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national train show

Judged Model Contest

SECTION 3. Judged Model Contest Rules

  1. Definition – Competitive Event for models; all entries shall be judged by teams of experienced judges using a point scoring system in accordance with the current Achievement Program Judging Guidelines.
  2. Scale – All scales shall be combined in each of the categories. There shall be no divisions of entries within each category for different scales.
  3. Categories
    1. Steam Locomotives – All types of locomotives powered by steam. The model must include an electric motor or other means of propulsion and be capable of operation to be eligible for the category
    2. Diesel & Other Locomotives – All All other types of locomotives except those powered by steam and passenger revenue carrying types. The model must include an electric motor or other means of propulsion and be capable of operation to be eligible for the category. In the case of multiple joined locomotives, at least one of the units must be powered.
    3. Passenger Cars – All types of passenger revenue carrying equipment, including coaches, observation, mail baggage cars as well as powered rail buses and RDC cars. Express reefers are not included.
    4. Freight Cars – All types of freight revenue carrying cars, including express reefers.
    5. Caboose – All types, including traditional, bobbers, drovers, and transfers type.
    6. Non-Revenue – Right-of-way, track maintenance vehicles, rail and inspection cars, railroad cranes and others not considered directly involved in revenue service. This includes track controlling devices including turnouts, crossings, etc.
    7. Traction – All equipment associated with urban, suburban and interurban electrically powered railroads.
    8. Structures On-Line – Structures which are adjacent to and have direct access to railroad tracks.
    9. Structure Off-Line – Structures which do not have direct access to railroad tracks.
    10. Display On-Line – Modeled scenes which are adjacent to and have direct access to railroad tracks.
    11. Display Off-Line – Modeled scenes which do not have direct access to railroad tracks.
  4. Awards & Special Contest Events
    1. Place Awards – Plaques shall be awarded for first, second and third places. Honorable Mention certificates shall be awarded for those not receiving a plaque but attaining 87.5 points or greater.
    2. Special Contest Events: These are special sub-competitions that may be entered with separate awards for certain types of models in addition to the normal judging. These need to be checked off on the entry form:
      1. AP Kitbash Locomotive — For locomotives based on modified kit construction.
      2. AP Kitbash Rolling Stock — For rolling stock based on modified kit construction.
      3. AP Kitbash Caboose — For cabooses based on modified kit construction.
      4. AP Kitbash Structure — For structures based on modified kit construction. Individual structures in a scene are also eligible.
      Entries should also note that models entered in the Judged Model Contest are also eligible for any applicable People's Choice Awards including the Photo Match and Most Creative Model of Original Design Contests and Awards.
    3. NMRA Special Awards:
      1. Gold Award – Shall be chosen by a group of judges selected by the National Contest Chairman from the first place winners in each category generally but not necessarily based on the model receiving the highest point score. The model receiving the Gold Award shall be considered the Best-of-Show in the judged model contest. After selection, the Gold Award winning model shall be removed from its individual category and the first, second and third place awards reassigned to the remaining models in that category based on point score.
      2. National Contest Chairman's Award – Chosen by the Contest General Manager for an entry depicting exceptional effort and craftsmanship.
      3. National Contest Judges Award – Chosen by the judging team leaders for a model displaying exceptional effort and craftsmanship which did not receive a Place Award.
    4. Sponsored Special Awards – The awards listed below are those currently slated for the next convention. Because they are sponsored by outside manufacturers, specific awards may be added or withdrawn at any time.
      1. Bachmann Innovations Award (most innovative model)
      2. Kato USA Diesel Award (best diesel model)
      3. Key Imports Diorama Award (best display)
      4. Fun & Games Award (best use of figures)
      5. Testor’s Floquil Locomotive Finish Award (best loco finish)
      6. Testor’s Floquil High Iron Award (flashiest paint scheme)
      7. Testor’s Floquil Youth Award (best finish by a young person)
      8. Testor’s Floquil Non-Revenue Award (best finish non-revenue)
      9. Hunterline Award (best scratch-built wooden model)
      10. Mt. Albert Scale Lumber Company Award (best wooden model)
      11. Scale Rails Award (most photogenic model)
      12. Model Most Deserving of Sound Award (Fantasonics Engineering)
      13. Railroad Model Craftsman Award (best model — chosen by Carstens Publications)
      14. BLE Brass Bell Award (highest point score for over-the-road locomotive)
      15. Timber Times Best Logging Model Award (best logging model)
      16. Timber Times Best Logging Diorama Award (best logging diorama)
      17. United Transportation Union Brass Lantern Award (high score over-the-road caboose)
      18. Wm. J. Lenoir Locomotive Construction Award (high point score scratch-built locomotive)
  5. Forms
    1. Model Contest Entry Form, (Form #901)
    2. Model Contest Judges Score Sheet, (Form #902)