The Celebration of Models is one of the highlights of any NER Convention.

A Model Showcase

The Model Showcase is a display-only exhibit. Many folks are not interested in participating in a judged event, even if it is Popular Vote. Some may want to share a partially completed model if there was some particularly difficult and tricky modeling technique involved. Others may simply just want to share some of their models.

People’s Choice

The People’s Choice is a popular vote exhibit. Convention attendees are the judges and they will vote for their favorite model in four categories: motive power, rolling stock, structure, and display. Certificates for first, second, and third in each category will be awarded.

Judged Model Contest

The Judged Model Contest is a judged exhibit. Models are entered into nine categories: locomotive—steam, locomotive—other, traction, passenger car, freight car, caboose, non-revenue car, structure, and display. The Contest Chair will assign judges to one of five teams. Each team will judge all the models in the contest for one of five factors: construction, detail, conformity, finish and lettering, and scratch built. The chairman then will calculate the total score for each model and rank them both overall and by category. Winners will be determined by the total score. Certificates for first, second, third, and honorable mention will be presented.

NMRA Achievement Program

The NMRA Achievement Program recognizes the construction of outstanding railroad models and works in conjunction with the Judged Model contest. Models that achieve a score of 87.5 points out of 125 in the contest will receive an AP merit award. However, Achievement Program participation can take place separately from the Model Contest.

Photo Contest

The Photo Contest is a judged exhibit. Photographs are entered in six categories: Prototype Print—B & W, Prototype Print—Color, Model Print—B & W, Model Print—Color, Working on the Railroad, and Panoramic Print. Certificates for Best in Show, first, second, third, and honorable mention will be presented.

Special Awards

The Model Contest presents four Special Awards.

• The Lakeshores Division sponsors the Harold Russell award, given for the structure model with the highest point total above merit level.
• The Sunrise Trail Division gives The Sunrise Trail New Modeler Award for the model with the highest point total for a first-time modeler.
• The Hub Division gives the Hub Award for the model with the second-highest point total.
• The Baldwin Trophy is awarded as Best in Show for the model with the highest point total.

Participating in the Celebration

If you wish to participate in the Celebration Room, bring your model(s) or photo(s) to the convention with you. Check the convention schedule to determine what day and time the Celebration room is open.

Forms:

Each model and photo will require NMRA Form #901 (Click here).

Models entered into the Judged Model contest will also require NMRA form #902 (Click here).