What you can win for entering your design
Tickets for the fantastic Steamlights train!
There will be one winner from each age group (see more below). The prize includes:
- Amazing displays. A truly magical and unique winter experience.
- A private compartment that seats 8 people.
- A choice of dates: 28th Nov, 3rd Dec, or 4th Dec with a late afternoon or early evening departure available.
- An invitation for you and your family to see your work exhibited at the Bluebell Railway between 25th August to 7th September 2025.
Runner up prize:
There will also be two runners up in each group who will be invited to the exhibition at Bluebell Railway between 25th August to 7th September 2025
and given a family pass to travel on our trains for that day.
All entries should arrive by Wednesday 20th August 2025.
Group 1
Up to 11 years
Get creative and draw a train of the future from your imagination.
- Where does it go?
- What does it look like?
- Who are the passengers?
- Does it have any special features?
Group 2
For those aged 12 to 17
The challenge is to visualise a future train, including interior and exterior design, and practical considerations for construction.
- Is it sustainable and environmentally friendly?
- What materials have you chosen to use and why?
- Is it economical?
- Does it suit the needs of a train operating company?
- What elements of passenger safety and comfort have you considered?
- Is there something innovative about your design?
How we will use your designs
We may display images of your drawings on our website or social media platforms. We will never share contact details and only use them to inform the winners and share any additional news regarding exhibiting the work.
We will curate an exhibition of designs at the Bluebell Railway which will go on a scheduled display from 25th August to 7th September 2025 at Horsted Keynes Station and, depending on the number of entries, may feature at more than one of our stations.
Further details about locations of the exhibition will appear on the Railway 200 page on our website.
Rules to enter
- Drawings should be on up to two sheets of either A4 or A3.
- One side of the paper only.
- Name (first name only) and age of designer on the front of the work and surname plus parent/guardian contact details on the reverse side of the page.
- Drawings will not be returned, so please keep originals or take copies before you send them.
- The winners will be decided by panel.
Send the drawings to:
Train of the Future Competition
Bluebell Railway Plc
Sheffield Park Station
Uckfield
East Sussex
TN22 3QL
All entries should arrive by Wednesday 20th August 2025. Winners announced on Sunday 24th August. Good luck!
