Order the Baseboard = enter the competition
Purchase your special RAIL200 baseboard below and get entry into this special competition to celebrate 200 years of rail. There are only 200 competition baseboards available in two different competition categories which you can enter. All instructions for the next steps and to submit your entry, will follow the purchase and by e-mail, and also with your new baseboard.
Best of luck to all competitors!
R-200 RAIL200 Competition Baseboard (Only 200 available!)
All You Need To Know About The RAIL200 Competition
Who can take part?
The competition is open to UK residents of all ages (there are separate award categories for entrants who will be aged 16 or under on 30 September 2025). Both experienced modellers and beginners may enter – in fact, the competition seeks to encourage the participation of those who have not previously built a layout.
What do you have to do?
To take part, entrants are challenged to create a diorama with a railway theme, using a specific baseboard kit that is supplied by PECO. However, there are two options for the model that is built and entered – ‘Modular’ or ‘Standalone’.
What is the ‘Modular’ option?
The baseboard kit supplied to all entrants will include a section of PECO OO gauge Setrack (ref.ST-204, length 670mm). For the ‘Modular’ option, this section of track will be placed lengthways across the board, so that multiple ‘Modular’ entries can be joined together at a model railway event later in the year (date and location to be confirmed). It is planned that a special OO gauge train will run across these linked entries, providing what is expected to be a spectacular climax to the competition.
What is the ‘Standalone’ option?
This option doesn’t make use of the section of PECO OO Setrack supplied with the baseboard kit. This means that any scale and gauge can be modelled. At the end of the competition, the chosen finalists for this option will be displayed as standalone entries.
What is the supplied baseboard?
The laser-cut baseboard kit (which caters for both the ‘Modular’ and ‘Standalone’ options) comprises plywood parts and has a footprint of 29ó" x 12" (750mm x 305mm approx.). It has been designed for ease of assembly using just wood glue, with no cutting or drilling necessary. (An article showing how to assemble one of these baseboards will be published in next month’s RM.) The baseboard kit can be ordered online, direct from PECO (see end panel), with expected delivery to UK mainland addresses within seven days of the order being placed.
Are there any restrictions on scale, gauge, era or theme?
No, the dioramas (for both the ‘Modular’ and ‘Standalone’ options) can be completed using any scale or gauge, and can be set in any era and depict any railway subject, real or imagined. Naturally, the ‘Modular’ option is geared towards an OO gauge/4mm scale entry, but the scene could, for example, incorporate OO9 narrow gauge. See our special ‘Plan of the Month’ article on p348 for some suggested schemes for both the ‘Modular’ and ‘Standalone’ options.
Can entrants extend or adapt the supplied baseboard?
The diorama that is entered must not exceed the footprint of the supplied baseboard kit. No scenic extensions to the baseboard will be permitted. A backscene can be added along the back and sides, but this must remain within the board perimeter, whilst the overall height of the model must not exceed 140mm above the baseboard surface. Furthermore, all parts of the finished diorama should be securely fixed to the baseboard, with no separate or detachable items or details.
What about non-scenic additions to the supplied baseboard?
Provision can be included as part of the design for non-scenic additions such as fiddle yards, traversers, and sector plates, but these additions should not form part of the competition entry that is submitted.
Does the model need to be operational?
No, the models entered should be treated as static dioramas and do not need to be operational for the competition. However, provision for control and wiring (plus other functions such as lighting) can be included if the entrant wishes, to enable the use of the model as a fully working layout after the competition. (Finalists will be able to arrange for their models to be returned to them afterwards.)
How will the section of OO Setrack on the ‘Modular’ option be made to work?
The section of OO Setrack needs to remain isolated (both physically and electrically) from the rest of the model. Arrangements to power this will be made when the selected finalists from the ‘Modular’ entries are joined together at an event at the end of the competition.
Does the model need to be entirely the entrant’s own work?
Yes, the model entered into the competition should only feature work completed by the individual (or group) entering the competition. This includes any kit- or scratch-built items that are used. Commercial ready-made items (such as painted resin buildings) are permitted.
Can pre-built items be used?
Yes, kit- or scratch-built items completed prior to entering the competition can be used, provided these were made by the individual (or group) entering the competition.
Is there a closing date for entering the competition?
