BNSF keeps the tradition rolling with our National Model Railroad Month photo contest

By EUNICE ARCHILA 
Staff Writer

What began as tinplate trains in the 1890s has evolved into electrified layouts known for realism and craftsmanship. For generations, model railroading has been a hobby enjoyed by enthusiasts of all ages.

The tradition has grown so much that it even has its own dedicated month. November is National Model Railroad Month, and BNSF is joining this year’s celebration by bringing back our Model Railroad Photo Contest. The entries were nothing short of astonishing. Layouts filled with meticulous detail, realistic scenery and expertly crafted trains. There’s no doubt about it, each submission reflected creativity precision and a deep love for the hobby. We were completely mesmerized by them!

Here are this year’s winners:

First Place: Kyle Hampton 

Kyle Hampton’s love for trains began early. At age five, his parents took him to a local model train club and what he saw captivated him. That spark never faded, and today he continues to be inspired by model railroading. His entry is a striking portrayal of two BNSF trains winding through the mountains. His photo captures a train meet on the Livingston Model Railroad Club layout in Montana.

The composition highlights both scale and imagination, blending nature and railroading in one scene.

Second Place: Adrian Gurule

Adrian Gurule’s photo transports viewers back in time. At first glance, it looks like a real steam locomotive. The authenticity of his layout is striking. Steam locomotives, introduced in the early 1800s, revolutionized how people and freight moved. His layout honors that legacy and captures the nostalgia of steam power while celebrating the artistry of model railroading.

Third Place: Nick Dumas

Nick Dumas’ entry shows a BNSF unit grain train taking the switch at Lymann Junction before climbing a steep mountain grade at the North American Prototype Modeler club layout in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Nick’s passion began early.

“My grandfather built my first train layout,” he said. “It was just a small circle but was enough to get me hooked for life! Now, I like to model modern BNSF trains and early to mid-’90s Burlington Northern trains.”

He also shared advice for newcomers: never stop having fun. Joining a local club, he said, is the best way to learn the ropes and grow as a modeler.  

Honorable Mention: Ty Baldwin 

A fall scene is in full bloom with a Santa Fe train in the foreground. Ty Baldwin’s imagination and creativity can clearly be seen with his layout.

“I truly enjoy building my N-Scale layout and sharing it with everyone,” Baldwin said. “I try my best to create a beautiful scenery. I love to get out and capture amazing scenery shots railfanning to inspire what I build. I hope to be able to build a bigger layout down the road."

Honorable Mention: Raymond Roberts

 

Raymond Roberts’ layout offers a look into an impressive intermodal facility featuring grain trains, automotive cars and containers, complete with multiple lifts.  

His dedication to the craft spans more than 25 years. Inspired by childhood memories of watching Southern E units idle at a North Carolina depot in the late 1960s, Roberts began modeling more seriously in 2019. His work crosses over several eras and railroad types.  

His collection includes around 250 diesel locomotives and 80 steam engines. 

My layout is in my backyard in a 40-by-60 building,” Roberts said. “And like many modelers, I’m about halfway through mine. It’s an ongoing passion project.”

Honorable Mention: Jon Celotto  

These layouts are unreal. A current BNSF paint scheme locomotive is captured at a model railroad club layout with grass, trees and gravel surrounding six tracks.

“The layout shown in the photo is Waynesborough Model Railroad Club in Goldsboro, North Carolina, which I am a proud member of,” Celotto said.

Honorable Mention: Casey Burg

It feels like we’re in the middle of the desert! A Wild West-era Santa Fe layout complete with weathered locomotives and a detailed backdrop brings the period alive.

Mountain passes, intermodal yards, and more, these layouts reflect the imagination and dedication of modelers across the country. Each entry tells a story of history, family traditions and the joy of building something by hand.

Thank you to all the talented modelers who submitted entries. To see more entries, search the hashtag #BNSFmodelrailroad on Instagram, X or in our  Friends of BNSF group on Facebook.