Dave you do an outstanding job of herding the cats and keeping this fun challenge going.
I agree with your summation on the 3D printing and the rules that will be applied next time. 3D printing certainly does give the user an edge with the fine details that otherwise would have to be bought, built or scavenged but overall the 3D printed bits do not make up the whole of the builds we have seen, so far…
30 days $30 dollars is terrific. I think most of us stay around the $10 mark with some, like my entry this year not costing a dime.
I do think that some guys might be intimidated by the amazing builds that happen every year so maybe we should bring back the beginner award?
I’m not sure what to do about the declining participation but maybe it will be better next year. I think people are really worn out from the pandemic and politics.
As for themes I have always liked the idea where we started off with the same piece like the door, chimney and tin can. It is really fun to see the variations on the theme, say the door, and the imaginative creations that sprang from it.
In the future we should keep the theme of starting off with the same item. Having just bent up a wire coat hanger to form railings on my transfer caboose could be a theme in the future. We probably all have a wire hanger in our closets. Other starting points could be a beer bottle, a pill bottle, a chunk of wood like with the 2x4 challenge. How about a shoelace? How about a key chain fob? There are so many types that are available from gift shops to hardware stores and most for under $5. I once used 2 key belt clips to make swivel hooks on my 250 ton crane build. These ideas lend themselves to both rolling stock and buildings.
I do like the Win Place and Show plus the Spirit of Mik awards. I do think we should be able to offer up our thoughts on who has captured the Spirit but it is fine that you have the final say. Having won it a few years I do miss the Miss Congeniality award. It is often difficult to pick a winner in these challenges because everyone does a great job but still no one wants to step on anyone’s toes and slight a friend so emphasizing that you will accept votes in direct messages is a good idea to keep everyone content.
Keep up the great work Dave and Happy RRing!