There isn’t, but we would encourage entrants to purchase their entry as soon as possible, so that the maximum amount of time is available to complete the diorama.
When do entries need to be completed by?
Photographs showing the finished models must be submitted to the organisers no later than 30 September 2025. A panel of judges will evaluate all entries received, and will select from these the finalists for display at the aforementioned model railway event, whereupon the winners will be announced and prizes awarded.
What are the award categories?
(‘Modular’ and ‘Standalone’), a winner will be declared for dioramas by entrants aged under 16, and for those aged 16 and over – so four winners in all.
What are the prizes?
The four winners will each receive a £500 voucher (redeemable only at approved PECO stockists and on PECO products); a 12-month subscription to RAILWAY MODELLER with full access to the RM Digital Archive; tickets to Pecorama; and a special commemorative trophy. There will also be four runner-up prizes, each comprising a £100 voucher (redeemable only at approved PECO stockists and on PECO products); a 12-month subscription to RAILWAY MODELLER with full access to the RM Digital Archive; tickets to Pecorama; and a special commemorative certificate.
How much does it cost to enter?
Entry to the competition (which includes the baseboard kit) is priced just £24.00 + £6.00 delivery to UK mainland addresses or £30.00 to the highlands and islands.
Terms & Conditions
Competition Organiser The PECO RAIL200 Modelling Competition (“the Competition”) is organised by PECO Model Railways (“the Organiser), in association with Railway Modeller magazine. Competition Dates The Competition opens on Monday, 7th April 2025, and closes for entries on Tuesday, 30th September 2025. Entries after this date will unfortunately not be considered. Eligibility The Competition is open to residents of the United Kingdom of any age, although minors under the age of 18 must get permission from an adult to enter. Employees of the Organiser, PECO and Railway Modeller magazine are not eligible to enter. By entering the Competition, participants agree to abide by these Terms & Conditions. How to Enter Entry is granted by purchasing a specially designed RAIL200 baseboard, exclusively at www.peco-uk.com or The Model Railway Shop in Beer, Devon OR at certain model railway shows that PECO attends. This purchase will grant automatic entry into the Competition. Once received, participants must use the baseboard to create their layout or diorama. Entrants must then submit high-quality photographs of their completed work via the official submission form, which will be e-mailed to them, OR by post using the entry form that will be supplied with the baseboard, before the closing date of 30th September 2025. Competition Categories The Competition consists of two categories: (a) Modular Competition - All entries must be modelled in OO gauge and use the PECO track section provided. The layout must adhere to the provided compatibility guidelines to ensure it can be joined with other finalists’ entries. Finalists will be invited to a special exhibition event where their layouts will be joined and displayed by PECO technicians. (b) Standalone Competition - Competition entries can be created in any scale/gauge. Dioramas will be judged solely on scenic creativity and imagination. These entries are standalone displays and will not be required to be functionally compatible with other layouts. Judging & Selection Process All valid entries will be independently judged based on creativity, craftsmanship, and adherence to guidelines (where applicable). A panel of industry experts will select finalists for both categories. Finalists will be invited to an exhibition event towards the end of the year where their work will be showcased. The winners and runners-up will be selected and announced at the exhibition. The Organiser cannot guarantee that it will contact every entry, however, it will contact those selected to take part in the final. The Organiser will endeavour to contact entrants where possible, regardless of outcome. Prizes Prizes will be awarded to winners and runners-up in both categories. The specific prizes will be announced closer to the event date and are subject to change. Winning and finalist entries will also be featured in Railway Modeller magazine. Exhibition & Publicity Finalists must agree to have their work exhibited at the final event and to participate in promotional activities related to the Competition. By entering, participants grant the Organiser, PECO, and Railway Modeller magazine the right to use images of their work for promotional and editorial purposes. General Terms The Organiser reserves the right to disqualify any entry that does not comply with the guidelines or these Terms & Conditions. The Organiser accepts no responsibility for any lost, late, or incomplete entries due to technical errors or postal issues. The Organiser reserves the right to make amendments to these Terms & Conditions or the Competition structure if necessary, at any date and without notice. Any disputes will be resolved at the discretion of the Organiser, and their decision is final. Contact Information For any queries regarding the Competition, please contact rail200competition@peco.co. By entering the RAIL200 Modelling Competition, participants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to these Terms & Conditions.
