convention

Contest - Duane Richardson, MMR

The contest room is a great place to visit and drool over some of the work that your fellow LSR members have done. Each year is more amazing then the last.

So why not participate and help this year be the best ever. Start working on those contest entries now! We’ll have all the standard categories plus this year the “Special” contest is to build anything you want as long as it fits in a square foot, that’s 12 inches by 12 inches with no height restrictions..

So what are the “standard categories” and what’s included?  They’re listed below grouped into 4 general groups.  Detailed rules and entry forms are available by following the links at the bottom of this page.

Models:
Steam Locomotive – Includes any model of a locomotive that ran off of steam from the “Tom Thumb” to the “Big Boy” and all the wheel arrangements between.  Remember it has to be powered and able to run.
Diesel Locomotive – Includes any model of locomotives that ran off of diesel power from a little industrial switcher to DD-40X.  Just like the Steam Locomotive category this entry has to be powered, see the official rules for more detail
Traction and Other – Any other locomotive, be it electrically powered or some other type of power that don’t fit into the Steam or Diesel categories.
Passenger Cars – All types of passenger revenue carrying equipment, including RDC, rail buses, observation, mail and baggage.  Basically if it was used to carry passengers, it counts.
Freight Cars – All freight revenue carrying equipment, including express reefers, box cars, gondolas, and so on.  If the railroads used it to carry freight and generate revenue it’s legal.  If a load is included it is not judged as part of the model.
Cabooses – All types of caboose and cabin cars including bobbers, drovers, transfers, etc.
Maintenance of Way – Non-revenue, Right of way and track maintenance vehicles, rail and inspection cars, railroad cranes, snow removal and other cars not considered directly involved in railroad revenue service.
Structures On Line – On Line structure are considered those to be normally owned by the railroad such as stations, yard buildings, bridges, etc. It also includes buildings having rail loading/unloading facilities on the right of way. If scenery extends past the building drip line it must be entered in Displays and not this category.
Structures Off Line – Off Line structures are those not needing direct rail access. Again, if scenery extends past the building drip line it must be entered in Displays and not this category.
Bridges & Trestles – Any type of Railroad Bridge or trestle used by the railroad to move trains across.
Displays – A models that includes supplemental scenery. The scenery must extend past the drip line but is not pertinent to the function of the model or primary structure. The display can be either “On Line” or “Off Line”.
Favorite/Complete Train – Due to the mixture of model types and motive power, this is a non-judged category.  A plaque and ribbons will be awarded based on most popular vote.

Photos:
Photo of a Model – Black and White Print
Photo of a Model – Color Print
Photo of a Model – Computer Enhanced
Photo of a Prototype – Black and White Print
Photo of a Prototype – Color Print
Photo of a Prototype – Computer Enhanced

Arts & Crafts:
General – Other than Railroadana, Needlework or Theme.
Can be from Kit (which includes plans, instructions and materials)
Pattern (where material is acquired separately)
An original design.
Railroadiana – Same as General except entry must have a railroad motif.
Needlework – Same as General except entry is a type of stitchery (knitting, embroidery, needlepoint, sewing, etc.).
Theme – Same as General except the subject is chose by the Host Committee.
This year’s theme is “Crossroads of Texas” <Click here> to go to the Non-Rail section to read more about this year’s theme.

Awards:
Plaques and Ribbons will be given for all First (1st) place winners.
Ribbons will be given out for all Second (2nd) place winners.
Ribbons will be given out for all Third (3rd) place winners.
Honorable Mention Ribbons will be awarded to all receiving a Merit Award (87.5 points).


Special Awards:
Most Popular – Popular vote. It will be awarded to the model receiving the most votes from the convention attendees. Whether you enter a model in the contest or not, come and vote for your favorite.
Best In Show – Highest scoring model, in any judged category, in the model contest that receives at least 87.5 points from the judges.
Participation Award – The contestant in the model contest who receives the greatest number of combined points (from multiple models in the model contest) from the judges. In order for a model to be considered, it must receive at least 70 points.

In the mean time, here is some paperwork to keep you busy:

Contest Rules
Models
Arts & Crafts
Photos
Pass

Contest Entry Forms
Contest Entry

Judges Score Sheets
Models
Arts & Crafts
Photo
Pass

Silent Auction - Stan Schwartz

The auction is always a great place to find something special you've been looking for. It's also a great place to unload valuable items that you no longer have a need for. The auction really depends on YOU, the convention goer. The more of you that bring items the bigger and better the auction will be.

So start digging through the storage closets and under the layout or where ever you can think of to start collecting those valuable items you no longer want and bring them to the convention. Hey, maybe you'll make enough to start a whole new layout!

How do I put something in the auction? Good question and if you've never done it before it could be a mystery.

Here are the general rules for the Silent Auction.

SELLERS

Sellers are identified by their convention registration number no names are used.
Items may be entered as individual items or as a "Lot". A lot is defined as one or more items selling from a single auction form.
Sellers are limited to a maximum of 20 lots.
Sellers fill out an auction form for each lot or individual item including
Seller's registration number
A unique but consecutive item/lot number
A description of the item(s)
A Reserve Bid amount if one is desired (minimum accepted)
Items may be entered anytime the Silent Auction room is open starting Wednesday evening through Friday afternoon at 3:00 pm.
Sellers may bid on their own items.
When an item is sold, the seller shall pay a fee of ten percent (10%) of the selling price to the LSR. This fee applies to all items sold including those bought back by the seller and will be deducted prior to settlement with the seller.
All unsold items will be returned to the seller.
Seller transactions will be in the form of a check.

BUYERS

Buyers are identified by their convention registration number no names are used.
Bidding will begin on Thursday morning when the Silent Auction room is opened.
All opening bids shall be equal to the Reserve Bid.
The minimum opening bid is $0.50
Subsequent bids will be a minimum increment of $0.50 until the bid reaches $10.00.
With the bid value between $10.00 and $50.00 the minimum increment is $1.00 and shall be in even dollars only, no cents.
Once the bid value reaches $50.00 the minimum increment is $2.00.
The auction will close on Friday evening between 5:00 pm and 5:30 pm at a no notice random time announced by the auction chairman or his designated assistant.
When the auction closer is announced everyone shall raise his/her hands and exit the room.
No bid shall be withdrawn after bidding closes.
Buyer transactions may be in the form of cash or check (no credit cards).

GENERAL

Any activities after the announcement of the silent auction closing will be stricken and the item will go to the next highest bidder.
Settlement times for buyers and sellers will be posted.
The Auction Chairman shall resolve any and all conflicts, discrepancies or other matters requiring interpretation. The Auction Chairman's decision is FINAL.