As per the PSR By-laws, the Contest Committee consists of the PSR Contest Chairman and the Contest Chairmen of the four Divisions in the PSR. The PSR Contest Chairman is responsible for the maintenance of this document, with input and review by the Committee members. The Committee is responsible for the conduct and administration of PSR contests, including staffing; recruitment and training of contest judges; and resolution of rule questions or queries at contest events.

Judges

Judges shall be members of the NMRA who are recognized as experienced and adept modelers by their peers (Master Model Railroaders are desirable, but this is not a requirement). They need not be PSR members. They must be totally conversant with the NMRA judging guidelines. Members of the PSR Contest Committee may be judges. Judges may enter models in the contest, but they must recuse themselves from judging any models in the category entered. As a rule, the minimum number of judges shall be five, one for each judging category. The desired number of judges is 10 (two for each judging category). One judge will be appointed Senior Judge. The Senior Judge shall clarify points or questions, verify point totals, determine who will judge the photos, modules, and arts and crafts entries, and lead the judging team. No judging shall be conducted outside the contest room, with the exception of modules, or models on modules, which may be participating in a train show in conjunction with the Contest.

Contest General Information

A. Contest Events
The NMRA national contest guidelines list nine contest events, these are: Judged Model Contest; Locomotive Performance Contest; Photo Contest; Switching Contest; Arts and Crafts Contest: People's Choice Awards; Module Contest; Model Showcase; and Pass Contest. Some of these events have not been utilized by the PSR for some time, if ever. The PSR Contest Events are:

•  Judged Model Contest
•  Photo Contest
•  Arts and Crafts Contest
•  Module Contest.

B. Entry
Any member of the NMRA in good standing, except those earning more than 10% of their income by building commercial railroad models, is eligible to compete. Commercially built models are not eligible for awards and should not be entered. Only models, photos, and arts and crafts which are the product of the entrant will be considered by the judges, and awards shall be based on the effort by the entrant.

C. Security
Neither the PSR nor the Host Committee can assume responsibility in the event of loss or damage to an entry. Reasonable protection will be provided for the contest room contents. Contest entries must be claimed by the entrant or his proxy at the time specified by the Host Contest Chairman. The Contest Committee shall not be responsible for returning any entry not claimed at the end of the announced time.

D. Forms
Each entry must be accompanied by the official NMRA forms, properly filled out and signed by the by the entrant or his assigned proxy. The required forms for each Contest Event are listed in the description of that event. Proxy entries must be accompanied by a letter of authorization signed by the entrant. Proxy entries are intended to allow those who cannot attend personally to participate in the Contest. Contest forms should be completed prior to the time of entry. A claim check will be provided for each item entered, which must be presented to retrieve entries after the contest

E. Number of Entries
There shall be no restrictions on the number of models entered by a single entrant in the judged model contest or arts and crafts contest. In the photo contest, each entrant is limited to a maximum of ten entries with a maximum of five entries in one category. There are no entry fees. Joint entries (work performed by more than one modeler) shall not be judged, except for the Module Contest.

F. Minimum Award Scores
All models or modules receiving a plaque must receive a score of at least 50% of the available points (62.5 points). Additionally, any category having only one entry shall be considered for an award if, in the opinion of the Judges, the model earns at least 40% of the available points (50 points).

G. Schedule
The PSR Contest Chairman, in cooperation with the Host Contest Chairman, shall establish the contest room schedule to include time windows for model entry, judging, and pickup. If possible, this schedule will be distributed to the membership through the PSR Dispatch prior to the Contest.

H. Contest Room Etiquette
All visitors to the contest room shall not touch or otherwise interfere with displayed models, photos, or arts and crafts. Bisitors to the contest room during judging shall not converse with, or otherwise interfere with the judges. Contest room staff will admonish those who do not observe these rules and they may be asked to leave the contest room.

I. Prior Award Restrictions
Models which have placed first in any prior NMRA National or Regional Contest cannot be entered. Any models which have been entered in division contests are welcome at PSR Contests.

Judged Model Contest

A. Judged Model Contest Rules
This is a competitive event for models; all entries shall be judged by teams of experienced judges using a point scoring system in accordance with current NMRA Achievement Program Judging Guidelines.

B. Scale
All scales shall be combined in each of the categories. There shall be no divisions of entries within each category for different scales.

C. Categories

1. Steam Locomotive – All types of locomotives where the prototype was powered by steam. The model must include an electric motor or other means of propulsion and be capable of operation to be eligible for the category.

2. Diesel and Other Locomotives – All types of locomotives except for those in 1, above, and traction types, 3 below. The model must include an electric motor or other means of propulsion and be capable of operation to be eligible for the category. In the case of multiple joined locomotives, at least one of the units must be powered.

3. Traction – All equipment associated with urban, suburban, and interurban electrically powered railroads.

4. Passenger Car – All types of passenger revenue carrying equipment, including coaches, observation, mail, baggage, and combine cars, as well as powered rail buses and RDC cars. Express reefers are not included.

