The O Scale National Convention 2023 in Aurora, Colorado will have Contests and Model Displays as is common with most model railroad gatherings.

The O Scale Meets have been improving model evaluation criteria.  The March meet used NMRA evaluators in 2021 and used the NMRA forms on a more limited basis in March 2023 as there was a scheduling conflict affecting the NMRA Judges.

The model contest for the OSNC ’23 will include both a popular vote and model evaluation using NMRA forms, criteria and hopefully experienced NMRA judges.  If you are interested in the evaluation process, please consider volunteering to help this year.

The judging of the Model Contest is conducted by teams of experienced judges using a point scoring system providing a grade between zero and 125 pts. Five factors are judged including construction, conformity, detail, appearance and scratch built. The final point score is the basis for award ranking.

There are two entry forms for model evaluation.

Contest Entry Form #901:  Note we will only be reviewing Motive Power, Cars and Structures.

https://www.nmra.org/sites/default/files/education/contest/form_901_rev_j_8-22-20.pdf

Model Contest Judges’ Score Sheet #902:

http://www.nmra.org/sites/default/files/education/contest/nmra_model_contest_judges_score_sheet.pdf

This form is the place for modelers to tell the judges about their model focusing on each of the 5 separate criteria the judges will use when evaluating the model.  The actual evaluation will be done using the NMRA Achievement Program Judging Guidelines:

http://www.nmra.org/sites/default/files/education/achievement/pdf/2006-judging-guide-lines.pdf

The purpose of the Guidelines is to have reasonably consistent scoring of models across the organization.  Information from the modeler is needed to understand what the modeler was trying to do and to evaluate how well this was done.  That is the purpose of the Model Contest Judges’ Score Sheet.

NMRA model evaluation criteria is the same criteria used for the NMRA Achievement Program offering certificates for 11 different areas.  In simple terms, the Achievement Program (AP) is a travel guide, to help you on your journey through the world of model railroading. The AP also provides incentive to learn and master the many crafts and skills necessary in the hobby of model railroading. With the completion of each category, you will be issued a certificate acknowledging your achievement.

If we have NMRA experienced judges Models entered by NMRA members and attaining a point score of 87.5 pts or 70% entitles the entrant to a Merit Award which counts towards Master Builder Awards in the NMRA Achievement Program.

For questions and assistance please contact Eric Peterson, ericgpet@gmail.com.