Mini Diorama

2023 TEXAS EXPRESS
MINI DIORAMA WORKSHOP AND CONTEST

Updated 07/11/2023

The Mini Diorama Workshop and Contest is a Convention event in which contestants will purchase a Mini Diorama Module Kit for $7.00. Included in the kit is a blank module with a mounted section of "N" scale Kato track. The contestant then adds whatever scenery is desired.

Module kits can be picked up at the Mini Diorama Workshop from the beginning of the convention until Thursday, August 25 at 5:00 PM. There will be minimal scenic supplies at the workshop all week. Contestants will have until Thursday 7:00 PM to turn in their module for the contest. Modules will be on display at the Mini Diorama Workshop area for all convention attendees to vote on their favorite module starting Friday at NOON and ending at 5:00 PM. The winner will be announced at the display as soon as the votes are tabulated. Prizes will be awarded to the announced winners:

Johns Trees: beautiful set of 2 trees

More official prize announcements to come very soon

You may be wondering what exactly is a Mini Diorama? The idea originated in Japan to give children ages 5-14 a contest based on educational STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) principles in which they could participate at their national convention. The modules were made small, approximately 4” x 6”, and there are only two types, a straight and a curve. The first Mini Diorama Circus held at their convention drew 500 entries!

Why are we holding this contest for convention attendees? For multiple reasons!

It’s FUN! The small size forces the modeler to focus!

For bragging rights! What modeler wouldn’t want to compete?

To test new scenery and modeling techniques on a usable module.

To spread the Mini Diorama concept far and wide among adults so they can provide similar opportunities for beginning modelers of any age in their locales.

To provide a make and take souvenir!

By the Way, Watch for all the submitted scenic modules to be connected and an N scale train running over them.

The Kato booth at the National Train Show, August 25 thru 27, is having a Mini Diorama set-up. All Mini Diorama owners in the set-up will be in a raffle for prizes that have been donated by Kato USA. If you drop off your Mini Diorama that you entered in the convention judging at the Kato booth any time before 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 26, you will be entered into a raffle for prizes (subject to change). The raffle drawing will be held at 3:30 pm on Saturday August 26 and you must be present to win. Pick up your modules anytime after the raffle drawing but prior to end of show Sunday, August 27. The prizes which are all N Scale and donated by Kato USA are:

1 Undec. RDC combination Passenger/Baggage

1 Santa Fe sleeper

1 PRR RPO/Baggage

1 SP/Daylight Smooth Side Passenger Car 4 car set 106-029

1 BN Smooth Side Passenger Car 4 car set 106-027