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Submit your creations at home to the "Mini Diorama Circus" to be held at the 2023 Railway Model Contest "Kyushu Tournament" (Fukuoka/Tenjin)! ! You can also bring your work directly to the venue on the day of the event. Of course, you can also bring it to a model store in Kyushu in advance. You can also share photos of your work using the Tekkon app (free). Even if it's your first time creating a work, you might get a lot of likes and comments. Of course, you can also attend the railway model contest "Kyushu Tournament" as an exhibitor (free of charge, limited to applicants). When you visit, you can directly see the many mini diorama works connected to the work, the N gauge train running on it, the large module work made by high school students, and the diorama work called T-TRAK. You can take a look.
You will also have more fun making dioramas if you participate in the exhibitions sponsored by registered dealers that will be held in various locations after the competition.

1. overview

Name: Mini Diorama Circus (Kyushu Tournament)

Holding category:・Adult category

　　　　　・Junior high school student section

・Elementary school division

Sponsor: General Foundation Railway Model Contest
Special support: KATO (Kato Co., Ltd./Hobby Center Kato Co., Ltd.)
Cooperation: Mini Diorama Circus Registered Model Store

​

Date: August 12th (Sat) - 13th, 2023日(Sun) 

Venue: Elgala Hall (Fukuoka/Tenjin)

Address: 1-4-2 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture

2. the purpose

The mini diorama circus is based on manufacturing, with the addition of STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics: examining N scale dioramas from various angles). This event aims to contribute to the expansion of the heart-rich railway model hobby through the creation and display of miniature diorama works and mutual interaction between participants, mainly registered model shops in the area.

3． Application qualifications/benefits

・Those who can create dioramas that comply with mini diorama circus standards.
・Exhibited works will be brought to Elgala Hall (Tenjin, Fukuoka) on Friday, August 11, 2023, and collected after the competition ends on Sunday, August 13, 2023. Those who are able to do so.
・No age limit　◎Elementary school, junior high, and high school students may participate with the consent of their guardians.
・Individual participation. Group participation is not allowed.
・Please select from the three exhibition categories: elementary school, junior high and high school, and adult.
・Only the applicant can enter the railway model contest "Kyushu Tournament" for free.

Please be sure to bring your exhibitor ID with you. A separate admission fee is required for accompanying persons such as guardians.
・Please create your work using KATO's "Diorama-kun", "Mini Diorama Base Straight Line S124", "Mini Diorama Base Curved Line R183", "Mini Diorama Plus" or a base that complies with the Mini Diorama Circus standard.

 

Four. Application period and work submission period

​●Those who register their entry in advance using the Tekkon app.
Application period: July 3rd (Monday) to July 31st (Monday), 2023 (Reiwa 5) *
・Please access the smartphone app "Tekkon App" and enter the necessary information to apply.
・Please note that the application period is different from those who wish to exhibit at the national convention.
・If you have already submitted an entry to exhibit at the national convention, and select "Mini Diorama Circus Registered Model Shop" as a distributor in each prefecture in the Kyushu region or Yamaguchi Prefecture, your work will be transported to the Kyushu convention after exhibiting at the national convention. Works will be returned in accordance with the application guidelines for the national competition.
*Please download the "Tekkon App" from Google play for Android and App Store for iOS. (Free)
*However, once the capacity is reached, the application may be closed even before the deadline, so please apply as soon as possible.
Submission and collection of works: Please bring the work yourself to Elgala Hall (Fukuoka/Tenjin) on Friday, August 11, 2023 (Reiwa 5) from 14:00 to 16:00. Collection will be from 17:00 to 18:00 after the tournament on Sunday, August 13, 2023 (Reiwa 5).
●Those who bring their works directly to the venue without entering through the Tekkon app.
Please bring it to Elgala Hall (Fukuoka/Tenjin) on Friday, August 11, 2023 (Reiwa 5) from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
*Works will be collected by the creators themselves from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM after the competition ends on Sunday, August 13, 2023 (Reiwa 5).

