CONTEST PAGE

This article marks the end of the sixth season of model contests that I have had the privilege to run for the division. None of the contests would have happened if it wasn't for you, the members who took the challenges and entered a model or diorama to answer the given project for the month. Each month the project is hopefully going to interest you, cause you to do a little research, and devise a solution to the project. The hope is that the fun of doing this and the resulting model that you submit has given you another way to enjoy model railroading. This past season there were thirty members who found a particular project challenging enough to submit a model or diorama. The last contest of the season was a loading or unloading facility for rail cars. First place went to Joe Kurilec with his detailed entry. Second place was awarded to Craig Butler with his outstanding scratch built coal dock. Don Glass iced third place with his reefer facility. The diorama area had only one entry which was submitted by Joe Filipiak. That entry won first place. Go figure. Thank you to all who entered a model and to all those who voted for their favorite entry.

Next season will start out with the September meeting challenge of; everything Alco. Alco was the second largest steam locomotive manufacturer in the U.S. and when diesels came on the scene, they were twenty years ahead of General Motors in ideas. The October challenge will be a wooden passenger car. November will find you taking one of those cheap Tyco or AMH models that you walk past quickly at train shows and rework it into a worthwhile model. December is the division dinner, so no challenge that month. January subject will be a water tank found trackside. It can be metal or wood. February is the auction. Next model challenge will be in March exploring how railroads promote safety. It can be signage on billboards or buildings or painted on their equipment. April's subject is a flat car or speciality railcar to haul trailers, containers, trucks, tanks, circus equipment, etc.. This is really about the load on the railcar. The last challenge of the season in May will be to take an Atlas switch tower (everyone has at least one) and make it your own by putting an interior in it, painting it, or adding to it. It's time to whistle off and get on down the track for some summer fun. Maybe I'll see you track