5. Freight Car – All types of freight revenue carrying cars, including express reefers.

6. Caboose – All, including traditional, bobbers, drovers, and transfer types.

7. Non-Revenue – Right-of-way/track maintenance cars, rail and inspection cars, railroad cranes, and others not considered directly involved in revenue service.

8. Structure On-Line – Structures which are adjacent to and have direct access to railroad tracks.

9. Structure Off-Line – Structures which do not have direct access to railroad tracks.

10. Display On-Line – Modeled scenes which are adjacent to and have direct access to railroad tracks.

11. Display Off-Line - Modeled scenes which do not have direct access to railroad tracks.

D. Classifications
There shall be two classifications for all of the categories listed in Part C above: Open and Kit. Awards will be presented in both classifications as well as merit awards, if warranted, for the Achievement Program.

Open Classification
The Open Classification shall consist of models that are more than 50% scratchbuilt or are deemed, by the entering contestant, to have significant modifications and/or a quantity of added details to warrant being judged in this classification.

Kit Classification
The Kit Classification shall consist of models that were constructed from kits with less than 50% of the model being scratchbuilt. This is determined by the entering contestant.

E. Awards
There shall be awards in every populated category, if the entries earn the minimum score of 50 points (40% of the available total). First place will receive a plaque, second, a red ribbon, and third, a white ribbon. The minimum score to receive a plaque is 62.5 points (50% of 125 points possible). Additionally, any model receiving a Merit Award, but not placing shall receive an honorable mention ribbon.

 F. Forms

1. Model Contest Entry Form, Form #901, latest revision, available on the NMRA Website.

2. Model Contest Judges Score Sheet, Form #902, latest revision, available on the NMRA Website.

Photo Contest

A. Photo Contest Rules
The Photo Contest is a competitive event for photographs. In addition to the general requirements listed under General Contest Information the following also apply.

•  Photos produced using either film or digital cameras are permitted.

•  Prints shall be mounted on flat, rigid board or matted with similar material – no folders or glass frames are allowed. Photo and mount shall not exceed 12” x 16” in size. Minimum mount size is 8” x 10” and minimum print size is 5” x 7”.

•  Slides must be in standard 2” x 2” mounts.

•  Prints shall have the entrant's name on the back; slides shall have the entrant's name on the mount. Prints may be titled on the front. Prints with the entrant's name on the front will not be accepted.

•  Any one who derives more than 50% of his or her income as a professional photographer is excluded from the contest.

•  The entrant must have taken the photo of slide himself or herself. Computer enhanced images may be entered provided that the enhancement was personally performed by the entrant. Commercial processing and matting are permitted.

•  Photos or slides that have won an award at a previous NMRA National or Regional Contest shall not be entered.

•  All entrants grant the right to reproduce and publish any award winning photograph to the official publications of the NMRA, the PSR, or PSR Divisions. Rights for any other use are granted only by the written permission of the photographer. The images are the property of the entrant in any case.

B. Categories

1. Model-Black and White Print

2. Model-Color Print

3. Model-Slides

4. Prototype- Black and White Print

5. Prototype- Color Print

6. Prototype-Slides

7. Display Only-Not to be judged

C. Awards
There shall be awards in every populated category. First place will receive a blue ribbon; second, a red ribbon; and third, a white ribbon. Any number of honorable mention ribbons may be presented. The photo which, in the opinion of the judges, is the overall best entry will receive a plaque in lieu of a blue ribbon.

D. Forms

1. Model Contest Entry Form, Form #901, latest revision, available on the NMRA Website.

2. PSR Photo Contest Judging Score Sheet, Form #602, latest revision, available on the PSR Website.

Arts and Crafts Contest

A. Arts and Crafts Contest Rules
The Arts and Crafts Contest is a competitive event for arts and crafts items; all entries shall be judged by a team of experienced judges in accordance with the current NMRA Arts and Crafts Contest Judging Guidelines.

B. Categories

1. General Kit Built - Commercially available kit. Includes plans/instructions and materials.

2. General Pattern – Existing plans/ instructions. Entrant acquires materials separately.

3. General Original – Entrants own design.

4. Railroadiana Kit Built – Same as General Kit Built except entry must have a railroad motif.

5. Railroadiana Pattern – Same as General Pattern except entry must have a railroad motif.

6. Railroadiana Original – Same as General Original except entry must have a railroad motif.

7. Needlework Kit Built – Same as General Kit Built except entry is type of needlework (i.e. knitting, embroidery, needlepoint, etc.).

8. Needlework Pattern – Same as General Pattern except entry is type of needlework (i.e. knitting, embroidery, needlepoint, etc.).

9. Needlework Original – Same as General Original except entry is type of needlework (i.e. knitting, embroidery, needlepoint, etc.).

C. Awards
There shall be awards in every populated category. First place will receive a blue ribbon, second, a red ribbon, and third, a white ribbon. Any number of honorable mention ribbons may be presented. The arts and crafts project which, in the opinion of the judges, is the overall best entry will receive a plaque in lieu of a blue ribbon.

