Builder: Matt Csenge
Region: Americas
Category entered:
Year entered: 2023
Brand of building bricks used:
LEGO
Since 2026, the Brick Train Awards have accepted models created with other LEGO®-compatible construction brick systems.
About Shedd Aquarium Nautilus II by Matt Csenge
The John G. Shedd Aquarium is in Chicago, Illinois, on the shore of Lake Michigan. From 1930-1957, the aquarium owned and operated the Nautilus, a custom heavyweight car built for transporting fish to and from the aquarium.
In 1959 the aquarium took delivery of the Nautilus II, former Chicago & Eastern Illinois buffet-lunch car 304, which had been overhauled to transport fish and marine animals. Inside were sixteen moveable 200-gallon tanks, overhead shelves that held twenty 30-gallon cans, and living quarters for the crew: seats and berths for 6 and a 3-plate gas burner!
Up until the 1960s the aquarium had its own spur from the Illinois Central where animals would be transferred. The car operated on trains across the country, often to Florida and California - the original Nautilus made its longest journey by ship to Australia! Nowadays the Nautilus II resides at the Monticello Railway Museum in Monticello, IL.
Credit to Conrad Schlenker for the design of the side doors and trucks, as well as details of the car ends.
Credit to Calvin Bramble for the roof design.
Credit to Monty Smith for the decal art.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/91993389@N08/albums/72177720307687814