MER Region-specific awards

Remember, you can bring models to the convention for a one on one evaluation in an AP judges room without having to suffer many people examining the model or handling it and perhaps breaking it. Just send the AP Chairman an email several weeks in advance. No problem if you discover the model cannot be ready in time. Just let him know.

Assuming you earn a Merit score of 87.5 points or more, we'd like you to enter it in the general contest. You already have the Merit Award and I'm sure your Division buddies would like to see the finished model. Quite likely the model might win a special contest sponsored by someone other than just the NMRA.

The following will be awarded at the Spring 2001 Convention:

THE CLYDE L. GERALD AWARD -- An MER award given for the best kit- bashed model.

BLUE LANTERN AWARD -- This award is for a model containing not more than forty percent commercial parts that best represents branch, short or private line operating equipment and/or facilities. It is sponsored by the Narrow Gauge Car Shop.

PRESIDENT'S AWARD -- Each convention the MER President gives out an award to the one he likes best.

PHILADELPHIA DIVISION NEW MODELER AWARD This award will be given to the first time modeler entering the NMRA model contest at a MER regional convention. The new modeler whose entry receives the highest score regardless of category in the model contest will win the award. A cash prize will be presented by the Philadelphia Division, and a New Modeler Award certificate will be presented by the MER.

If you want a judge to pre-evaluate the model in your home and if found wanting give you pointers on how to improve it, contact your Div. AP person. He will either come or send someone you know and trust to go over the model(s) with you. This is not "cheating". The objective of the AP is to help you learn how to do everything in model railroading better including how to earn merit awards. Picking the mind of someone who has already earned a few awards is only common sense.