It is April 1st!!!! The first day of building for the James Mitich Scratch Built Model Contest . I encourage everyone to participate and look foward to what everyone comes up with. If this is the first time you have heard of this contest, here are the rules.

Rules for Entry.

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for considering entering my first scratch built model contest. It is officially titled James Mitich’s Scratch Built Model Contest. I wish you luck with your model and hope you enjoy the time spent and the process involved in building it. To enter follow the following rules. If there are any questions, please email me at GrayhoundChallenger@hotmail.com

Rule 1:
Model construction can not be started before April 1, 2004. The time remaining before the start of construction can be used for research and drawing of plans if deemed necessary.

Rule 2:
The model must be of an item for use on a model railroad. While you need not have a layout to enter this contest, if you do not have a layout, the model should be able to be used on one when built. The model can be of any prototype from any era in any scale.

Rule 3:
The model on its premise must be built from scratch. Kit bashing of major components into a new arrangement is not allowed. Detail parts as outlined in rule 4 may be obtained from kits if found to be suitable.

Rule 4:
Certain manufactured detail parts may be used, as the intent of this competition is to get modelers to push the limits of their skills and creativity, not make them endure cruel and unusual punishment. Detail parts allowed are trucks, couplers, windows, doors, motors and drive train components, DCC decoders, grills, fans, railings, walkways, brake gear, hand wheels, and assorted vents. If a certain detail part does not fall under this list, use the “Would a person scratch building what I am use this part” test. If further clarification is desired, email me.

Rule 5:
Decals, both manufactured and homemade, are allowed.

Rule 6:
Clear, In focus, well-lit, and properly exposed photographs of the finished model must be taken. Photographs can be in color or black in white, though color is preferred. Photographs can be of traditional or digital format as the display, viewing, and judging will be conducted on-line.

Rule 7:
A brief one page minimum summary detailing how the model was constructed must also be written.

Rule 8:
Models must be finished by July 31, 2004

Rule 9:
All photographs and construction summaries must be submitted to James Mitich by August 14, 2004. This allows two weeks from the end of model construction to photograph the model and write the construction summary if needed. Submissions before this date will be accepted and are encouraged to help balance out time demands by my other activities.

Submissions can either be emailed or mailed to me.

Email submissions should be emailed to GrayhoundChallenger@hotmail.com

If submitting via regular mail, mail the submissions to

James Mitich’s Scratch Built Model Contest
P.O. Box 871
Lander, WY 82520

If mailing submissions photographs no smaller than 3.5 X 5 please.

Categories of Competition:
There are three categories of competition. These have been developed to address concern that some modelers wishing to enter are comparative rookies while other are old brass hats These three categories level the playing field for those that qualify to be in them.

The first category is Teen/Pre-Teen modelers. I have received lots of input from teenage members of the hobby, one even as young as 12 years old. Modelers ages 19 and younger get entered in this category.

The second category is First Time Scratch Builders. This category is for those who are fairly new to scratch building models and aged 20 or older. The models entered in this category can not be more than the third scratch built model the modeler has built in his model railroad tenure. This third model contingent has been placed to address feedback concerning some modelers wishing to get some “practice” before entering the competition.

The third and last category is the open category. Basically if you are an experienced scratch builder, and the model was scratch built you are in this category.

Judging:
All entries will be posted on an Internet Web Site for viewing by the interested public. Anyone viewing the models is free to cast their votes for First, Second, and Third place, as well as a best of show vote. Each vote cast will count as one vote for the model regardless of whether the voter counted it as first, second, or third place. The intent here is to allow the voter to express his or her full opinion on the matter. For sake of legitimacy, The votes cast for first, second, and third place for each model will be tracked and be made available at request after compilation is completed. The model receiving the highest total votes, second highest total votes, and third highest total votes, in each category will win First, Second, and third place respectively. The model receiving the highest number of votes in all categories wins best of show.

All votes must be cast by Patriot’s Day (Spetember-11) 2004. 11:59 P.M. Mountain Time.

Number of Entries:
A modeler is free to enter as many models as he or she wishes as long as each model conforms to the rules posted above. However, Unless the modeler is the only entrant in his or her category, they are eligible to receive only one prize. Unless the model also wins first Place and Best of Show. If multiple models are entered, the one receiving the most votes will the one earning the prize.

Prizes:
Due to this contest being financed out of my own pocket, fancy and flashy prizes are out of the realm of possibility. But I have decided to try and fund a modest number of prizes.

I have decided that Third place will win a Hobby Knife. Second Place will win a Hobby Paint and Brush Set. First Place will win a hobby knife, paint and brush set, and workbench-organizing tray. Best of show will win, a X-acto Multi-tool work set.

Since I have to fund this from my own pocket, donations are welcome. If one wishes to contribute, please send a check or money order for any amount made out to James Mitich to

James Mitich’s Scratch Built Model Contest
Prize Donation
P.O. Box 871
Lander, WY 82520

Any surplus funds will be saved and applied towards next year’s prizes.

Winning:
As detailed before, the winners will be determined by the number of votes cast for their model. After tallying the vote, The winners will be announced and will be notified by their preferred Choice of notification. They can choose E-mail, Letter, or Telephone call.

Please indicate the preferred method of contact and the necessary contact information with your submission please.

Upon confirming winning of the model, the prizes will be shipped to the winning participant.

Thank You:
Thank you all for taking the time to read these rules and participating in this contest. I wish you the best of luck and look forward to seeing your entry.

Sincerely