Model & Photography Contest
The contest committee would like to welcome narrow-gauge modelers and photographers to St. Louis. We will gladly display your models and photos. As you decide what to enter, please keep two things in mind. First, space is limited. The more models and photos entered, the less space each will have, and the harder it will be to see your excellent work. Second, if you enter two or more models in the same category, you will be competing against yourself for votes. That said, we look forward to seeing your models and photos in the contest room in St. Louis.
Judging is by popular vote. Each attendee is provided one ballot to vote for their favorite entry in each category.
Cast your ballot by Friday at 1 PM.
Plaques will be awarded for first, second and third place in each category unless noted. A single plaque will be awarded for Best of Show.
Further information will be posted as it becomes available.
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Models and photographs must be built by or taken by the entrant and portray a narrow gauge theme. No “proxy” entries allowed.
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A model or photograph which has won first place or best of show at a previous narrow gauge convention may not be entered in the same category.
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A model may be entered in only one category (e.g. not Animation / Diorama).
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Module owners may register an individual module in the model contest. You will be given a 3" x 5" entry # placard which should be fixed to the center fascia of your module. Due to space limitations, modules will not be displayed in the contest room. Standalone modules, not part a larger group, will be displayed the lobby area.
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Modules differ from dioramas in that a module is designed to be part of an operating layout. Modules will be displayed in the exhibit area. Due to space concerns, no modules will be allowed in the contest room.
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Any type of model may be entered in the Animation category, although most are expected to be dioramas or similar displays. Models entered in this category may not be simultaneously entered in other categories. For safety, entries in this category cannot be powered directly by 110 VAC. Also, electric power is not guaranteed. Sound should be activated on a momentary or time-limited basis (not continuous), no more than ten (10) seconds.
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Tables will be provided to display models and photographs that will not be part of the contest. Display space is limited and will be used on a first come, first served basis.
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If you have a structure, diorama, or display larger than 2' x 4' please contact the model contest chairman before the convention.
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All packing containers must be removed from the contest area. No models may be removed before 9:00 am on Saturday except in cases of emergency. Upon retrieval, all models must be signed for by the original entrant or his/her representative with written authorization. The model contest room will be staffed during viewing hours and locked down during non-viewing hours.
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Packages, bags or purses will not be allowed in the contest room. They must be checked upon entering the contest room and claimed when leaving.
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Photos may be taken, however, no tripods or monopods are allowed in the Contest Room.
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Do not touch the models.
We ask everyone to honor the rules and security precautions.
Contest Links
Contest entries must include the following forms (click on the forms to download).
Contest Categories
2025 Contest General Rules and Information
1100 DIORAMA - A structure or collection of structures not necessarily related to one another, with scenery.
1200 MODULE
A single module (table) of any size with operational track that is intended to connect to other modules.
1300 MODULAR LAYOUT
A series of modules connected to form a continuous display with the ability for trains to traverse the layout from module to module.
1400 SQUARE FOOTER THEME: "JUNKYARD"
May be any scale and height, but no parts of structures or scenery may extend over the 12" x 12” base. Not even a leaf.
1500 ANIMATION
If the model has sound it may not last longer
than ten (10) seconds.
1600 YOUTH MODEL
Under 18 (first place only)
1700 MODEL PHOTOGRAPH
Black and white or color
1800 PROTOTYPE PHOTOGRAPH
Black and white or color
SPECIAL AWARDS BY MANUFACTURERS
1900 BEST OF SHOW - PHOTOGRAPH
2000 BEST OF SHOW - MODEL
100 STEAM MOTIVE POWER - ROD
A steam powered locomotive with side rods.
200 STEAM MOTIVE POWER - GEARED
A steam powered, gear driven locomotive, e.g. Shays.
300 MOTIVE POWER - OTHER
Any motorized locomotive or vehicle that runs on rail.
400 SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
Any item of RR related equipment not otherwise covered by category.
500 MAINTENANCE OF WAY
600 FREIGHT CAR
700 PASSENGER CAR
800 CABOOSE
900 LOGGING EQUIPMENT
1000 STRUCTURE
100 STEAM MOTIVE POWER - ROD
A steam powered locomotive with side rods.
200 STEAM MOTIVE POWER - GEARED
A steam powered, gear driven locomotive, e.g. Shays.
300 MOTIVE POWER - OTHER
Any motorized locomotive or vehicle that runs on rail.
400 SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
Any item of RR related equipment not otherwise covered by category.
500 MAINTENANCE OF WAY
600 FREIGHT CAR
700 PASSENGER CAR
800 CABOOSE
900 LOGGING EQUIPMENT
1000 STRUCTURE
1100 DIORAMA - A structure or collection of structures not necessarily related to one another, with scenery.
1200 MODULE
A single module (table) of any size with operational track that is intended to connect to other modules.
1300 MODULAR LAYOUT
A series of modules connected to form a continuous display with the ability for trains to traverse the layout from module to module.
1400 SQUARE FOOTER THEME: "JUNKYARD"
May be any scale and height, but no parts of structures or scenery may extend over the 12" x 12" base. Not even a leaf.
1500 ANIMATION
If the model has sound it may not last longer than ten (10) seconds.
1600 YOUTH MODEL
Under 18 (first place only)
1700 MODEL PHOTOGRAPH
Black and white or color
1800 PROTOTYPE PHOTOGRAPH
Black and white or color
SPECIAL AWARDS BY MANUFACTURERS
1900 BEST OF SHOW - PHOTOGRAPH
2000 BEST OF SHOW - MODEL
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