What is it with producing models for comps , I mean what do judges look for in a winning model? Good construction? A good paint job?
What do you guys think??[%-)]
During IPMS competitions the judges use a set of rules wich you can find on the web.
Building quality is very important, secondly painting.
The rules should help the judge to come to a objective judgement, but there is always discussion about this point.
I have found the handbook, it contains the anwsers to all your questions:
Hi all,
The IMPS handbook offers what I’d call a “best practices” approach. It’s good advice for putting together models with great attention to detail.
I like how the handbook points out that judging is subjective.
More to the point, I guess, is that they judges are looking at craftsmanship and not the subject of the kit. I’m sure that’s the only fair way to judge.
However, I know when I look at a model, I pay as much attention to the subject as I do to the craftsmanship.I enjoy looking at the models at a competition for the emotional reaction a model produces. You know, “Wow, that German tank looks really menacing.” or “My goodness, look at the size of that B-52, those things are huge.” or “Boy, those WWI biplanes sure are colorful.” [:D]
I like dioramas that tell a story. I also like when a model is put into a setting of sorts, even if it’s not a full diorama.
My point is that there’s more to going to a model competiton than having your model judged.
Regards,
Here Here! [:)]
There’s as much work and coordination required to create a “Scene” in dio form, as there is building the kit itself, especially if you wire it for added realism.
Take care,
Frank
I would have to agree its not just about winning its about sharing your interests with others!
There are a set No. of rules which are supposed to be kept by when building for a comp but is it really that fun building with all these rules?? shouldn’t it be fun for the modeler?
Stuka,
Do as much or as little as you want! I just discovered how easy it is to use a pin vice and tiny drill bit to drill tiny holes in things like wing struts and gun barrels. It is fun to do stuff like that. [:)]
Do what you like, and have fun doing it.
Regards,
Hi Stuka…
There are those who rather enjoy ultra fine detailing, and in participating in such activity, will generally do more than the guidelines rules require anyhow, on their own. Those who do this, are most definately having fun! [:)]
Learning Modeling is like eating an elephant… it can be done, but must be taken in measures.
Do ones best and be happy with what you build!
Take care,
Frank
Hi Stuka
As a Judge for many years, the first thing I would tell you to develop if you want to enter contests is a tough skin. I have not judged in a while because of the critical nature you have to have as a judge. You spend the entire time looking for what’s WRONG on a model and not the good things. Judges will first look at how well the actual model is put together. No seams, are the wings straight and level, horizontal tails straight, landing gear straight, wheels straight,…basic construction. These things will knock a model out of competition quick. I doesn’t matter if the paint and decals are perfect, if the basic building of the kit is bad, it won’t win. Another thing to remember, some guys here mention using AM & PE parts. These are great if they are done well. Just because you put them in, don’t think there are bonus points just because they are there. A well painted oob interior will get you more than sloppy resin or PE. Another thing I see a lot of modelers do is, forget that what ever they hang from the bottom of the airplane is part of the model. On more than one occasion I have seen a kit that looked great and the weapons or tanks looked like they were done as an after thought. It’s a package.
Here’s where the tough skin part comes in. You’re not going to win at every show. Suck it up and deal with it. Most judges will talk to you if you approach them politely and ask the problems with your model that they noticed and how you might be able to make better models. Most judges are prety fair when you take out your feelings, but unlike here on this forum where we try to encourage each other when pictures are posted by saying how good they are, judges at shows have a job to do. And that’s weeding the good from the bad.
I say, build for what you want. Building for contests can be frustrating, but also very rewarding. Let’s face it, we all like to have someone else say “Great Job”. So like Oldhooker says, “Do ones best and be happy with what you build!”.
Thanks
I definatly focus on having fun rather then producing some extremly perfect and precise model, I find when I look at one of my finished models I see all the things I did wrong and then on my next model I try to fix those problems!
It’s two different mindsets really, and eventually, your skills will improve to a point where those two mindsets meet. The main point to remember is not to lose your mind before those points converge.
You have to ask yourself first which is more important, winning that little trophy or having fun. At one point in my life, I lived in an area where there were no model contests, or clubs, and I was only a teenager, so I couldn’t drive 250 miles to a show. During that time, I built for fun, and I thought these were the best models in the world. When I finally did move out of the sticks and into civilization, I was able to attend a few contests. I went in thinking I could win, and was sadly mistaken. So…I set out to build models to win contests. Within a very short time, a few months at most, it stopped being fun and became a frustrating obsession. It improved my skills in a short period of time, but not before I was ready to quit modeling altogether.
I took a step back and re-evaluated what I was doing to myself, and to my hobby. I went back to building from the box, but this time I paid attention to the basics, things like seams, paint, decals, all the usual stuff. I stopped trying to rush-build a model for a show, and started showing models when they were finished. It became fun again because I eliminated the pressures of competition and deadlines. I learned patience, and I think that alone is worth 5 years of modeling skills.
Nowadays, I’m pretty competitive when I venture out to contests, although I’m lucky if I arrive with more than one or two models instead of the usual 7 or 8. If I win, great, if not, that’s fine too. I enjoy spending time with friends that I don’t see very often, talking about models, and of course, searching for those awesome deals in the vendor rooms. It’s become more about the social aspects than the competition.
Yes, there are rules and things to look for in a model if you want to win competitions. And entering (and losing) is the only real way to get better, by learning from your mistakes, and seeing the work of others. If you can get past that, you’ll be fine.
That’s my take on it, but then again, I’m stubborn and learned the hard way.
Jeff
Some very good advice for all!
Well said guys,
Joe Youngerman
Hey
Jeff made a good point and I try to focus more on the fun than the model, the model that I’m going to enter is Minicrafts 1/72 B24D which is a really nice kit and I’ve been building it for a few months doing a little bit at a time and adding extra detail.
Its looking realy nice I’m just finishing the interior and then she’ll be ready to paint!
Maybe I’ll post some pictures when I finish it?
Hey have any of you won any prizes at comps for your models? If you have maybe you could post some pics of your award winning models?