The Contest Chair

Animas Rails RMR 2017 Convention Model Contest

Still lots of time between now and the Regional Model Contest at the Animas Rails Convention in Durango, CO, 8-11 June 2017.  Take your model to your Division AP Chair for advice, and have them review your Judging Form for NMRA judging.  The contest is to challenge yourself to get better.  Whether you choose to participate in the quantitative NMRA judging or Popular vote contest only, model entries are welcome to represent your Division and Region.

All entries will be entered for popular vote, and those requesting to be NMRA Merit judged will be eligible for Merit Awards and qualifying special category plaques.

Convention Special Award (Trophy) for “Best Construction Vehicle - Truck”, will be limited to any model of a construction vehicle that would be classified as a truck (dump, cement, crane, etc.) that could be found around or on a construction site, limited to  1 entry/member.  Because almost all model vehicles rarely would warrant a Merit Award, this category is Popular Vote only, and allows many modelers to showcase a vehicle off their layout that may get little notice.

Since the Convention will be held in Durango, Colorado, The Best Representation of Colorado Railroading (Plaque), which can be any locomotive, train, rolling stock, mini-diorama or module (no limit on number of entries/member), will be awarded by Popular Vote.  Models/dioramas/modules that have previously received this award are ineligible.  This award was established for the resident state of each convention.

The Journeyman Award (Trophy) will be awarded to the Best Model of participants under 18 by Popular Vote (no limit of entries/member).  This of course, is a great way to introduce youths into the contest and hopefully encourage participation.

Other Popular Vote categories are eligible to receive a “First Place” Plaque if we get a minimum of 5 participants in the category.

Animas Rails RMR 2017 Convention Model Contest

NMRA Judged & Popular Vote Categories

Categories                                     Definition

Steam Locomotive                     Any locomotive receiving propulsion from the expansion of steam.

Diesel & Other Locomotive     Any locomotive receiving propulsion from an internal combustion engine.

Traction                                             Any locomotive or car receiving propulsion from an external source of electricity.

Structures:  On-line                     Any class of structure serviced by the railroad (requires track access).

Structures: Off-line                     Any class of structure not necessarily requiring track access (Commercial, industrial, residential).

Passenger Car                             Any car in a passenger train, including head end express cars, non-powered trolleys and interurbans.

Freight Car                                     Any car used to transport revenue.

Caboose                                             Any car used on the rear of the train utilized by the train crew.

Non-revenue                             Any car used for the purpose of maintaining the right-of-way and associated structures.

Mini-Diorama                             Any module of 144 sq. inches or less

Module                                             Any other size of module – typically 2 ft x 4 ft

NMRA judged entries are eligible for a 1st – 3rd plaque for scores 87.5 and above

Entries that request NMRA judging that are not in the categories above; such as Structures: Track; Structures: Bridges, Structures: Miscellaneous are eligible for Merit Awards.

Animas Rails RMR 2017 Convention Model Contest

Popular Vote Categories Only

Non-Judged Categories                 Definition

Convention Special                         Best Construction Vehicle – Truck Class (Dump, Cement, Crane, etc.) 1 entry/member

Colorado Award                                 Best representation of Colorado Railroading

Journeyman                                         Best Modeling (Under 18)

Best Train                                         6’ maximum length (please)

Model Print                                         Black & White or Color

Prototype Print                                 Black & White or Color

Arts & Crafts                                         Railroadiana, Needlepoint, and General

Railroad Pass                                 Best Pass for Layout/Operating Layout/Model RR

First Place Popular Vote Plaque awarded for a minimum of 5 participants in category

NMRA judged category plaques means the entry must also earn a Merit Award to receive a plaque for 1st – 3rd place.

Pike’s Peak or Bust Convention 2016 RMR Model Contest

Entries in NMRA Judged Categories that achieve a Merit Award qualify for a plaque:

                                            NMRA score                     Plaque Style

                                              87.5 – 107 pts                            Standard Plaque

                                                      108 – 119 pts                            Premium Plaque

                                                     120 – 125 pts                                Elite Plaque

                                                       Highest Score           Duane Miller/Caboose Award

                                                Second Highest Score                  Fred Carlson Award

                                                 Third Highest Score          Rocky Mountain Region Award

Popular Voting at the Convention

Popular voting will be performed Friday evening, during and after the Friday evening Board of Directors meeting.  The model contest room will also serve for the BOD meeting room, so PLEASE be courteous by voting quietly, which will be very much appreciated.

NMRA Judging at the Convention

NMRA judging will be performed Saturday evening, following dinner after the Train ride.  The contest room will be closed to others during judging.

Model Pick-Up

ALL models MUST be picked up immediately following NMRA judging Saturday evening.  Judging will be complete Saturday evening at approximately 9 PM or later.  It is the responsibility of the modeler to have their contest model picked up late Saturday evening, because we will not have the room on Sunday.  Modelers that fail to have their model picked up at the convention and require shipping for return of the model to the modeler, will be responsible for a minimum $20 shipping charge.