Modeler ForumWinter Challenge 2025-2026Purpose - Modelers share their techniques and ideas as they model a railroad themed diorama. It is through the sharing of ideas others can learn both innovative and time proven methods of construction for our great hobby.Time frame - All submitted build threads must be completed by April 15 2026. Judging will be completed the following week and winners announced at that time via the Forum. Winners will also receive an e-mail along with instructions on how to receive their winning prize.Prizes! 1st Place: $200 Gift Card2nd Place: $100 Gift Card3rd Place: $50 Gift CardBy offering gift cards in place of kits we have eliminated the issue of what gauge people model in so model in the guage of your choice.NEW THIS YEAR: All participants will receive a selection of rarely seen 3D detail parts. I will be making these myself and will include at a minimum Adirondack Chairs, Windor Chairs and Tudor Chairs. These will be offered in O gauge and HO depending on what the participant would like.Rules :- All dioramas must be no more then 12 x 24 inches in size (30.5cm x 61cm). They must be modeled in a standard gauge such as N, HO, or O. Narrow Gauge sizes are of course allowed!li] Put another way the scene can not exceed 288 sq inches. You may built the scene directly on your layout just outline the area used for the contest.
- The diorama must be built during the time of the contest by the participant themselves.
- At least one structure must be part of the diorama scene. It may be built from a kit or scratch built. Extra credit is given for scratch built structures.
- All build threads are to be posted in the new 2025-2026 Winter Challenge Topic of which this announcement is located in. Extra credit is given to detailed build threads. Further, posting must be limited to only this Forum during the time of the contest to help promote the Modelers Forum during this time. Simply have friends visit the site to show off your work in progress. You can use links as needed to point them to our site.
Judging:
We have certified Master Modeler Railroader's of the NMRA who all previously judged at the national level helping me determine the winners.
The criteria that will be used for judging is a combined version of the 'Structure' and 'Scenery' contest forms used by the NMRA for contests with the addition of a new section called Thread Description. A copy of the form is attached to be used as reference as you build your thread. A total of 175 points will be achievable with the highest point count being declared the winner, second and third place will be the next two highest point counts. The Build Thread Section is worth 50 points to reward clear and helpful building technique sharing.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/thumb_785-161124085827.jpeg) (https://modelersforum.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=53087)
As this is a thread contest instead of your typical on site contest we will be reviewing what you write in your thread in place of you filling out the Judging Form. Use the shown form as a guide to ensure you address all the things to accomplish as you write your building thread.
You can contact the moderator of the contest Jim Donovan at cirrusmisty@gmail.com (mailto:cirrusmisty@gmail.com) if you have questions. You can reach him either directly or through the Forum's internal mail system.
Not only participate but recommend the Challenge to your modeling buddies and have them join in the fun!
Can you make this post a STICKY?
Why is it bacvk up again Dave?
Jerry
Quote from: Jerry on January 06, 2026, 12:19:02 PMWhy is it bacvk up again Dave?
Jerry
No clue why this happens. But remember, if you see it, it's not being interpreted by the web browser...
dfave
Folks
As of today we have three people in the Winter Challenge. I'd like to see thirty at least!! Dust off your skill, show us your unique tips and let's get this showcase of talent ROCKING!
Thanks
Jim
Sorry, Jim; I can't undertake a new project till I get some of my half-dozen stalled projects into service.
Hey Jim,
I'll get in but haven't decided what I want to build and how extensive I want to go with it.
Tom
Quote from: ACL1504 on January 10, 2026, 02:01:23 PMHey Jim,
I'll get in but haven't decided what I want to build and how extensive I want to go with it.
Tom
Many Thanks!!
Jim
Quote from: jbvb on January 09, 2026, 01:41:34 PMSorry, Jim; I can't undertake a new project till I get some of my half-dozen stalled projects into service.
That is OK James you have much going on already!
Jim
While I won't be entering a contest model I will be working on a special gift pack for all who participate. As many know I 3D print and have for several years now. Over that time I have collected, made or modified a range of items that I have the right to gift as I wish. These packs will be available in either HO or O gauge! The goal is to provide items much more realistic than usually found on-line or in stores. The first items to be part of the detail pack are Windsor,Tutor and Adirondack chairs. A screenshot of the drawings are shown. The 3D printer is cooking the first batch as we speak. So if you are on the fence to join the Winter Challenge please join, everyone will win this year!
Screenshot 2026-01-10 at 5.10.05 PM (2).png
Screenshot 2026-01-10 at 5.31.27 PM (2).png