2011 NMRA Convention - Sacramento, California logo
national train show

Special Awards

Many special awards are given out at each of the contests. These include both NMRA awares and others sponsored by manufacturers and magazines and are listed by contest below.

  1. Model Contest — NMRA sponsored awards:
    1. Gold Award - Model Contest Best-of-Show
    2. National Contest Chairman's Award
    3. National Contest Judges Award
  2. Model Contest — Outside sponsored awards
    1. Bachmann Innovations Award chosen by Lee Riley, Director of Product Development, for the best use of materials, special techniques or parts within the model
    2. Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers Brass Bell Award for the steam or diesel locomotive best representing "over the road" motive power. Steam is awarded in odd numbered years and diesel in even numbered years
    3. Fantasconics Award chosen by the Fantasconics "Enginearing" for the model, display or scene most deserving of sound. Accompanied by a Fantasconics Scale Magic Sound Scene Kit and custom sound module valued at $500.00
    4. Fun & Games Award sponsored by Allen Pollock for best and most creative use of figures.
    5. Hunterline Award chosen by the owners of Hunterline Corporation and includes $50.00 gift certificate for a Hunterline kit
    6. Kato USA Diesel Award for the best diesel locomotive entry.
    7. Key Imports Award for the best railroad diorama or scene.
    8. Wm. J. Lenoir Locomotive Award for the best scratchbuilt steam locomotive.
    9. Mt. Albert Scale Lumber Award for the best predominately wood model structure.
    10. Railroad Model Craftsmen Award chosen by RMC founder Hal Carstens for the best overall model as selected by RMC.
    11. Most Photogenic Model Award sponsored by the editors of Scale Rails Magazine.
    12. Testors Floquil Locomotive Finish Award for the best locomotive finish.
    13. Testors Floquil High Iron Award for the best and most creative paint scheme (Difficulty also counts.)
    14. Testors Floquil Youth Award for the best model entered by a modeler 18 years of age and under.
    15. Testors Floquil Non-Revenue Award for the best non-revenue finish, weathered or un-weathered
    16. United Transportation Union Brass Lantern Award for the caboose best representing an "over the road" caboose.
  3. Module Contest — NMRA special Awards
    1. Best-of-Show Award
    2. National Module Contest Chairman's Award
  4. Module Contest — Outside Sponsored Awards
    1. International Hobby Corp Pizzaz Award sponsored by International Hobby Corporation for module with best overall design.
    2. DPM City Classics Award sponsored by Walthers for the best use of DPM structures.
  5. People's Choice Awards Contest — NMRA special awards
    1. Best-of-Show Award
  6. People's Choice Awards Contest — Outside sponsored awards
    1. Bar Mills Favorite Model Award
  7. Photo Contest — NMRA special awards
    1. Best-of-Show Award
  8. Arts & Crafts Contest — NMRA special awards
    1. Theme Award – Awarded to best entry depicting that year's theme
  9. Best-of-Show Award