90mm Cap Challenge

What a month, not much modelling to report. At the end of August the NMRA Australasian Regional Convention was held in Brisbane. As with most convention there was the contest, or as it is known today the “Celebration of Model, Photos and Craft”. In previous conventions I have entered the event with both models and photos. Given I was the Celebration Co-ordinator for the event, or in the old money the head judge, I could not enter models to be judge in the contest. Some of the activities in the event had “People’s Choice Awards” and the Photo Celebration was judged by another member. So I didn’t miss out altogether, I had entries in the Model Show Case, Photo Celebration, and the 90 mm Cap Challenger. As a bonus I also picked up some awards. 
The 90 mm Cap Challenge required a railway themed scene to be completed in/on a 90 mm PVC pipe cap. A short trip to Bunnings and for a couple of dollars you had the base. All up nine (9) entries were received. Some also had a great sense of humour which added to chat in the room.

A couple of prison escapee on a pump trolley meets a train in the tunnel.

“N” scale station.

The clothe line turned on this enter. Poor old mum swing on the line fell off when the westerly winds turned up and sent her flying.  You shouldn’t swing on the clothes line. ?? 

This was my entry, a fettler’s camp with working fire with the billy on for smoko. The tree was hanging outside the cap and I was disqualified by the judges. However the People’s Choice gave it a 3^rd place.  

A QR water softening plant

The bridge was suspended in the air, one had to look under the bridge to find a young lady with her top up showing her two @@ to a passing lad. Not sure if any money changed hands.

Models in the Scratch and Kit built section. 

Model Show Case. (Display only)

Arts & Crafts. 

Entries with certificates

Layouts.at the Convention.

Hands on clinic, I didn’t catch what Craig was saying, but he now has less hair ????

  Trade Stands.

J & J Hobbies

Model Box 

Aurora Trains 

Col's Books and Modellers Warehouse

Martyn's Train Shed was also here on Saturday

General auditorium for meeting up with other modellers and meals.

The photo contest allowed you one entry in each category, I entered the Prototype 

First Place.

Model 

Model Movie

In your convention bag was a 3D printed structure from Beautiful Little Buildings, HO modellers received a HO scale Lamp Room W/C. 

   

The structure has found a home on the Amby West layout. 

Saturday morning I was hauled up to the stage to my surprise. I was presented with an award from the US National President of NMRA by the At-Large World Wide Director Board member Martyn Jenkins for service to the Division in the Australian Region.   

The convention was over three days and then there was four days of Layout Tours. Westgate and Amby West was open for viewing for three days. Approximately 30 visitors dropped in for a chat and some took the opportunity to shunt on Amby West. Visitor came from most Australian states, NZ and the US.  The fourth day of tours we were able to visit four layouts and two hobby shops.

The following week it was up to Toowoomba to the National Rally of Steaming under the Southern Cross held by The National Historical Machinery Association. Over 500 exhibits and displays, don’t think I have seen so many steam engines in one place. Plus cars, trucks, tractors, machinery, and lots of smoke. What a trip down memory lane, lots of little projects to fill that corner on the layout. Often we are looking for photos of yesteryear to finish a project or a scene. Enjoy.

 

Brisbane Model Train Show is on this coming week, the Saturday 20^th and Sunday 21^st of September at the Northside Indoor Sports Centre, 20 Cambewarra Street, Zillmere. Just a short walk from the Zillmere railway station. A quick count shows around 76 displays, layouts, and trade stands will be attending. Check out the AMRA Qld website for additional information.  BRISBANE MODEL TRAIN SHOW 2025 – Australian Model Railway Association, Queensland Branch Inc. On the grapevine I heard there could be some tank wagon kits available. 

Drop in and say Hi, would love to meet you face to face and have a chat. Amby West will be here and you are welcome to come and shunt a shift or ask questions about modelling QR. 

As I was posting this, I received an email to say the next issues of the Australian Model Railway Magazine is due out this week. There is a great article on a “Location to Model”, is a QR station, I will say no more???? .   

There is a few projects on the bench, a couple may take a year or two to complete. 

Please enjoy the hobby, we will catch up again next month. 

Arthur H.