NMRA Model and Photo Contest
We encourage all folks interested in the NMRA’s achievement program to bring models to the national contest. Merit awards, place awards, and manufacturer-sponsored awards will be presented to participants. And model evaluators and contest staff will be available throughout the week to assist modelers in building better models, from construction to detailing, painting and weathering, and prototype conformance.
Please also bring photographs, passes, and arts and crafts items, as each of those entries (in addition to models) will be eligible for People’s Choice awards (which are attendee’s favorites as determined through popular vote). Space for display models will also be available for those with individual models or collections they’d like to share with convention attendees.
A special contest will feature Rock City barns. Bring your structures and displays, which will be eligible for a variety of awards.
In addition to your entries, you’ll need a couple of forms to accompany each model. One form is for modeler and item entry information (Form 901) and the second, for model description and evaluation (Form 902). Both forms are available on the NMRA website (www.nmra.org/education), along with information in how your models will be evaluated.
Much of that information will be reiterated at the convention during a Tuesday morning clinic. All those participating in the NMRA model contest, from those entering models to those evaluating them, are encouraged to attend this presentation and discussion. Check your timetable for clinic time and place.
Contest staff will also be available throughout the week to assist those participating in the achievement program and interested only in Merit Award evaluation and documentation completion for their models.
NMRA Contest Room Schedule
Activities within the NMRA contest room will be conducted during the following timeframes. The only exception is the NRMA Model Contest Evaluation Clinic, which will be conducted in one of the clinic rooms (per details defined in the convention timetable).
Monday, July 27 (10am to 5pm) – Model and photo entry.
Tuesday, July 28 (9am to 11:30am) – Model and photo entry. All contest entries must be received by 11:30am.
Tuesday, July 28 (Morning) – Model evaluation clinic (time and location per convention timetable).
Tuesday, July 28 (2pm to 6pm). Contest model evaluation.
Wednesday, July 29 (9am to Noon) – Entry viewing, model evaluation form and feedback form review, and Meet the Model Builder (contest participants discussing their modeling techniques with interested attendees).
Wednesday, July 29 (1pm to 4pm) – NMRA Magazine model photographs (room closed to attendees).
Wednesday, July 29 (4pm to 7pm) – Model and photo retrieval. All contest room entries must be picked up by 7pm.
Thursday, July 30 (10am to 11am) – Awards presentation.
Contest staff will be able to assist participants with the smallest to the largest of entries.
Model evaluators will complete a feedback form that will provide entrants with at least 40 comments on each of their entries.
Whether you choose to decal, dry-transfer, or hand-paint your model, bring your favorite Rock City barn to the national contest.
Required Contest Forms:
