Contest Rules


Model Contest Rules

Denver’s 2026 Sn3 Symposium Model Contest
introduces a number of exciting innovations!

Categories
Our contest will features six categories as follows:

  • Sn3 Locomotives
  • Sn3 Rolling Stock (freight, passenger, caboose, MOW, etc.)
  • S scale Structures (railroad or not-railroad)
  • Other than S (any type of model in any other scale)
  • Photograph, model or prototype of anything railroad related
  • The entry receiving the most votes will be awarded “Best of Show”
    regardless of category
  • Display Only (Models of any type or scale, no votes or awards)

General Contest Rules:

1. Only registered symposium attendees may submit entries
2. Each attendee is encouraged to submit multiple entries per category
3. Models awarded first place or Best of Show at previous Sn3 symposium are not eligible for the model contest, but may be shown in the “Display Only” category
4. Kits, scratch built or modified commercial items are all eligible, but must be identified as such, and all work must have been done by the entrant (for example, brass locomotives that have been painted, weathered, or detailed can be entered even though not built by the entrant as long as the modifications were all done by the entrant.)

Entries:

Each entrant will complete a short Contest Entry form for each item entered. These forms will be available in the contest room and will be filled out at the time a model is submitted.
In addition, each entrant is encouraged to provide additional information for display with each entry. Please limit this added information to approximately one 3×5” card and prepare these cards prior to arrival at the Symposium in order to expedite the receipt of entries.
Entrants should be aware that Symposium Contest Staff may be required to touch entries as needed for spacing on and for photographing contest winners.

Judging:

Contest winners for the general contests will be selected by popular vote of registrants.
Only ballots supplied with symposium registration packets (one per registrant) will be allowed for voting. Replacement ballots will not be supplied.
Ballot boxes will be kept under supervision in the contest room and all ballots must be submitted by NOON Saturday to be counted. No ballot may be received after NOON Saturday.
Ballots must be dropped directly into the ballot box. Ballots may not be handed to Symposium staff to be deposited.
In the event of tied votes in any category, the 2026 committee reserves its right to confer and cast a tie-breaking vote.

Display Only:

A “Display Only” table will be provided for those who desire to display a model in a non-voting environment. These items will not be included in the popular vote categories and will not receive any awards. Display Only item may be of any type or scale. Every effort will be made to provide space for “Display Only” items. However, they will be accepted on a first come, space available basis and may be rejected if too many items are received.