 

Five. Participation fee and payment method

​・Cost: ¥2,000-(tax included)
・Payment method: Please pay at the venue on the day. (Cash only, various cashless payments not possible)
・Participation fees will be used to pay for circus badges, venue setup costs, and usage fees for the Tekkon app. *Please pay your own app communication charges.

6. Mini diorama circus flow

~From application to collection until the end of the event~

●Those who register their entry in advance using the Tekkon app.
①    Before creating your work, be sure to access the “Tekkon App” and enter the necessary information.
*The personal information you provide will not be used for any purpose other than this tournament.
②    First, let's create a mini diorama circus according to the "Mini Diorama Circus Standards".
KATO's "Diorama-kun", "Mini Diorama Base Straight Track S124", "Mini Diorama Base Curved Track R183", and "Mini Diorama Plus" comply with the following Mini Diorama Circus standards.
*Please note that if your work does not comply with the Mini Diorama Circus standards, you may not be able to display your work even if you bring it in on the day.
In addition, N gauge vehicles run on electricity from the tracks. Is there any adhesive or paint on the rail? Don't forget to polish the rails at the end!
◎If you are making your own base, make sure that you can connect the mini diorama next to it, that the height is correct, and that it is strong enough (will not break when disconnected from the mini diorama next to it). Please create it.
◎The N scale vehicles that run on the mini diorama have sharp curves, so they are limited to the KATO Pocket Line series, Tram series, and Alps Glacier Express series.
③    Post photos and production records of your work on the “Tekkon App”. Share anecdotes such as ``I was particular about this part'' or ``This part was difficult to create.''
◎The trick to taking photos is to take photos during the production process. Be careful not to think, "I should have taken a picture at that time!" after it is completed.
◎Don't forget to write your name or handle on the bottom of the work so we can identify the creator!
④    Let's make sure that the work is completed by the day before the Kyushu competition. Please bring your completed work to the venue and pay the participation fee.
⑤    On the day of the Kyushu Railway Model Contest, your mini dioramas will be connected and displayed by the staff. Everyone's works will be connected to complete the circus ring.
⑥    On the final day of the Kyushu Railway Model Contest, please pick up your work at the venue.

7. Mini diorama circus flow

~From application to collection until the end of the event~

●Those who bring their works directly to the venue
①    First, let's create a mini diorama circus according to the "Mini Diorama Circus Standards".
KATO's "Diorama-kun", "Mini Diorama Base Straight Track S124", "Mini Diorama Base Curved Track R183", and "Mini Diorama Plus" comply with the following Mini Diorama Circus standards.
*Please note that if your work does not comply with the Mini Diorama Circus standards, you may not be able to display your work even if you bring it in on the day.
②    Create the mini diorama while checking the clearance mark to make sure the vehicle can run without hitting the structures on the side of the track.
In addition, N gauge vehicles run on electricity from the tracks. Is there any adhesive or paint on the rail? Don't forget to polish the rails at the end!
◎If you are making your own base, make sure that you can connect the mini diorama next to it, that the height is correct, and that it is strong enough (will not break when disconnected from the mini diorama next to it). Please create it.
◎The N scale vehicles that run on the mini diorama have sharp curves, so they are limited to the KATO Pocket Line series, Tram series, and Alps Glacier Express series.
③    Let's make sure that the work is completed by the day before the Kyushu competition. Please bring your completed work to the venue and pay the participation fee.
④    On the day of the Kyushu Railway Model Contest, the staff will connect your mini dioramas and display them. Everyone's works will be connected to complete the circus ring.
⑤    On the final day of the Kyushu Railway Model Contest, please pick up your work at the venue.

8. Mini diorama circus standard

  • All works exhibited at Mini Diorama Circus must be produced in accordance with these standards.
    *KATO's "Diorama-kun", "Mini Diorama Base Curved Track R183", "Mini Diorama Base Straight Track S124", and "Mini Diorama Plus" comply with the following Mini Diorama Circus standards.

 

  • All tracks use KATO Unitrack tracks. *Please do not use anything else.

