2017 Model Contest

Each year, the Model and Photo Contest for Santa Fe and BNSF models is a highlight of the Annual Convention.  2017 was no exception to this rule.  The SFRH&MS sponsors four modeling contests each year:  AT&SF model (popular vote); AT&SF Technical Contest (judged vote); BNSF model (popular vote); and BNSF Technical Contest (judged vote).  The Society also sponsors two hybrid model photography contests, one for the AT&SF and one for the BNSF.  Finally, the Society sponsors three prototype photography contests, AT&SF black and white photograph, AT&SF color photograph, and BNSF photograph.

2017 Santa Fe Model Contest – Popular Vote

Santa Fe Best of Show

Santa Fe Best First Time Entry

Santa Fe Steam Locomotive Category

Santa Fe Diesel Locomotive Category

Santa Fe Multiple Unit Diesel Locomotive Category

Santa Fe Passenger Car Category

Santa Fe Freight Car Category

Santa Fe Way Car (Caboose) Category

Santa Fe Maintenance of Way Category

Santa Fe Intermodal Category

Santa Fe Structures Category

2017 Santa Fe Model Photo Contest – Popular Vote

2017 Santa Fe Technical Contest

Unlike the popular vote contest, the Technical Contest aims at judging the quality of the modeling that is presented.  Each model is judged by interested Society members for the following characteristics:

  • Prototype accuracy (maximum 10 points).  Prototype accuracy is determined by comparing the model to photo(s) of the prototype car and judging for accuracy against this standard.  Any deviation from the prototype typically will result in deduction of points.  Careful modeling of a specific prototype photo or explanation of why deviations from the photo are prototypical is required.
  • Modeling effort (maximum 10 points for scratch building, 9 points for kitbash, 7 points for kit).  The modeler must show, through photos or description of work done, the amount of modeling effort put into the project, with particular attention to major kitbashing or development of modeling solutions for issues without current RTR or model solutions.
  • Finish, painting, lettering and weathering (maximum 5 points).  The modeler must show exemplary finishing on the model, properly representing the model for its period.  Photos are helpful.

In order to qualify for a Certificate of Technical Excellence, a modeler must achieve 22 of 25 points, determined by the truncated average of all scores (highest and lowest are eliminated).  A Certificate of Technical Merit requires 17 points, determined by the truncated average of all scores (highest and lowest are eliminated).  The best overall model qualifying for a Certificate of Technical Excellence receives the President’s Award for Technical Excellence; the best overall freight car model qualifying for a Certificate of Technical Excellence receives the Richard H. Hendrickson Award for Technical Excellence in Freight Car Modeling.  Awards are given in Motive Power, Rolling Stock, and Structures.

2017 President’s Award of Technical Excellence

Richard Hendrickson Award for Technical Excellence in Freight Car Modeling

Ian MacKellar received the award for his Rr-S class refrigerator car #9812.  We hope to have a photo of this car in the near future.

2017 Certificates of Technical Excellence

2017 Certificates of Technical Merit