fighting chance.
LEGO® Ideas Orient Express 21344
Travel back in time to the golden age of rail journeys
This display model, featuring a locomotive, tender, dining car, and sleeper car, along with tracks, makes the perfect gift for fans of trains, travel, and history.
In his project description, Shawshank states he “created the 4-4-0 locomotive and wooden truss bridge in LEGO® bricks to pay tribute to these 1800s masterpieces.” This meticulously detailed work represents an educationally valuable creation that captures an important era in American railroad history.
2025 2nd Review Round Summary Page
Projects that pass the 2nd review of 2025 will be released as official LEGO(R) Ideas sets between 2026 and 2027.
Past Projects That Reached Review
LEGO(R) Ideas and LEGO(R) Icons offer a wide variety of models for adult fans. Whether you’re new to LEGO(R) bricks or a seasoned builder, these sets are worth a look!
What is LEGO(R) Ideas?
LEGO(R) Ideas is a platform where fan-created designs can become official sets!
Once a submitted design earns 10,000 votes from users, it moves into a product review by the LEGO(R) Group. If approved, it is released as part of the LEGO(R) Ideas series.
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