Peco launches RAIL200 Competition to mark 200 years of British railways

The RAIL200 Competition aims to celebrate two centuries of railway heritage by engaging both seasoned and novice modellers of all ages. Participants do not need prior experience in railway modelling, making this an inclusive opportunity for anyone that would like to take part and try their hand in modelling. The competition features two distinct categories, allowing entrants to choose based on their interests and skills.

These are:

The Modular Competition: Participants are tasked with creating a layout using a OO gauge piece of track provided by Peco. Strict guidelines ensure compatibility among entries, enabling the finalists’ layouts to be linked together into a larger, cohesive exhibition at a special venue, to be announced. Finalists will have their layouts assembled by Peco technicians and showcased to the public and prizes for winners and runners-up.

The Standalone Competition: This category allows modellers to craft a scenic display in any scale or gauge, focusing solely on scenic creativity and imaginative design. Dioramas are standalone pieces and are not required to be connected operationally with other layouts. Finalists will have their work displayed publicly, with prizes awarded to winners and runners-up.

To enter the RAIL200 Competition, participants are required to purchase a specially designed RAIL200 baseboard (pictured above), which is priced at £24.00 and grants automatic entry into the competition and will be posted to them along with instructions on how to assemble their baseboard, as well as how to register their entry online, or if preferred by submitting in the post. Entrants are required to send high-quality photographs of their completed layouts or dioramas by the submission deadline, in order to be considered for the final. An independent panel of judges will evaluate the entries, selecting finalists for exhibition and publication opportunities.

The competition opens on April 7th, 2025, with the submission deadline of September 30th, 2025. Prizes will be listed on the Peco website. Four winners will be chosen, with prizes including a £500 voucher to spend on Peco products; a 12-month subscription to Railway Modeller magazine and a special commemorative trophy. There will also be four runner-up prizes.