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Rails to Pittsburgh Contests


Here is your opportunity to show off your modeling skills by bringing your models to the show models will be judged by these categories:

  • Peoples Choice
    • Locomotive
    • Car
    • Structure
    • Display
    • Prototype Photo
    • Model Photo
    • Arts & Crafts Entry
    • Module
  • Model Contest
    • Steam Locomotive
    • Diesel & Other Locomotive
    • Traction
    • Passenger Car
    • Freight Car
    • Caboose
    • Non-Revenue Car
    • Structure
    • Display
  • Photo Contest
    • Model Black & White Print
    • Model Color Print
    • Prototype Black & White Print
    • Prototype Color Print
  • Arts & Crafts Contest
    • Railroadiana
    • Needlework
    • General
  • Module Contest
    • T-Trak Module
    • Other Module

The Peoples Choice ballots will be in your registration packets and must be turned in by 12:00 noon Saturday.

A train is defined as a locomotive with one or more pieces of rolling stock and a tailend car, if applicable. Each train should be set up on track provided by the entrant. Each entrant will be limited to one train of eight feet or less in length

The judging of the Model Contest is conducted by teams of experienced judges using a point scoring system providing a grade between zero and 125 pts. Five factors are judged including construction, conformity, detail, appearance and scratch built. The final point score is the basis for award ranking. Attaining a point score of 87.5 pts or 70% entitles the entrant to a Merit Award which counts towards Master Builder Awards in the NMRA Achievement Program.

You can download the MCR Contest Entry Form for use in the contest events.

Entries for the Model Contest will be accepted, along with viewing, in the Contest Room at the following times:

Judging will be performed Saturday, May 6 at 9:00am. After the judging commences, entries are no longer accepted, the public can view the models, but may not talk to the judges. The contest room closes when judging is completed and the room is locked.

Contest room opens after the banquet for entries to be retrieved.

The NMRA has held contests for many years at National and Regional Conventions as well as many Divisional Meets. The Judged Model Contest is typically considered the prime event. Visit the NMRA Contests Page for more information.