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Model Contest

The tradition continues! Join modelers from around the region in this spirited competition, which awards the best in show for traction models and structures of all gauges. Traction, transit, and structure models are all eligble for awards—so bring your best models, and see if they're the "best in show"!

Categories | Display Models | Prizes | Contest Rules

Accepted Model Categories

The 2012 contest accepts traction and transit models (trolleys, streetcars, LRVs, buses, trackless trolleys, and related structures) in the following categories:

Scratch-Built Model: Made/built by the contestant from plans, photos, etc. from any materials to produce a prototype or freelance representation. The only commercial parts are to be items to finish the model.

Kit Model: Built by the contestant from a commercial kit as designed by the manufacturer, including all parts to complete it. In the case of vehicle models, items from other sourcess may be used to finish.

Modified Kit: This category includes commercial models modified by contestant from the original kit to a specific prototype or made from parts of commercial kit(s) to represent a specific prototype. Unpainted commercial models including brass, epoxy or urethane shells super detailed, powered, and painted by the contestant fall into this category.

Structure Model: The same criteria applies as far as vehicles described above, EXCEPT model structure cannot be more than 2 1/2 feet long and must fit on the contest table. No exceptions. No free-standing modules are eligible.

See model contest rules below for further information and how to enter.

Display Models

Models not intended for the contest may be placed on the designated area of the table for display. We encourage modelers to showcase their "works in progress" or other models they particularly wish to display for others to see and admire. Any model vehicle or structure may be put on the table if there is room for it. Limit one display model per person.

Prizes

Prizes consist of an award for the Best Model for a transit vehicle and Best Model for a transit related structure; in the opinion of the judges, Honorable Mention may be given to other commendable models in each category. In addition to the judged model contest, there is a Popular award given for the best model as voted by attendees of the show. Ballots for this purpose are distributed at the registration desk. One vote per person.

Model Contest Rules

Any mass transit* vehicle or transit related structure** in any scale may be entered into the Model Contest provided that it is the ORIGINAL work of the contestant. The contestant must be present to complete the entry form and model must be the property of the entrant. Please limit your entry to ONE MODEL or set.

Professional model builders, i.e., builders of finished cars/structures for commercial sales are not permitted to enter the contest, nor are their products eligible for entry by others for them.

The contestant agrees to fill out the registration form completely and accurately so judges may evaluate the vehicle or structure properly against other models.

Scratch builders are encouraged to provide one or more prototype photos or a plan in the scratch built or kit bashed category. This documentation helps judges verify any unique features of the original that are duplicated on the model. There is a five (5) point bonus for submitting a photo or plan. To earn points, the photo(s) or plans (s) must be of the prototype, not the model entered. All models are graded by a point system used by the judges.

The contest opens at 10:00AM for registration. Contestant agrees to leave model on the competition table until after the judges have made their decision and prizes have been Awarded, i.e., until 3:00PM. The contest table will be supervised at all times.

There must be a minimum of three models entered in competition for either the model or structure category to justify a contest. If there are fewer than the minimum number of entries In either category, an entry MUST score at least 240 points to qualify for the top prize In the judged contest. The Judges' decisions are final.

* Defined as trolley, interurban, rapid transit car, trackless trolley, bus, and commuter rail car.

** Defined as street furniture, commercial buildings, car house, station.

© 2012 The Boston Street Railway Association, Inc., Seashore Trolley Museum (New England Electric Railway Historical Society), Bay State Society of Model Engineers and National Railway Historical Society, Boston Chapter. All Rights Reserved.

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