The East Penn Traction Club

18th EPTC National Model Trolley Meet Contest Rules

Contests:

General Trolley Builders (with a special award for the best trolley by a modeler under age 18)
Trolley Freight Locomotives (This Meet's Theme)
Trains (Dave Cope Memorial Award) (Please note this category is for two or more trolleys or electric locomotive(s) in train.)
Outstanding Model Masters Competition (Richard M. Wagner Memorial Award)
Young Modeler (Special award for the best trolley by a modeler under age 18)
Popular Model Contest
Operating Modules and Displays Contest

General Contest Rules

A trolley may be entered in any of the EPTC categories as many times as the individual wants. Once it wins in a judged category, it can only be entered in the masters category, until it wins the masters, even if the model is entered by a new owner, the model is only eligible to be entered in one judged category per meet. Any number of models may be entered. After winning first place in any category, that individual may still enter any other trolley, in any category, in the future.

The definition of TROLLEY: A single trolley only per entry, no trains. Articulated trolleys are one trolley. Example: Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee Electroliners.

The definition of TRAIN: Two or more single trolleys coupled into a train or electric locomotive(s) and cars. These are only allowed in the new Trains category (Dave Cope Memorial Award). Example: Single Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee coaches coupled together.

Operating module and display contest: All entries must be part of an operating modular layout in use that day.

Rude or otherwise inappropriate behavior will be grounds for disqualification.

Judged Contests

1) Submitted models will be judged in four categories. The judged categories are not restricted to a particular scale or gauge; models of any scale or gauge can be entered.

Trolley Model Builders
Trolley Model Builders Young Modeler (Special award for the best trolley by a modeler under age 18)
Trolley Freight Locomotives (Theme Contest)
Trains (Dave Cope Memorial Award) (Please note this category is for two or more single trolleys or trolley freight motor and cars.)
Outstanding Model Masters Competition (Richard M. Wagner Memorial Award)

2) The models will be judged for detail, modeling skill, finish and the degree of scratchbuilding or kitbashing by a committee of judges selected by the Contest Coordinator.

3) Judging will begin at 2:00 PM, Saturday.

4) There is no formal scoring or weighting criteria. The judging is typically based on discussion and consensus by the judges.

5) In order to better judge the level of skill required to build the model, each entry will include a placard with notes on the construction of the model. The notes should include:

Methods of construction (e.g. styrene, wood, soldered brass).
The percentage of the model that is scratchbuilt.
The commercial parts or kits used in the construction.
The finishing and decaling techniques used.
Contributions to the construction by someone other that the entrant.
Any other salient facts that will give the judges a better appreciation of the skills required to build the model.

Popular Model Contest

1) The Popular Model contest is an opportunity for the attendees of a meet to select a model as their favorite. This contest is decided by popular vote. Each registered attendee is given a ballot upon arrival at the registration desk.

2) Submitted models will be judged in three categories.

Smaller than "O"
"O" Scale
Larger than "O"

3) Each model entered in the contest will be assigned a number when placed on the contest table.

4) In order to allow most attendees to have a chance to cast a vote, the voting shall take place between 12:00 Noon and 1:00 PM, Saturday. Ballots will be accepted only during the specified period of time. Ballots submitted before or after will be discarded.

5) 5) Trains are not eligible but can be entered in the trains judged category (Dave Cope Memorial Award).

6) Models entered into the Popular Model contest may also be entered in a judged category. The voting for the Popular Model contest will end before the start of judging for the other categories.

7) After a model wins the Popular Model contest, it may no longer be entered into the Popular Model contest. The same model may, however, be entered into any judged category at a future event.

8) Rude or otherwise inappropriate behavior will be grounds for disqualification.

Operating Modules and Display Contest

1) The Operating Display contest honors the best layouts and modules. A judging committee under direction of the Contest Coordinator will determine the winning displays. Entries are subject to the following restrictions.

The entry must be an operating display on the day of the event. This could include both standalone layouts and modules.
If a layout or module wins first place, it is no longer eligible for consideration at future events.
Other layouts or modules built by the owner of a winning layout are eligible for entry into the Operating Display contest at future events.
Attendees do not submit displays for entry into the contest. The judges will consider all layouts and modules on the show floor at some time after the normal setup period for the show.

The 18th National Model Trolley Meet contest rules listed above are based on an outline of contest rules developed by Charles D. Grant, Sr. Rules are subject to change without notice. Current rules will be posted at the meet.