Roger is totally correct regarding what typically happens in the contest
room. Everything has it's compromises, there are lighting issues,
height issues, security issues, qualification issues, and transporting
the models isn't easy anymore. So I applaud those who take enough pride
in their work to display it at these shows.
As I mentioned before I believe I have a perfect record when it comes to
not damaging models during my photo sessions as Roger has also
accomplished. I hadn't even thought about having to move models around
as more come in. Asking 20 entrants to move their models isn't a task I
would wish on anyone. So I think we need to have some understanding
that the judges who might turn a model around, or the contest room
'guards/helpers' who might rearrange things a bit, and even a
photographer, need to be granted some slack in doing their job. Of
course, I can understand those who don't want anybody near their
models--I guess that's why so many drawers and closets are full of
models <G>.
All that being said, many of us have seen the U Tube videos of the Fed
and UPS delivery guys tossing electronics over the fence too. When I
was shooting the last "This is S" brochure, I thought it would be nice
to feature our manufacturers to the North in the publication. Andy
Malette sent down one of his engines, upon arrival there was some
damage. We don't know if it was the shipping companies or perhaps
customs officials. Well I still photographed the engine and after I was
happy with the shot then sent it back. Apparently the shipping 'gods'
again played their mischief and returned it even more damaged. In the
meantime Andy moved causing delays, so collecting insurance wasn't going
to happen. In this situation we had two post office departments, and
who knows how many customs/homeland departments involved. Hopefully the
governments will stay out of contests!
So this brings up a couple of thoughts that perhaps an insurance agent
might answer--are our models insured against such damage or even theft
when out of the home. These items could be stolen from the car, hotel
room, disappear in luggage or simply be dropped. I understand a table
of RR china collapsed on a sales table once--I can only imagine that damage!
Another thing--does anyone know if there is a 'big book' someplace of
all the contest models, what class they were entered into and what
scores they received? I don't think I've kept any of my paperwork but
obviously kept the ribbons and a few plaques. I also assume that our
models that were entered into a NASG contest are probably not
transferable to the NMRA records--is that correct?
Bob Werre
PhotoTraxx
boB,
You have a good attitude. That’s why I like to build all my own
stuff, so I know that I can always fix it. I’ve entered several
modeling contests, and have had only minor repairs to make. I’m not
sure if the judges or the viewers did the damage. Actually, I’ve done
more damage transporting the model to and from the convention!
I have also worked a few contest rooms, and can say that the models
typically had to be rearranged for space as new models were entered.
And it would be impossible for judges to do a proper job of evaluating
an entry without at least turning it around. It just goes with the
territory. At the narrow gauge convention last year in Seattle, I
carefully moved about 20 models for Don Heimburger, editor of the
'”Sn3 Modeler”, to a table that he had set up with a background and
lights for shooting images for his magazine. Hopefully, I didn’t
break anything, or leave any noticeable fingerprints. All the
volunteers had cloth gloves.
Roger Nulton