  • The work must be completely enclosed in a clear transport case. (If it does not fit, we will not be able to transport it to the venue)
    Clear case for transportation internal dimensions: depth 78mm x width 162mm x height 90mm
    *The top surface of the clear case is narrow with internal dimensions: depth 73mm x width 157mm.

 

  • Base size (If you are making your own base, please refer to the following)

  • The base is placed inside a clear case for transportation, and the bottom 5mm of the base is

​　　Please create a structure that allows the clear case to be placed as shown in the diagram on the right.

  • base creation

​ straight line curve

 

  • *In a straight line, it will fit right sideways up to the straight track S124 (be sure to include the unijoiner part), but it will not fit in the clear transport case unless it is inserted diagonally up to 155mm.
    *The location of the track can be anywhere as long as the above requirements are met.
    *Please use R183-45° for curved lines. (Be sure to include a unijoiner) Do not use any other tracks.
    *The location of the track can be anywhere as long as the above requirements are met.

  • Please use unijoiners for the track connections so that you can connect the mini dioramas together.

 

  • Keep the tracks level. (Do not add up or down slopes)

  • Ensure that the rail is strong enough to withstand connecting and disconnecting from adjacent mini dioramas.Sai.
    *We recommend making the base from plywood or MDF and securing the rails with screws or nails.

  • If you want to use illumination, please use LED. The power source is a 9V battery, and the connector battery must be included with the work. It cannot be shipped while connected. Also, power supply from railway lines is prohibited.

 

9. Notes on making mini dioramas

  • Please make sure that your work fits in a clear transport case.
    Works that do not fit into the clear transportation case will not be transported to the railway model contest venue.

  • The mini dioramas created by everyone will be connected at the railway model contest venue, and N scale vehicles will run on the tracks.
    Please be careful not to create a design that will interfere with the operation of N scale vehicles.

  • N scale vehicles have two rails energized and run on that electricity.
    Make sure that diorama materials do not adhere to the tracks. This may cause poor running.

  • Make sure that the structures on the side of the tracks do not collide with the vehicle.

  • Please check the "construction limits*" using the unijoiner remover (clearance mark).
    *“Building limit” refers to the space = clearance required for a model railway vehicle to run.

  • When placing treads, etc. between the rails at a railroad crossing, etc., make sure that the wheels can pass through.

 

Ten. Participation rules

​・Please create your work using KATO's "Diorama-kun", "Mini Diorama Base Straight Line S124", "Mini Diorama Base Curved Line R183", "Mini Diorama Plus" or a base that complies with the Mini Diorama Circus standard.
・Please write your name or handle name on the name sticker you will receive when applying so that the creator can be identified on the bottom of the mini diorama work you are exhibiting.
・The train model contest organizer and mini diorama contest co-sponsor are not responsible for any damage or damage that may occur during the period.
・The train model contest organizer and mini diorama contest co-sponsor are not responsible for any damage or damage that may occur during the transportation of diorama works.
・The organizer retains the right to use this contest in paper media such as television, videos, magazines, videos, photographs, and all matters incidental thereto, and may be used for secondary purposes.
・Please be sure to bring your exhibitor ID when entering the Kyushu Convention Railway Model Contest. If you do not receive it on the day or lose it, you will be required to pay the admission fee before entering.
・Due to the coronavirus pandemic, there may be restrictions on the dates and times you can enter the venue.
・Please comply with the standards for mini dioramas.
・On the day of the railway model contest, no craft work is allowed inside the venue.
・Works that infringe on the rights of others, works that contain pornography or sexual content, acts of violence against individuals or groups based on race, ethnicity, disability, gender, religion, age, nationality, sexual preference, or gender identity. It is prohibited to exhibit works that include content that promotes or condones discrimination, or works that are contrary to public order and morals or social common sense.

 

11. Contact us

  • If you have any questions or concerns, please contact (mini-diorama-circus@kato-train.co.jp)Please contact us.

  • For telephone inquiries, please contact Hobby Center Kato Tokyo (03-3954-2171)Thank you for your understanding.

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