NMRA National Contest Information
National Contest General Information
- Contest Events
- Judged Model Contest (Scratch Built & Kit Built)
- Module Contest
- Locomotive Performance Contest
- Switching Contest
- People's Choice Awards
- Model Showcase
- Afternoon of Meet the Modeler, Photographer and Crafter
- Photo Contest
- Pass Contest
- Arts & Crafts Contest (now under the People's Choice Awards)
- PLEASE NOTE: The Locomotive Performance and Switching Contests have not been held in several years and may or may not be held at future Conventions.
- Contest Schedule – The NMRA National Contest is held at the National Convention each year. The following schedule is typical for all events except the Module Contest (see Module Contest rules for its schedule).
- Entry and Viewing – Monday & Tuesday, generally 8:00am to 7:00pm & Wednesday, 8:00am to 4:00pm.
- Afternoon of Meet the Modeler, Photographer & Crafter – Tuesday, 1:00pm to 6:00pm.
- Voting for People's Choice Awards – Tuesday, 8:00am to 7:00pm & Wednesday, 8:00am to 4:00pm.
- Judging – Wednesday, 8:00am to 4:00pm (Open for viewing during judging; however please no show & tell).
- Score Review Period – Thursday, 9:00am to 11:00am.
- Awards Ceremony –Thursday, 1:00pm, viewing until 4:00pm.
- Award Photos – Thursday, 4:00pm to 9:00pm (CLOSED SESSION)
- Entry Pickup – Friday, 8:00am to 12:00 noon.
- PLEASE NOTE: The Contest Room is open during the judging for the benefit of registrants. You may use this time to view the models or to observe the judging and learn more about your own model or about contests in general. Your presence in the room is a privilege that will become a hindrance to the judging process if there is talking or any kind of commotion. Likewise we ask that there be no show & tell activities during this period. Under no circumstances should anything be said (positive or negative) about any entry that might affect the judges deliberations. Please use this privilege wisely and discreetly, so that we will not be forced to return to the days of closed judging.
- Contest Location – All contest events except the Module Contest are held in the Contest Room, typically located at the Convention hotel. The Module Contest is held at the National Train Show.
