Special Favorites Challenge
The major rules are:
* The display must include a railroad-related element
* Maximum horizontal dimensions = 100 Scale Feet X 100 Scale Feet
square or 100 Scale Feet diameter circle (for the base) No 1:1
* No part of the model should extend past the edge of the base
* No maximum vertical dimension, but the model must stand on its own
* This is a display – so, no backdrop
* The display may be electrically powered, with 18-volt maximum from
batteries or 110V wall-wart
* The modeler may provide documentation for the display on a 4” X 6”
card or in a standard, 3-ring binder (nothing larger, please)
Event History: The year 2018 started a "popular vote favorites" contest in the Danville Train Show that has become a true favorite in the Division. That fall the CID launched a scale 100'X100' display contest. The first year was open with no established theme. The CID board was happy to have ten displays on hand and also pleased at the interest shown by the show attendees.
In 2019 a theme was introduced to the contest with the display needing to contain a repurposed railroad car. 2020 had a theme of "Street Running" so the display had to have some railroad stock in the street. We had some outside-the-box thinking with an entry that had no trackage in the street but a track mobile driving on it's rubber tires down the street.
This next year brought lighting on displays. Note: Due to COVID, this event was a photo contest.
2021 was back in person and the challenge was to model some water. That was it. Anything you could dream up involving water and railroading. Modelers ran with this idea and modeled both ocean and fresh water but didn't stop there. Two participants modeled precipitation with one modeling a rainy scene that contained a sound elements and another that modeled a snow scene complete with lit N scale Christmas tree. Then 2022 had a theme of 'Tell Me A Story" where modelers just needed to show us a scene with a story taking place. Our winning entry really connected with the audience scoring more votes than all other entries combined. It had a compelling scene of Square Donut shop in Terra Haute, loads of vehicles, people and fantastic lighting effects as well as the parked locomotive of a train crew who stopped and ran in for donuts. The modeling was based on a real news story from the area.
In 2023, the theme was "loading freight" while 2024 featured passenger service or actions.
2025 Danville Train Show
100' x 100' Theme
Annually want to "theme" the contests so that you can take the entry back home and install parts or all of the display on your layout. For 2025 we will continue that goal with a theme geared towards creating a model you can later use on a layout.
For November 2025, you need to show us some type of engine servicing facility.
* Multiple-bay complex
* Local repair facility
* Location that supports inspections
* Many other ideals!
Be creative, and develop a unique entry!
