We are pleased to have a Celebration of Models, Photographs, and Arts and Crafts at the 2025 PNR Ainsworth Connector Convention.
When you register for the convention, please indicate on the registration form if you plan on participating in the Celebration Room activities.
Contests: The Celebration will include NMRA Model Contests, Achievement Program model evaluations, Photography contest, and popular choice entries. There is a Display Only category that will not be in a contest or evaluation, but all entries can be voted in the popular choice category. All entrants in the Model and Photography Events must be NMRA members in good standing. One exception: Plus-one attendees may enter the Arts and Crafts Contest. All convention attendees, Full-fare and Plus-one, are eligible to enter the Arts & Crafts Contest. Entries that have previously won first place in an NMRA National or Regional Contest may be entered as a Display Only.
Forms:
- A completed Contest Entry Form #901 must accompany each entry in the Model, Popular Vote, Photography, and Arts & Crafts contests. No exceptions.
- A completed Model Contest Judge’s Score Sheet #902 must accompany each entry in the Model Contest. No exceptions.
- Form #902 is not required if a model is submitted only for AP evaluation.
- An entry in the Popular Vote, Photography, or Arts & Craft contests does not require a #902 Judges Score Sheet.
Both #901 and #902 forms can be found by clicking on the form numbers. Form #901 information will be entered in the contest book in chronological order with an attached claim check. The contest chairman will keep the #901 form on file. Entrants will keep the claim check and sign and return the claim check at entry at the pick-up time. Form #902 and supplemental information (plans, photographs, documents, etc.) will be displayed with the related entry.
Additional Requirements
Please notify the contest chairman (jrdeckerjr@gmail.com) prior to the convention about any entries larger than a 2’ x 4’ footprint. Electrical connections may not be available so plan accordingly. No sales of any kind will be allowed in the Celebration Room. All entries must be retrieved by 10:00 am on Sunday morning. We will not be liable for any entries remaining in the contest room after this time unless prior arrangements are made.
Contest Categories
Models
- Steam Powered Loco – Entry must be powered.
- Diesel, Other Powered Loco and Traction – Entry must be powered.
- Passenger Car
- Freight Car
- Caboose
- Non-Revenue (MOW)
- Structures
Photography
- Model
- Prototype
The Photography Contest will be for prints only, no slides. All prints must be mounted, and the combined size of the mount and photograph must not exceed 12” x 16”. Each photograph shall have the entrants name on the back. Only a title may be present on the front. The photographer may enter no more than three entries in each category. Entries must not be framed.
Arts & Crafts
- General – Any non-needle work such as painting, drawing, sculpture, woodcarving, photography
- Needle Work – quilting, knitting, crochet, needlepoint, weaving, embroidery, felting
Awards
The following awards will be presented:
- 1st place: plaque + certificate
- 2nd place: ribbon + certificate
- 3rd place: ribbon + certificate
People’s Choice
All registered convention attendees will receive a ballot in their registration packet and be eligible to vote in the People’s Choice Award.
Award Categories
- Best Model
- Best Photograph
- Best Arts & Crafts
- Under 18 (Any model entered by a person under 18 years of age).
The modeler has the choice of entering in the regular contest if they wish.
Awards will be displayed beside contest entries on Saturday morning in the Celebration of Models Room. An announcement of winners will be presented at the banquet for recognition. Contest models achieving 87.5 points or better will receive an Achievement Program merit award.
Achievement Program
Evaluations of models for Merit Awards that are not entered in the contest will be done by appointment, with the modeler present. Convention attendees are welcome to view the evaluation sessions to learn more about the conduct of AP evaluations. If you plan on bringing one or more models for evaluation, please check the box on the registration form to allow for planning. Form #902 is not required, but modelers are encouraged to bring relevant documentation such as prototype photos, plans, etc. A sign-up sheet will be available at the Celebration Room intake desk. Form #901 will be needed – be sure to indicate that you are interested in AP evaluations only. For more information, contact the PNR AP Manager (b.fassett@comcast.net).
Display Only Models
Models for Display Only will need to be accompanied by Form #901. These models will be eligible for Peoples’ Choice awards in the relevant category.
A Final Word
We hope all convention attendees will participate in at least one contest. For those who do not wish to enter the formal contests or seek Merit Award evaluations, we ask you bring and display examples of your craftsmanship for the pleasure of all.