National Model Railroad Build-Off: Every modeler has a project to do. From ballasting track to painting scenery to building structures, each intricate part of model railroading leads to a completed project that one can be proud of. After two years, the Walthers National Model Railroad Build-off 2022 competition is off again and gaining momentum.
With several prizes and categories for modelers to enter, Wm. K. Walthers Inc. is expecting to see more competitors this year. Each year the contest grows and that’s what Walthers wants to see.
“Make the judges’ jobs hard!” says Stacey Walthers Naffah, president of Walthers. Besides the craftsmanship, Naffah says she is excited to see the creative spin that contestants use to set their dioramas apart from the crowd.
This year Walthers made a few changes to the rules and options based on previous years’ input. Walthers added an Adult N scale category, the Youth category has expanded to include both HO and N scales, and the distinction between teams and individuals has been removed.
“It’s neat to be part of the process,” says Naffah. Her favorite part of the competition is seeing how people transform Walthers’ products into something of their own.
There are four categories to choose from when entering. Three winners per category, and one winner of the People’s Choice Award.
Most importantly, “do your best and have fun,” Naffah says. This is an opportunity to hone your modeling skills and perhaps win some cash while doing what you love.
Model railroading enthusiasts across the country (excluding Colorado, Maryland, and North Dakota) have until June 30 to enter one of the following categories:
- Youth HO or N Scale (2’ x 2’ and 14 years or younger)
- Adult HO Scale (4’ x 2’ and 15 years or older)
- Adult N Scale (3’ x 2’ and 15 years or older)
- Freestyle option (4’ x 2’, open to all ages, scales, and without state restrictions; no purchase necessary)
All contestants will need to submit photographs for judging. Winners will be picked by August 2022. Submission forms will be available April 1. More information is available online.
To read articles on previous contestants click here.
