The SER Region Contests are held at our annual convention.  The contests include models, photography and arts & crafts based on the NMRA National Contests program.  The SER has several special contest awards which are presented annually at the convention.

JOHN DAKIN AWARD 

This award is given in recognition of a model judged to be the best example of a kit-bash. It is based on the total number of points scored for a model that uses 2 or more kits combined to produce a single finished model. The model can also be 2 or more kits combined with scratchbuilding to produce a finished model. The award recognizes the unique ability of the entrant to combine model kits into a better representation of a prototype, and the use of the kits to produce a finished entry which resembles neither starting kit. The award is an individualized plaque in silver. 

SILVER SPIKE AWARD 

This award is given in recognition of the best Narrow Gauge model by an entrant at the Silver Level. Motive power, rolling stock, displays and gauge-specific structures are eligible. The model may be scratchbuilt, kitbashed or a combination of the two. The award is an individualized plaque in silver. 

GOLD SPIKE AWARD 

This award is given in recognition of the best Narrow Gauge model by an entrant at the Gold Level. Motive power, rolling stock, displays and gauge specific structures are eligible. The model may be scratchbuilt, kitbashed or a combination of the two. The award is an individualized plaque in gold. 

WILL MILLER AWARD 

This award is the “Best in Show” for a model entered by a contestant at the Silver level. It is the model with highest point total at the Silver level. All model categories are eligible. The award is an individualized plaque in Silver.

MACK CRAIG AWARD 

This award is the “Best in Show” for a model entered by a contestant at the Gold level. It is the model with the highest point total at the Gold level, usually the highest scoring model in the contest. All model categories are eligible. This award may be given to an entrant in the Silver level if it the model is determined to be exemplary in points, construction and detail, far surpassing the next highest scoring model, even if that modeler is at the Gold level. This is a determination to be made by the Contest Chairman and the judges at the end of judging.  The award is an individualized plaque in gold and a revolving trophy. 

MIKE CALLAHAN 101 AWARD 

This award is given to a model which best exemplifies the skills and craftsmanship of the late Mike Callahan. The criterion is as follows: 

1. Any category of model is eligible for the award. 
2. Model must not have been a previous winner of SER Regional Awards. 
3. Model must receive 101 points or greater in the SER/NMRA Judged Contest. 
4. In addition, The Model must capture the attention to detail, difficulty in construction, and quality of modeling typical of Mike Callahan Contest Entries of the past. It will be the responsibility of the Contest Chairman and his/herContest Judges to identify these qualities in the qualifying models. 
5. The Award will consist of an individualized engraved plaque in gold. 
6. In the Event that there are multiple models which qualify for the award, the Contest Chairman and the attending Judges, will decide which model best captures the spirit of the award. 
7. This award may not be given each year, depending on qualifying entries. 

Note regarding SER Special Awards: All special awards given by the SER are only eligible to be earned by those modelers residing within the Southeastern Region. Contest entrants who reside outside of the region boundaries, even if they are current SER members, are not eligible for these awards.

Dudley Ross Award

The award is given to the highest score for a scratch built or kit bashed model(s) best representing a prototype structure or scene. The model(s) may be in any scale. 

GOLD AND SILVER LEVEL ENTRANTS - DEFINED 

The SER contest awards are based on two levels of participation for all entrants. 

Generally, Silver level contestants are novice/ first time SER contest entrants, that is modelers who have not previously entered an SER contest. Gold level contestants are experienced/ previous SER contest entrants. 

Further broken down when all entrants happen to have entered SER contests in the past, Silver level contestants are those modelers who have not placed first in an entry category (i.e. locomotives, cars, etc.) at a previous SER contest. Gold level participants are those modelers who have previous placed first in an entry category. The Contest Chairman is required to make all efforts to ascertain which entrants fall into which level prior to placing the awards.