47th National Narrow Gauge Convention

Hickory, NC Sept. 1-4, 2027

Welcoming Narrow Gaugers, Steam Fans, Model Railroaders of all Scales

Model Contest

One of the most anticipated parts of a Narrow Gauge Convention is the model contest. This popular vote event invites modelers to bring their best work to be judged by their peers. A full set of rules are below. One of the few limitations to entries is that the subject of the motive power and rolling stock categories be of narrow gauge or short line orientation, and cannot have won a first place award at a previous NNGC . We encourage everyone to look at the entry form carefully to avoid any possible disagreements at the entry table. Everyone will follow the same rules, published here months in advance.

Categories

  1. Steam Motive Power – Rod: A steam powered locomotive with side rods.
  2. Steam Motive Power – Geared: A steam powered geared locomotive (e.g. Shay/Climax/Heisler). Cog or rack rail steam would also fit this category.
  3. Motive Power – Other: Any motorized locomotive or vehicle that runs on rails.
  4. Maintenance Of Way: Vehicles or cars used by railroads to maintain, repair, and improve the tracks and other infrastructure.
  5. Freight Car:
  6. Passenger Car: Includes baggage, mail, combines, coaches, first class and private cars. 
  7. Caboose: includes passenger carrying combination cabooses.
  8. Logging and Mining Equipment:
  9. Railroad structures: Includes stations, shops, water tanks, coaling towers, servicing  and maintenance facilities
  10. Non-railroad Structures: Just about everything else not qualifying in category 9.  
  11. Diorama: A structure or collection of structures or scene with scenery and/or non operating track.
  12. Module: A single module (table) of any size with operational track that is intended to connect to other modules.
  13. Modular Layout: A series of modules connected to form a continuous display with where trains can traverse the layout from module to module.
  14. Square Footer: Diorama of any scale or height but no parts, structures or scenery may extend over a 12” ×12” base.
  15. Animation: Note that sound is okay if it lasts less than 30 seconds.
  16. Youth Model: Under 18 years of age (one winner only).
  17. Model Photography – Black and White
  18. Model Photography – Color
  19. Prototype Photography – Black and White
  20. Prototype Photography – Color
  21. Best of Show – Photograph
  22. Best of Show – Model
  23. Special Awards Presented By Manufacturers

47th National Narrow Gauge Convention

General Contest Rules and Information

PLEASE! No camera bags, packages, bags, purses etc. in the contest room – they may be checked and claimed at the contest room desk.

  • Models must be built by and photos must be taken by the entrant. No “by proxy” entries will be allowed.
  • Models or photos should portray a narrow gauge or short line theme.
  • A model or photo which has won a first place or best of show at a previous National Narrow Gauge Convention may not be entered in the same category.
  • Models may only be entered in only one category (e.g. not in both Animation and Diorama categories).
  • Models of equipment (locomotives, cars, miscellaneous equipment) must be displayed without track or a base. Equipment may be placed on a mirror if desired to permit viewing of underbody details. Anything including track or a base will be considered part of a diorama or module. 
  • Module owners may register an individual module in the model contest. Due to space limitations modules will not be displayed in the contest room but all of them will be displayed together in the modular railroad area.
  • Modules differ from dioramas in that a module is designed to be part of an operating layout.
  • Any type of model may be entered in the animation category but cannot also be entered in another category. Entries must be powered internally because electricity is not guaranteed. Sound should be activated on a momentary or time limited basis (not continuous) and for no more than 30 seconds.
  • Photos can be no larger than 11″ x 14″. All photos must be mounted (keep the matt size under three inches). No framed photos will be allowed.
  • Tables will be provided to display models and photographs entered in the contest. Contest room display space is limited and availability will be on a first come, first served basis.
  • If you have a structure, diorama or display larger than 2’ x 4’ please contact the contest chairman prior to the convention.
  • Contest entries will be displayed and category determined by the contest chairman.
  • No packing containers may remain in the contest room and models can’t be removed prior to Saturday morning unless there is an emergency. Models must be retrieved by the entrant only.
  • Photos may be taken in the Contest Room. Tripods and monopods may be restricted depending on room space. 
  • Contest entries must be retrieved by the entrant only. Entrants must retrieve their models and photographs on Saturday September 4th between 9 am and 12 Noon Entries removed prior Saturday must be on an emergency basis. Models must be retrieved by the entrant only. Entrants who must leave the convention prior to the awards ceremony must designate whether they wish to have any awards they receive forwarded to an appropriate address or name an individual who will accept the award in their absence. 

Contest Timeline

  • The following timeline has been formulated by the 47th National Narrow Gauge Contest committee:
  • Entries may be submitted in the contest room beginning on Wednesday, September 1st at 10 a.m. and must be entered during normal contest room hours by Friday, September 3rd at 12 p.m. A photograph of the participant and their entry will be taken at this time.
  • A contest entry form must accompany each model or photograph.  A contest description form may be displayed with entries with more detailed information pertaining to the model.
  • Entrants must legibly print information on forms. Include a phonetic pronunciation of your name, so the presenter will be able to give winners the dignity of having their names correctly pronounced. 
  • The contest room will be open Wednesday September 1st from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m, Thursday September 2nd from 8:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. and from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m., on Friday, September 3rd from 8:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. and from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.
  • Contest popular vote ballots may be submitted any time between Wednesday and Friday. Balloting will close on Friday at 9 p.m.
  • Contest votes will be tabulated after the completion of voting. The Contest Committee will produce a presentation including photos of winners in each category for the awards ceremony on Saturday Evening.
  • Entries may be retrieved from the contest room on Saturday, September 4th from 8:30 a.m. until 12:00 Noon. 

Judging

  • Judging is conducted by popular vote and each attendee is provided one ballot to vote for their favorite entry in each category. 

Awards Presentation

  • Contest winners and Best of Show will be recognized during the Saturday Evening Closing Ceremonies.

Contest Links

Contest entries must include the following forms (click on the forms to download). These links will be available soon.

  1. 2027 Contest Entry Form
  2. 2027 Contest Description Form
  3. For questions or additional information, please contact our contest chairman.