Just curious…to any guys who act as contest judges; does it influence your decision at all in judging an entry when the modeler chooses to simply place his tank/vehicle on a bare, varnished wooden plaque? I personally think that the base IS part of the presentation and that nothing looks worse than a great model languishing on a spotless piece of wood. (I’d rather see it just sitting on the table). I’ve seen a lot of entries in FSM’s “Great Modeling” specials and wonder how and why modelers continue to present their models this way–wasn’t there some discussion about it a little while ago? Although I can see some realistic excuses for why it might be practical or necessary to some guys, does it affect a judge’s vote??[banghead][banghead]
Depends on the contest rules and context. Generally for IPMS based events, the base is not judged as part of the finished build. Rather than construct a full blown base as you would for a diorama setting, using a plain wood base can serve two purposes…1) actually be a “base” in the sense of something to secure the model to both for transport and display and 2) provides a museum or “clean” type of context for that type of finish or weathering approach. It also can have the added benefit of discouraging judges from picking up the vehicle itself and inspecting places that otherwise you might not want to be viewed. [;)] I would think that a plain varnished wood base, perhaps with a plaque or other label, would be just fine to display a finished vehicle on, particularly if you don’t have a cabinet-type display case and the base serves as a mount for a clear cover or something similar.
Doog: You have a good point that a mediocre base detracts from the model atop of it sometimes at contests (but honestly, I’ve seen poor models atop mediocre bases too! Throw the tank away, keep the wood! LOL)
However like Bill said, whenever I judge, I’m very conscious of the hosting club’s rules. If they are standard IPMS rules, then NO base should be considered ideally. If a Marjin Van Gils model was atop a greasy slice of pizza, I’m still supposed to view the model only.
Might it subconsciously affect me? I suppose. But I try to avoid it.
Since judges are (mostly) humans, we will err. You’re right that no one should jeapordize themselves by using a poor or mediocre base. I guess that’s only the smart move.
HTH, RC
I have to agree that the type of base has minimal effect on judging the vehicle, tank, aircraft, or figure above it. On a personal note, I’ve always thought that a model sitting on a highly varnished piece of oak or similar base tends to give the build an “artistic” appearance. While this shouldn’t effect HOW the model is judged, it definitely seems to make the model seem more visually appealing than one “sitting on the table” (at least to me).
However, as primarily an armor modeler, let me toss in a tidbit of thought…
Since one of the first things military judges look at - in terms of “basic construction” - is basic alignment and the way the model sits, using a wood, mirror, plastic, or similarly flat base makes evaluation of this characteristic very easy. If every wheel or track link is not sitting flat against the base, the model will likely be eliminated from further competition unless the category is extremely small or all the other models have more errors than the model in question.
Bottom line:
If you put your model on a flat base (wood, glass, etc) and can slide a piece of paper under a wheel, tire, or area of track, I would highly suggest you immediately consider putting the model on a simple base of groundwork so the build can be “pushed down” into the base, thus eliminating (or rather, hiding) the slight imperfections in the way the model sits.
Hope this helps…
Since most contests are based on IPMS rules, the base is not considered in judging. The same is true for AMPS.
Figure events typically consider presentation in judging, o nthe other hand.
One non-IPMS event I attended encoureaged the use of bases and included that in the criteria.
Bottom line then, you are going to live with the model on your shelf. Display it to make yourself happy.
I’ll be quick with this, we judge in groups, ie. two to three to each catoegary. I and some others simply refuse to judge anything not based. mainly due to the fact that we don’t want to be blamed for any damage. This applies especially to helicopters where rotor damage can easily happen. Most of our campetitions have points for presentation, usually 10 to 15 points, so if its not based then there automatically goes them points. If a model is based it allows the jugdes to move the base around to properly judge it.
While what Terry says may be harsh, I understand his fear of damaging kits on the table. My only hope is that it’s clearly advertised in advance. None of the contests I’ve helped judge have that rule however – they’re simple IPMS or AMPS-Open type judging systems.
No one is deducted for just having a model on the table w/o a base that I’ve ever been at.
get a copy of your contest rules and if it is not clearly stated, contact the responsible individual. Every contest is differnt, every judge is different so not evaluation will be the same. However if you know the rules state no base required and a judge gives you a zero for presentation you have grounds for a complaint. It may not help you at that point, but it could factor into that judge being invited back…rules are rules!
Do your self a favor, build for fun…contest cause to much stress [:)]
I guess the only time I would look at a base is if I had to judge a cloaked Klingon Bird of Prey! [swg]
Gip Winecoff