News flash..., the rules are changing for NMRA model contests! In the May 1997 NMRA Bulletin, there is an explanation of how the rules are changing to allow more points for the area of conformity in the judging of models. Conformity is the term used to describe the idea that each model is a model of a real live object. This area is going to change from having a value of 10 points, to having a value of 25 points, giving this area a stronger emphasis in the judging of a model. To keep the number of contest points the same, 125 points, the area of detail is going from 25 points to 20, and the area of scratch building is going from 25 to 15. Some of the thinking behind this is the feeling that there are so many good detail parts and accessories available, there is now a diminishing need or use of scratch built parts. I know that there will be some discussion on this for quite some time as there are many who believe that there is still a need to develop scratch building abilities. I will however say that I am glad to see an increased emphasis on conformity, as I have always felt that what I enjoy doing is making my layout and rolling stock look like the real thing, especially real equipment that I have seen.
In the last Rusty Spike, I talked about judging in the area of Construction and Detail, and in this issue, I am going to talk about the area of conformity which has just received this increased importance.
Conformity
Conformity is the term that is used to ask the question, "How
much does this model conform to an actual locomotive, boxcar,
bridge, or other railroad structure." The best way to demonstrate
this conformity is to use magazine articles, plans, or photographs
that show or describe a prototypical railroad car, structure, or
item that has been modeled. Most model railroad magazines provide
prototype articles on real equipment, complete with line drawings
and measurements to show exactly what the prototypical piece of
equipment looked like. Photographs of the item are usually provided
and sometimes there are descriptions of all the alterations or
deviances from the original equipment. Railroads are notorious
for taking equipment and changing or "improving" it through
the years. Sometimes this is what can make modeling a specific
item more interesting.
Another good way to provide documentation for conformity, can be
done by providing photographs of the actual locomotive or car
that you modeled. I have picture albums of family vacations, and
special occasions, and I also have photo albums of locomotives
and rail cars that I have seen and someday hope to model. These
photos can be very useful in the application of detail parts, or
decals to a model. Taking pictures, means going down to the
tracks to wait for trains or look for that special car to model.
Warning, railroad property is private property and also a very
dangerous place to be, so be careful, stay away from the tracks,
and respect railroad personnel who are trying to do their job
and do not need to be worrying about someone else's safety.
A good place in Indianapolis to safely observe trains is at Union Station, as every Conrail train going either east or west, has to go through this area, and they have to go slowly. A good vantage point is on one of the upper levels of the Union Station parking garage, as it lets you see the tops of the cars, which is what we see a lot of on a model. Grain elevators, and other rail businesses can be found, but again be careful as this is going to be someone else's private property.
You can also use photographs of buildings, or railroad structures such as a bridge as a way to show conformity of your model. An extra step could include the measurements of the building such as its length and width. I once saw a beautiful model of a covered bridge which had several photographs that showed the original bridge, but there were no dimensions provided.
Other good resources to establish conformity are from railroad history books, videos, special interest groups, railroad historical societies, and now the Internet. All of these can provide information to help you to purchase the right kit for the right project and the information to help you recreate a smaller version of the real thing. Good Luck in your next project.
Thomas H. Cain
[Rusty Spike - Vol. 27 No. 3, July-August 1997]
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