Celebration of Models, Photos & Crafts – National Model Railroad Association Inc.

Convention 2025

With just seven months until the convention, now is the perfect time to finalise your entry for the Celebration or begin a new project.

Contest Overview

In 2020, the National Convention updated its contest guidelines, introducing fresh categories and renaming the event “A Celebration of Models, Photos & Crafts.” In preparation for the 2025 Australasian Region convention, the organizing committee has adopted much of the national celebration format to better reflect contemporary interests.

Why Participate?

The Celebration provides a platform to showcase your latest modelling projects and receive valuable feedback. Models earning a Merit Award (87.5+ points or 70%) contribute towards your Achievement Program (AP).

Model Celebration (Judged)

Categories & Guidelines

Models will be judged according to the NMRA “Judging Guidelines.”

Two Classifications: Scratch-built and Kit-built
Eight Categories:
1. Steam Locomotive
2. Diesel Locomotive or Other Traction Types (Tram/Railcar, etc.)
3. Passenger Car (Including vehicles from passenger trains)
4. Freight Car/Goods Wagon
5. Caboose/Guards Van
6. Non-Revenue Car/Wagon
7. Structure
8. Display

Important Dates:

Entry Submission: Friday, August 22, by 1:00 PM (Celebration Room, NMRA Staff)
Collection: Sunday, August 24, after 12:00 PM (or as arranged)

Requirements:

Forms:
- Contest Entry Form (#901) – Download Here
- Model Judging Form (#902) – Download Here
Supporting Documents (Photos, Plans, Construction Details)

Note: Past First Place/Gold Award winners are not eligible.

📌 Helpful Resources:

Model Celebration Showcase (Display Only)

For those who want to display their models without judging.

Submission Deadline: August 22, by 1:00 PM
Collection: August 24, after 12:00 PM
Entry Form Required: Link Here

Photo Celebration (Judged)

Judge: Dr. Charles J. Page (www.charlespagephotography.com)

Submission Guidelines

File Format: JPEG, 72 DPI (Still Images)
Submission Method: USB Memory Stick (Mailed)
Deadline: Friday, August 15
Mail to: Arthur Hayes, 21 Madison Street, Sunnybank Hills, Qld, 4109
Display: Entries will be showcased via slideshow during the convention.

Arts & Crafts (People’s Choice Awards)

Voting & Awards

Delegates receive voting forms upon entry
Ballot box available at the exit

Awards & Recognition

Official Awards

President’s Award – “Best in Show” (Highest points)
Perpetual Awards:
- Rick Shoup Award: Best Australasian Prototype Model
- John Baker Award: Best American Prototype Model

Popular Vote Award

Delegates vote for their favorite model
Certificates for First, Second, and Third places in each category

Awards Ceremony

Winners announced at the Convention Dinner
Plaques/trophies awarded
Certificates & Merit Awards displayed with models

Meet the Modeller

Join us Sunday morning for a “Meet the Modeller” session, where entrants can discuss their work with delegates. Interested? Email Arthur Hayes.

Model Celebration Judging

Would you like to be a judge? Gain hands-on experience and deepen your modelling skills! Attend David O’Hearn’s presentation on “Basic to Award-Winning Modelling” for an introduction to judging methods.

Meet the Judging Panel

Ross Balderson MMR – Contest judge, builder of award-winning layouts
Philip Sharp – Division Superintendent, NMRA contest judge (2016-2019)
Arthur Hayes MMR – Celebration Coordinator, NMRA contest winner

Celebration Room Rules

No food, drinks, or bags allowed during viewing times
Closed during judging

Get Involved!

This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills, learn from others, and engage with fellow modellers. Whether you enter, judge, or volunteer, we’d love your participation!

Contact Us: 📞 Arthur Hayes (Celebration Coordinator) – 0408 196 640 📧 Email: abchayes@optusnet.com.au

📞 Paul Rollason (Division 1 Superintendent) – 0419 670 653 📧 Email: Div1sup@NMRA.org.au

🎉 Happy Modelling!