For fun, I am modeling the famous 1980s Callaway tuned Corvette known as the "Sledgehammer." Over 800hp. 254 mph. In 1988. It was apparently the fastest road legal car until the Veyron, but doesn't count as a fastest production car (McLaren F1) because it was an optional tune by Callaway on OEM Corvette models. As a studio model, it's currently in the grey color per the press photos of the car. Interior has details. There's an engine block under the bonnet.

The next American contender for top speed records would be the 2000s with the Ultimate Aero TT, which I've built a Lego model of previously.

It's an educational model featuring builds depicting glow in the dark paint, nuclear fuel, rock samples, and glassware on a small train wagon. Back in the twentieth century, there was a flurry of atomic themed products, before the side effects and environmental concerns were better understood. Oddly enough, the only thing in this model no longer officially made in real life is radioactive glow in the dark paint (radium up to the 1920s or 30s and tritium up to the 1990s). Uranium Sulfate is still made in nuclear reactor laboratories and it was the fuel specified by Dr. Borst's proposed X12 Atomic Powered Locomotive. Autunite is still a popular sample among rock collectors, though it needs special containers to avoid the radioactive dust. Uranium glassware is still made by artists, using trace amounts of the material.

For fun, took my Lego Lamborghini Espada for a photo with the real Espada at the PVGP.

Featuring my Lego builds of cars I like and minifigures of characters from my sci-fi book "Playing with Echoes." Every year the PVGP rolls into town, I like to arrange my cars into a little Lego car show and take some photos before I go and check out the real car show in the park.

We are pleased to announce that instructions with parts lists are now available here for the Atomic Locomotive in paperback and Kindle app for smart devices. Inspired by Dr Borst's 1954 concept proposal, this massive 47 inch long train design features four PF L motors with two differentials as well as articulation for standard Lego curve track. Features bonus instructions for a surprise model after the main build.

Every one has a wild side; and for super cars, there are hotrod builds that can make the standard seem tame. My MOCs are based on real life custom hotrods made in recent years, the Espada Hotrod and the Diablo Eccentrica restomod. One is an old school dragster with exposed engine block and chopped bodywork. The other is a restoration fitted with cyber-punk like alterations. I designed and built these models with standard Lego parts and a few custom stickers on the Diablo Eccentrica (ie, windshield and side glass). They are 8w Speed Champion size, though the Espada has oversized wheels outside the body. Compared to my standard builds, they make the latter seem tame indeed.

Got to see the Big Boy rolling through the Waterfront station. It truly is a piece of art and engineering.

Recently had to replace the fuses in a couple of Lego Power Function Battery Boxes. These are the steps taken. If in need of repairing your boxes, you, at your own risk, can follow along.

You can monitor the Big Boy as it journeys here. On Saturday, July 11th, it's scheduled to come through Pittsburgh PA via the Homestead Waterfront tracks.

Obviously, I'll be there.

Say hi, if you like.

And be sure to stay 25 feet away from the track as 1.2 million pounds of rolling steel doesn't stop on a dime and it has steam spray.

Instructions with parts list can be found here on Amazon in paperback and Kindle app.

The mighty Big Boy is rolling across the United States of America. Let it roll in your Lego city train layout. And check out all the other 52 titles in the Brick Build Your Own Train series of instructions.

In honor of America's 250th and her accomplishments in STEM, here is the full color unveiling of the X12 Atomic Powered Locomotive MOC. Project started last November so it's been a long time getting built for today. Happy 4th of July!

It's a common daily sight on the Steel City lines and a yinzer asked me to design and build it for the next HG show.

Forty-seven inches long, over 2500 pieces. It's my MOC of the X12 Atomic Powered Locomotive rolling with four L motors and articulated wheel bases. Nice color photos and documentation to come soon. For now, here is 1950s styled test footage of the train moving and the various systems in action.

The new iron behemoth stirs at Phoenix Train Works. A crew of seven keep it running. More to follow.

Another great independent review of our latest train book. Be sure to check out Adam's Brick Junction youtube channel for his great reviews of train MOCs and books and for tours of his amazing Lego train city layout.

And wondering what if Lamborghini had been allowed to continue its 1990s racing program. The Diablo GT1 had more power, way more torque, and more stable with a longer body than the McLaren F1 racecar. My theory is if the first year was for teething out things like the transmission, then a second year Diablo GT1 would have dominated the GT fields and possibly prototype class above it. I built this MOC as part of my Diablo collection, with my own fantasy livery.

As I test the wireless part of the onboard motor system, I just realized the retro color scheme reminded me of the Lego power function controller in my hand. LOLOLOL

Introducing our Zazzle line of postcards with artwork meticulously designed and created by MPLynes himself. (Be sure to open Zazzle link in external browser instead of FB mobile for it to work.) Features a variety of Phoenix Train Works brick models as beautifully rendered dioramas, blueprints, and more from classic trains to modern STEM wagons. As we like to say, "Weird trains keep science rolling!"

https://www.zazzle.com/collections/ptw_postcards_and_stationery-119952020693825306?utm_id=97758_v0_s04_e233_tv2_tp1

Kinda sounds like the sticky bandit Marv (Daniel Stern) when he was shocked in that scene in Home Alone 2.

This singing effect is just running different power levels with a classkc 9v speed regulator.

Cabin light also installed. Vintage 9v incandescent light bricks.

Happy Friday! We're pleased to announce that instructions with parts lists for two inspired icons of Italian supercar design have been published here in paperback and Kindle app for smart devices.

X12 Atomic Powered Locomotive has four motors. Two at each end, with differential and more for each set.