D. Forms

1. Model Contest Entry Form, Form #901, latest revision, available on the NMRA Website.

2. Arts and Crafts Score Sheet, Form #906, latest revision, available on the NMRA Website.

Module Contest

A. Module Contest Rules
The module Contest is a competitive event for modules. All entries shall be judged by a team of experienced judges using a point scoring system. There are no written judging guidelines at this time; however, the judge's score sheet provides the factors and the corresponding maximum point scores. A module is defined as a small layout which includes supplemental scenery and track work which is designed to attach to and operate with other similar modules. All scales shall be combined in the module contest. Any individual or group wishing to enter the module contest shall check into the contest room during the time period in which entries to the other contests are being accepted.

B. Categories

1. Individual – A module entry built by an individual person

2. Group – A module built by a group of people

C. Awards
There shall be awards in every populated category. First place will receive a plaque, second, a red ribbon, and third, a white ribbon. The minimum score to receive a plaque is 62.5 points (50% of 125 points possible). Additionally, any module receiving a score of 87.5 points or higher, but not placing shall receive an honorable mention ribbon.

D. Forms

1. Model Contest Entry Form, Form #901, latest revision, available on the NMRA Website.

2. Module Contest Score Sheet, Form #903, latest revision, available on the NMRA Website.

Special Awards

A. Best of Show Award

1. The Best of Show Award is presented to the most outstanding model entered into the judged model contest.

2. Selection of a model for the award shall be made by a committee of three contest judges appointed by the PSR Contest Chairman. All entries shall be considered, so as not to prejudice, for example, categories which may be populated by only one entry. The method of selection shall be determined by the selection committee.

3. The award shall preclude an award in the judged model contest. If an entry in a category is judged to be both first place and Best of Show, only the Best of Showplaque will be awarded and the second place entry will be elevated to first place; third to second; and the next highest scoring entry, third.

4. The award shall be a plaque.

 B. Youth Award

1. This award is presented for the most outstanding model entered in the construction events by an entrant under 18 years of age (17 or under).

2. The youth entrant with the highest number of points scored is the winner.

3. The award shall be a plaque.

C. Ingenuity Award

1. This award is presented for the model, assembly, part, or component of a model which exhibits the most unique and innovative use of material in any category of the judged model contest
.
2. Selection of a model for the award shall be made by a committee of three contest judges appointed by the PSR Contest Chairman. All entries shall be considered. The method of selection shall be determined by the selection committee.

3. The award shall be a plaque.

D. Thumb's Levity Award

1. This award is presented for the model in any category of the judged model contest exhibiting the most blatant or subtle humor, prank, outrage, or joke for the amusement of the viewers.

2. Selection of a model for the award shall be made by a committee of three contest judges appointed by the PSR Contest Chairman. All entries shall be considered. The method of selection shall be determined by the selection committee.

3. The award shall be a plaque.

E. PSR President's Award

1. This award shall be presented to a PSR member entering a PSR regional convention judged model contest for the first time.

2. The winner of this award shall be selected by the PSR President from the entire first time model contest entries present in the contest room.

3. The award shall be a plaque.

 F. Favorite Model Award

1. This award is presented to the model chosen, by popular vote of the convention attendees, as the favorite from those entered in the general model construction contest.

2. Ballots will be made available in the contest room and the count tabulated by the contest staff.

3. The award shall be a plaque.

Responsibilities

A. Host Convention Committee
The Host Convention Committee shall be responsible for all expenses, awards, and costs for the Convention which includes contests. The Host Committee Contest Chairman, in coordination with the PSR Contest Chairman, will determine the schedule for the contest room. The Host Committee is responsible for security of the contest room when it is not open to Convention attendees. The Host Committee shall provide easels or other suitable means of displaying entries in the photo contest, along with a method for viewing slides. The Host Committee may elect to restrict the photo contest to certain categories, in coordination with the PSR Contest Chairman, but this should be done well in advance of the contest so that it may be publicized prior to the event. The PSR Contest Committee shall procure award items in volume. The cost of these items will be prorated to the Host Committee as used.

B. Records
The PSR Contest Chairman shall retain copies of all entry forms, contest entry logs, winner's lists and a list of judges/staff until after the next convention. If at all possible, all records dealing with merit awards will be delivered to the PSR Achievement Program Manager at the convention; barring this, the PSR Contest Chairman will post them to the Achievement Program Manager within seven days of convention's end. A list of winners shall be presented to the PSR Dispatch Editor and when possible, an opportunity to photograph the models will be accorded the editor or his designated photographer. A list will also be provided to the PSR Website Coordinator.

C. Revisions to the Contest Rules
Within 30 days after each PSR Region Convention, or as obviously necessary, the Contest Rules will be reviewed by the PSR Contest Chairman to determine if revisions are required. If so, draft copies of the revised version will be prepared by the PSR Contest Chairman and distributed to the PSR Contest Committee for review. After review comments are incorporated, the document will be submitted to the PSR Board of Directors for approval. Any member of the PSR may submit proposed changes to the PSR Contest Chairman.