Walthers 2026 National Model Railroad Build-Off Gets Rolling June 1st with a Star-Spangled Celebration!
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, this year’s Build-Off invites you to bring history, heritage, and creativity to life on the rails. From the earliest days of railroading to today’s modern landscape, it’s your chance to celebrate 250 years of the American story in miniature.
SELECT YOUR CATEGORY
There's something for everyone—youth or adult, individual or team—with four categories to choose from this year.
CREATE YOUR ENTRY
Use your skills to bring your creative vision to life. Let your imagination run wild as you build a scene that captivates and inspires.
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY
Once your entry is complete, simply fill out the entry form, upload your photos and secure your chance to win!
KEY DATES TO REMEMBER
CONTEST BEGINS
6/1/2026
ENTRIES DUE
10/1/2026
WINNERS ANNOUNCED
NOVEMBER, 2026
CONTEST BEGINS JUNE 1st 2026 - Check back for more details!
2026 ADULT CATEGORIES
ADULT - Historical Diorama: Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary
This year’s theme honors America’s 250th Anniversary, inviting modelers to celebrate the nation’s rich history, enduring spirit, and the vital role railroads have played in shaping it. From the expansion westward to the growth of industry and community, railroads have long been woven into the American story. Entrants are encouraged to interpret this milestone in a way that is meaningful to them—whether by recreating a defining historical moment or capturing the essence of America’s journey through time. It’s an opportunity to reflect on 250 years of progress, innovation, and imagination, and to bring that story to life in miniature.
Open to age 15 years old and over.
1ST PLACE - $1,000 CASH
2ND PLACE - $500 CASH
3RD PLACE - $250 PRODUCT BUNDLE
ENTRY SIZE REQUIREMENT: 2’W x 1’D
No purchase necessary to enter. However, all submissions must incorporate at least three Walthers-branded products, which can consist of items already owned by the entrant. Each entry must include track and at least one locomotive and/or train car.
ADULT - Patriotic Paint Scheme: Freight Car Decorating
This category celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary through paint and design, inviting modelers to turn a freight car into a patriotic tribute. From bold red, white, and blue to subtle historical nods, each entry reflects personal interpretations of American pride on a rolling canvas.
Open to age 15 years old and up.
Not open to residents of Colorado, Maryland and North Dakota due to state legal laws regulating contests.
1ST PLACE - $500 CASH
2ND PLACE - $250 CASH
3RD PLACE - $100 PRODUCT BUNDLE
ENTRY SIZE REQUIREMENT: 2’W x 1’D
Requires the purchase of a select WalthersMainline® HO Freight Car available for purchase June 1, 2026.
Products will be available for purchase on June 1.
40' STEEL BOXCAR WITH MURPHY END UNDECORATED
$25.98
910-41050A
50' AAR IMPROVED DOUBLE-DOOR BOXCAR UNDECORATED
$25.98
910-46600A
40' WOOD REEFER WITH STEEL ENDS UNDECORATED
$25.98
910-41300A
ADULT - All American Favorite: Weathering
Bring on the grit and grime by realistically weathering the car using your choice of materials and methods; fading, rust, dirt, and wear.
Open to age 15 years old and up.
Not open to residents of Colorado, Maryland and North Dakota due to state legal laws regulating contests.
1ST PLACE - $500 CASH
2ND PLACE - $250 CASH
3RD PLACE - $100 PRODUCT BUNDLE
ENTRY SIZE REQUIREMENT: 2’W x 1’D
Requires the purchase of a select WalthersMainline HO Freight Car available for purchase June 1, 2026.
Products will be available for purchase on June 1.
40' PS-1 BOXCAR CHICAGO & NORTH WESTERN™ #6264
$25.98
910-45507A
50' ACF EXTERIOR POST DREADNAUGHT END PLATE B BOXCAR CANADIAN PACIFIC #207125
$25.98
910-46033A
60' HIGH CUBE PLATE F HORIZONTAL POST BOXCAR TTX TBOX #664231
$25.98
910-3116A
2026 YOUTH CATEGORIES
YOUTH - Historical Diorama: Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary
This year’s theme honors America’s 250th Anniversary, inviting modelers to celebrate the nation’s rich history, enduring spirit, and the vital role railroads have played in shaping it. From the expansion westward to the growth of industry and community, railroads have long been woven into the American story. Entrants are encouraged to interpret this milestone in a way that is meaningful to them—whether by recreating a defining historical moment or capturing the essence of America’s journey through time. It’s an opportunity to reflect on 250 years of progress, innovation, and imagination, and to bring that story to life in miniature.
