The GO Train project began when a homesick Torontonian commissioned Playwell Bricks to create the custom set as a memento of their time in Ontario. Playwell Bricks CEO Jason Pyett took on the challenge of reproducing the GO Train in genuine LEGO® bricks, only to find himself ghosted by the client when it was complete. The design languished, banished to the archives of Playwell Bricks.

Then, in 2022, global rail engineering leader Mott MacDonald approached Playwell Bricks about a custom set for a team building exercise. Mott MacDonald knew that a bespoke build of one of their rail clients would foster collaboration, communication, and bond their team together. As it turns out, the custom model they wanted was none other than the GO Train! Delighted that the design had finally found a home, Playwell Bricks pulled the GO Train from their archives and got to work.

Pyett’s eyes light up when he’s asked about the challenges unique to this build. Those same sleek, subtle curves that make the GO Train aerodynamic and give it the classic GO Train look were a test of skill to reproduce in bricks. With patience, ingenuity, and a little bit of magic, Playwell Bricks mastered the curves and had a beautiful custom model train on their hands.

But the challenge that held the biggest thrill for Pyett was connected to the tracks themselves. You see, this custom build of the GO Train was designed to work using genuine LEGO® train components. The top of the engine section comes away in sections, revealing space inside for the train motor and the battery box. However, LEGO® train cars are shorter than the GO Train, making this custom design too long for the curves of genuine LEGO® tracks, which could send the train into derailment territory.

“Everyone in the train world said it couldn’t be done,” Pyett reminisces. The naysayers only fueled Pyett’s determination, until he finally hit upon just the right combination of bricks to allow this GO Train to run on the tracks without derailment. Proving once again that there is no challenge the Playwell Bricks team can’t meet.

From abandonment, to escaping risk of derailment, the GO Train custom set finally got its happily ever after with Mott MacDonald. Bon voyage, GO Train!

If you have a project, event, or milestone you’d like to celebrate with a custom Playwell set made from genuine LEGO® bricks, don’t hesitate to contact us! Let’s get started building your dreams today!