Aim high! The sky's the limit for Walthers 2024 NRMBO! Key Dates to Remember: Contest begins 3/1/2024, Entries Due 7/1/2024, Winners Announced August 2024Aim high! The sky's the limit for Walthers 2024 NRMBO! Key Dates to Remember: Contest begins 3/1/2024, Entries Due 7/1/2024, Winners Announced August 2024

2025 YOUTH SILVER SCREEN SCENES

SILVER SCREEN SCENES (New category this year) 

Design a scene or create an artistic interpretation that captures the essence, mood, or narrative of a movie or television program where a train plays a central role. This can include iconic train settings, pivotal moments involving a train, or the symbolic significance of a train in the story. Entrants are encouraged to creatively explore how the train contributes to the theme, atmosphere, or storytelling, making it the undeniable focal point of their work.

Choose your favorite movie or get inspired by our Movie List

1ST PLACE - $1,000 CASH

2ND PLACE - $500 CASH

3RD PLACE - $250 PRODUCT BUNDLE


Entry size requirement: 2’W x 1’D
Open to individuals or teams fourteen (14) years old or younger at the time of entry. Must include a minor consent form.

2025 ADULT SILVER SCREEN SCENES

SILVER SCREEN SCENES (New category this year) 

Design a scene or create an artistic interpretation that captures the essence, mood, or narrative of a movie or television program where a train plays a central role. This can include iconic train settings, pivotal moments involving a train, or the symbolic significance of a train in the story. Entrants are encouraged to creatively explore how the train contributes to the theme, atmosphere, or storytelling, making it the undeniable focal point of their work.

Choose your favorite movie or get inspired by our Movie List

1ST PLACE - $1,000 CASH

2ND PLACE - $500 CASH

3RD PLACE - $250 PRODUCT BUNDLE


Entry size requirement: 2’W x 1’D
Open to individuals or teams fifteen (15) years old or older at the time of entry. Must include a minor consent form for those under 18.

FREESTYLE

FREESTYLE CATEGORY

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. Get inspired by      past entries>>

1ST PLACE - $2,000 CASH

2ND PLACE - $1,000 CASH

3RD PLACE - $250 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.

Wisconsin & Southern Blue and White 50' Boxcar in HO ScaleWisconsin & Southern Blue and White 50' Boxcar in HO Scale

HO SCALE 50' ACF EXTERIOR POST BOXCAR WSOR 101569
$22.98
910-1869A

53' Railgon Gondola in HO Scale from WalthersMainline in HO Scale53' Railgon Gondola in HO Scale from WalthersMainline in HO Scale

HO SCALE 53' RAILGON GONDOLA GONX 310616
$22.98
910-6908A

Burlington Northern 57' Mechanical Reefer in Yellow in HO ScaleBurlington Northern 57' Mechanical Reefer in Yellow in HO Scale

HO SCALE 57' MECHANICAL REEFER BNFE 9320
$22.98
910-3978A

MOVIE/TV INSPIRATION


Mystery/Thriller
- Murder on the Orient Express (1974, 2017) 
- The Lady Vanishes (1938) 
- Lady on a Train (1945) 
- Strangers on a Train (1951) 
- North by Northwest (1959) 
- Night Train (2009) 
- Agatha Christie's Poirot* 
- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes* (1984-1994)


Action Thriller
- Unstoppable (2010)
- Von Ryan's Express (1965)
- The Great Train Robbery (1978)
- James Bond 007 Film Series (1962-2021)

Action/Adventure
- The General (1926)
- Runaway Train (1985)
- Night Train to Lisbon (2013)
- The Lone Ranger* (1949-1957)
- The Wild Wild West* (1965-1969)


Western
- TheTrain Robbers (1973)
- Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
- The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
- 3:10 to Yuma (1957, 2007)
- Union Pacific (1939)
- Hell on Wheels* (2011-2016)

*Indicates a television show/series

Comedy
- Silver Streak (1976)
- Throw Momma from the Train (1987)
- The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
- It Happened to Jane (1959)
- Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
- Petticoat Junction* (1963-1970)

Drama
- Brief Encounter (1945)
- The Train (1964)
- Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
- The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009)
- Emperor of the North (1973)
- O’Horten (2007)
- Supertrain* (1979)

Kids and Family
- The Polar Express (2004)
- Harry Potter Film Series (2001-2011)
- Thomas & Friends* (1984-2021)
- Chuggington* (2008-2020)
- Shining Time Station* (1989-1993)

Sci-Fi/Fantasy
- Back to the Future III (1990)
- Atlas Shrugged Movie Series (2011-2012)
- Snowpiercer* (2020-2023)
- Infinity Train* (2019-2021)

Reality and Documentary
- Mighty Trains (2017-present)
- Great Railway Journeys (1994-present)

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS


All entries will be judged on their skill,
creativity and alignment to the competition rules.
Each category has its own requirements,
be sure to read the full list of Rules and Regulations.

Entrants under the age of 18 must submit signed approval from parent of guardian. Minor Consent Form.

Entries must be submitted after May 1, 2025 via online form at: 

www.walthers.com/nmrbo-entry

Each entry must include:
• Photos of all angles. The more the better!
     - 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 entries in the Silver Screen Scenes category, please
 include the name of the movie or TV series that inspired
 your work. If applicable, also specify the scene from the
 program that served as your inspiration.
• Minor Consent Form if under 18 years of age

Enter NowEnter Now
Wisconsin & Southern Blue and White 50' BoxcarWisconsin & Southern Blue and White 50' Boxcar

HO SCALE 50' ACF EXTERIOR POST BOXCAR WSOR 101569
$22.98
910-1869A

53' Railgon Gondola in HO Scale from WalthersMainline53' Railgon Gondola in HO Scale from WalthersMainline

HO SCALE 53' RAILGON GONDOLA GONX 310616
$22.98
910-6908A

Burlington Northern 57' Mechanical Reefer in YellowBurlington Northern 57' Mechanical Reefer in Yellow

HO SCALE 57' MECHANICAL REEFER BNFE 9320
$22.98
910-3978A

Enter NowEnter Now

Do you have questions about this year's National Model Railroad Build-Off?  Contact Us!

Copyright © 2025 Wm. K Walthers, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2025 Wm. K. Walthers, Inc. All rights reserved.