Open to age 14 years old and under.
1ST PLACE - $1,000 CASH
2ND PLACE - $500 CASH
3RD PLACE - $250 PRODUCT BUNDLE
ENTRY SIZE REQUIREMENT: 2’W x 1’D
No purchase necessary to enter. However, all submissions must incorporate at least three Walthers-branded products, which can consist of items already owned by the entrant. Each entry must include track and at least one locomotive and/or train car.
YOUTH - Patriotic Paint Scheme: Freight Car Decorating
This category celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary through paint and design, inviting modelers to turn a freight car into a patriotic tribute. From bold red, white, and blue to subtle historical nods, each entry reflects personal interpretations of American pride on a rolling canvas.
Open to age 14 years old and under.
Requires the purchase of a select WalthersMainline® Freight Car available for purchase June 1, 2026.
Not open to residents of Colorado, Maryland and North Dakota due to state legal laws regulating contests.
1ST PLACE - $500 CASH
2ND PLACE - $250 CASH
3RD PLACE - $100 PRODUCT BUNDLE
ENTRY REQUIREMENT:
Requires the purchase of a select WalthersMainline HO Freight Car available for purchase June 1, 2026.
Products will be available for purchase on June 1.
40' STEEL BOXCAR WITH MURPHY END UNDECORATED
$25.98
910-41050A
50' AAR IMPROVED DOUBLE-DOOR BOXCAR UNDECORATED
$25.98
910-46600A
40' WOOD REEFER WITH STEEL ENDS UNDECORATED
$25.98
910-41300A
YOUTH - All American Favorite: Weathering
Bring on the grit and grime by realistically weathering the car using your choice of materials and methods; fading, rust, dirt, and wear.
Open to age 14 years old and under.
Not open to residents of Colorado, Maryland and North Dakota due to state legal laws regulating contests.
1ST PLACE - $500 CASH
2ND PLACE - $250 CASH
3RD PLACE - $100 PRODUCT BUNDLE
ENTRY SIZE REQUIREMENT: 2’W x 1’D
Requires the purchase of a select WalthersMainline HO Freight Car available for purchase June 1, 2026.
Products will be available for purchase on June 1.
40' PS-1 BOXCAR CHICAGO & NORTH WESTERN™ #6264
$25.98
910-45507A
50' ACF EXTERIOR POST DREADNAUGHT END PLATE B BOXCAR CANADIAN PACIFIC #207125
$25.98
910-46033A
60' HIGH CUBE PLATE F HORIZONTAL POST BOXCAR TTX TBOX #664231
$25.98
910-3116A
2026 FREESTYLE CATEGORY
ADULT & YOUTH
Show us your modeling chops in whatever scale you like! Create a 4' x 2' diorama that showcases your creativity and craftsmanship. The theme is entirely up to you—whether it’s a bustling cityscape, a serene natural setting, or a charming farm scene, let your skills shine. This is your chance to impress with intricate details and innovative techniques.
1ST PLACE - $2,000 CASH
2ND PLACE - $1,000 CASH
3RD PLACE - $500 PRODUCT BUNDLE
ENTRY SIZE REQUIREMENT: 4’W x 2’D
Open to all ages, individuals or teams. Entrants build a scene using materials of their choice. Must include a minor consent form for any participants under the age of 18.
CONTEST RULES & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
All entries will be judged on skill, creativity, and adherence to competition rules. Each category has specific requirements, please review the full Contest Rules and Entry Requirements before entering.
Entrants under the age of 18 must submit signed approval from parent of guardian. Minor Consent Form.
Entries must be submitted via online form at walthers.com/nmrbo. Form will be available after July 1, 2026.
EACH ENTRY MUST INCLUDE:
• Photos from multiple angles (the more, the better), including:
- Photo(s) with the inclusion of a tape measure alongside
width and length to indicate size.
- Several photos of final entry from different angles; top
down, front, L-side and R-side. Optional - detail shots help
the judges see the quality of your work.
- Individual or team photo with finished entry.
• Completed entry form including Name, Address, Email,
Telephone Number.
• For Historical Diorama entries: a brief description of the historical event that inspired your work. A list of the three Walthers branded products used in the entry.
• Minor Consent Form if under 18 years of age
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