Model Rail Radio Shelf Layout Contest 2013

Based on the success last year of John Hunter's Layout Design Contest, I wanted to float another layout design contest with a couple of twists. I would like to have the ability to go to shows and distill what makes Model Rail Radio so fantastic. I think the international element is a factor. It would be amazing to go to shows and display layouts from multiple countries built by listeners (and participants).

Part #1 Layout Design - Completed

The only requirement is the layout be no bigger than 60 inches by 18 inches (fully assembled including cassettes, traversers and sector plates). They can be smaller than this. The track plans can be in any scale. Track plans can be submitted with backstory if required. The track plans should have some operational interest. There is no height limit on the layout.

Depending on the entries three or four winners will be selected. Each winner will received USD50 worth of gift certificates or other prizes to this value. The winners of this part are...

Part #2 Layout Building - Entries Due 11pm PST extended to August 15, 2013

From the track plan winners in part #1, any listener can build one of these layouts. Please keep in mind that these layout may be shipped internationally. Consider the issues associated with international transportation both in terms of inspection but also ruggedization. You can use any material you want.

You do not have to adhere to the scale, era or backstory to the winners of part #1. Winners of part #2 will be selected based on photographs and/or video of the layout. Please consider this in your build. If you don't win, you will also have the layout so please consider this too. Locomotives, structures and rolling stock are optional. If you feel they are needed please add them but a simple finished track with scenery is enough to win.

Please wire the layout for DC and DCC operation with clearly marked connection wire. Please test the layout for operation on all intended to be used tracks. All turnouts should be hand thown either at the turnout or through the layout somehow. There is no requirement to include a power system for tha layout. If you want to include a power system please allow one that will run on 110v and 240v.

Depending on the entries, three or four winners will be selected. Each winner will received USD200 worth of gift certificates or other prizes to this value. In addition, I will pay shipping costs of the layouts to Northern California. Winners may want to build a transportation case for the layout too.

Part #3 Grand Prize Winner - Awarded after all the winning layouts arrive in Northern California

The winning layouts will be judged on arrival in Northern California. First prize will be USD400 worth of gift certificates or other prizes to this value. Second prize will be USD200 worth of gift certificates or other prizes to this value. Layouts that are delivered damaged will still be considered however please build the layout with international travel in mind. Undamaged layouts will obviously have advantages over damaged layouts.

The layouts submitted for part #3 will not be returned to the owners. They are intended for show/display use. They may be sent to other listeners/participants for display at shows too. They may be offered as prizes as well.

Entries for parts #1 and #2 should be emailed to:

tom at modelrailradio dot com

Enjoy!

Tom Barbalet.