A Celebration of Models, Photos & Crafts
A Celebration of Models, Photos & Crafts is so much more than just the judged contest of years ago. The NMRA offers a menu of activities from the venerable judged event to People’s Choice, to Model Showcase and more. Of course, it’s more than just about the models: photos, passes,
arts & crafts and module events are included as well. It’s much less about who wins, but more about sharing our accomplishments and techniques, teaching, and learning and perhaps most important encouraging and inspiring each other.
NMRA Model and Photo Contest
We encourage anyone interested in the NMRA’s achievement program to bring models to the national contest. 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.
Photographs may also be entered for evaluation.
In addition to your model or photograph, you’ll need two forms to accompany your entry.
Form 901 is the Contest Entry Form
Form 902 is the Model Contest Judge’s Score Sheet.
For additional information about the Model and Photo contest visit the NMRA Contest Page.
People’s Choice Awards and Model Showcase
The People’s Choice Awards is a direct entry, popular vote contest of models, photos, and arts & craft. Only Contest Entry Form 901 is required to participate in the People’s Choice Awards.
For additional information about the People’s Choice Award, including contest rules and categories, visit the People’s Choice Awards page on the NMRA website.
Rock City Barn
A special addition to the People’s Choice Awards is the Rock City Barn contest, a one-time contest showcasing the iconic Rock City Barn. Only Contest Entry Form 901 is required to participate.
Model Showcase
The Model Showcase is a non-competitive, display-only event for complete or in-process models or other railroad oriented projects. No contest entry form is required to participate.
Entrants shall be given Certificates of Participation.
NMRA Contest Room Schedule
Monday, July 27
10am to 5pm – NMRA Model and Photo contest entry. Judged, People’s Choice Awards, Rock City Barn, and Model Showcase entry.
Tuesday, July 28
9am to 11:30am – NMRA Model and Photo contest entry. All NMRA Model and Photo contest entries must be received by 11:30am, including judged, People’s Choice Awards and Rock City Barn entries. Does not include Model Showcase entries.
11am – National Model and Photograph Contest Evaluation Clinic.
2pm to 6pm – People’s Choice Awards and Rock City Barns contest voting opens. Voting closes at 12pm Friday.
2pm to 6pm – NMRA Contest model and photo 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).
1pm to 4pm – Contest room closed to attendees.
4pm to 7pm – NMRA judged Model and photo entries retrieval. All NMRA judged contest room entries must be picked up by 7pm. Does not include People’s Choice Awards, Rock City Barn, and Model Showcase entries.
Thursday, July 30
9am to 12pm, 1pm to 4pm – People’s Choice Awards and Rock City Barn voting and viewing. Model Showcase viewing.
Friday, July 31
9am to noon – People’s Choice Awards and Rock City Barn voting and viewing. Model Showcase viewing.
12pm – People’s Choice Award voting closes.
2pm – All People’s Choice Awards, Rock City Barn, and Model Showcase entries must be picked up by 2 pm.
Saturday, August 1
5:30pm – Awards presentation.
Required Contest Forms:
