I would like to congratulate all the winners in this years photo contest. As expected, the level of modeling, craftsmanship and photography was superb. I love seeing other modelers work as it help inspire me and give me ideas to get the creativity flowing.
I was a little surprised, however, to see there was no N scale representation in the contest. It's no secret that HO is king when it comes to scales modeled. And the larger scales like O and S definately allow for some crazy realistic detailing that really make amazing pictures. But I would have liked to see at least one N scale photo, as there is a large number of modelers who choose this scale as their preferred medium.... myself included. Now my skills are no where near the ability of those in the magazine, but I would have loved to see what others in this scale have been achieving and creating.
Again, I do not want to take anything away from the winners. I loved the pictures and have already downloaded some for my desktop wallpapers. The craftsmanship is excellent. I was just surprised that no N scale was selected. After all, they may not be the majority, but I'm sure there are a large number of individuals who model that scale.
Congratulations to all. You have once again impressed and inspired me to try new things.
Two possible explanations...and I have not seen any of the photos; nor do I know what criteria MR uses to judge them:
I'd liken it to a dog show: Not every year will an overly-topiaried poodle place in the Non-Sporting Dogs or Toy Breeds groups. Next year may be a different story altogether...
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
There was an editorial (or maybe a response to a reader letter) in Model Railroader many years ago that had the title "Remember... It Is A Photography Contest" in response to criticisms that somethings were over-represented and other over-represented in the winners on the (back then) anual photography contest.
I am sure many of the non-winners will be showing up in Trackside Photos for a few months.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Where are the contest results? I haven't finished June, but I'm not seeing it in the contents?
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
If you go to the website, click on the desktop wallpapers downloads. It has all the winners. Some really great pictures.
Hee's an idea... maybe there was no N scale because it's not possible to produce photos of that quality with N scale models.
To make a scene like those requires lots of details. While the locos and rolling stock have come a long way, most of the other stuff you need like figures, automobiles, luggage, etc have not.
I too would like to see the rules. I'm most interested in how much of the image has to be actual models. Some of those have photoshopped smoke, some have photo backdrops. What if someone photoshopped a nice model locomotive onto the front of a real train running through beautiful scenery. Would that be legal?
At least they're all scenes on layouts this time and not diorama's taken outdoors and shot with real sunlight and real backdrops.
Maybe what you want is categories by scale?
I have the right to remain silent. By posting here I have given up that right and accept that anything I say can and will be used as evidence to critique me.
carl425Hee's an idea... maybe there was no N scale because it's not possible to produce photos of that quality with N scale models.
Apparently you haven't seen top notch N Scale modeling? There are photos of N Scale you would think was HO..
N Scale has a body mounted true scale coupler add that to those modelers that add scale size handrails and detail parts and you will have to look twice to ensure its N and not HO. C-55 track is close to C-70 in appearence. There's tons of scenery details available.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
irishRR If you go to the website, click on the desktop wallpapers downloads. It has all the winners. Some really great pictures.
Alton Junction
Rich, go to the "home" page, it's the first selection in "Online Extras"
https://mrr.trains.com/how-to/layout-visits/2020/05/desktop-wallpaper-from-the-2020-trackside-photo-contest
Mike.
My You Tube
BRAKIEN Scale has a body mounted true scale coupler add that to those modelers that add scale size handrails and detail parts and you will have to look twice to ensure its N and not HO. C-55 track is close to C-70 in appearence. There's tons of scenery details available.
The detail items that were available for N scale in the 1990s were staggering. Gold Medal Models and Fine N Scaled both had products that were better than anything that was available in HO at the time.
I have been away from N scale for decades, so I am not aware of the current offerings.
mbinsewi Rich, go to the "home" page, it's the first selection in "Online Extras" https://mrr.trains.com/how-to/layout-visits/2020/05/desktop-wallpaper-from-the-2020-trackside-photo-contest Mike.
Rich
BRAKIE There's tons of scenery details available.
Can you point me to the N-scale modern automobiles? I haven't been able to find any.
And BTW, the HO equivalent to N scale code 55 is code 100.