These are some things I’ve learned and seen when going to various model contests (and/or other non-modeling events) in past years. Some people already know some of this stuff. But for those who don’t for various reasons, you may wish to keep reading. This post is simply for “educational purposes” only.
DON’T TOUCH THE MODELS!
DON’T come to a model contest sick! If you have a cold, flu, or something else, please consider staying home instead. Otherwise if you are at a convention/contest and are sick, please have courtesy/manners and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Please don’t make other attendees and the staff sick.
When going to a multi-day convention/contest, please remember the 6-2-1 Rule. At least 6 hours of sleep, 2 nutritious meals, and 1 shower, per day.
Don’t hang around in the aisles talking with friends or a large group for a long period of time that blocks other people from moving through the aisle and/or viewing the models on the tables.
If you can afford to go to a contest/convention, you can afford to use deodorant, take a shower, and/or brush your teeth. Learn proper hygiene.
Don’t give the vendors (or anyone else) large bills like $20’s, $50’s or $100’s when paying for really small purchases. Vendors and other people may (or may not) have the money available to give proper change back. Go to a bank hours or days before a contest and get stocked up with smaller $1’s, $5’s, and $10’s.
Don’t immediately crowd around a modeler as he/she is unpacking their models and preparing to put them on the table. Wait until they are done setting up before asking questions or taking pictures.
Don’t hog/monopolise table space for your models. Please be considerate and leave extra room on the tables for other people to place their models.
Please fill out your forms legibly that you place next to your model on the table. Nobody likes chicken scratch writing that is hard to see/read, especially the contest judges.
Don’t leave your model sheet blank next to your model. Spectators and judges want to know how you built and painted your model. At least provide some details.
Don’t take a picture of a model AT THE SAME TIME that another modeler is trying to take a picture of the same model, especially if the both of you are using flash on your cameras.
Wearing a ball cap? Please turn it around so the bill portion is over the back of your neck. Otherwise, if you wear the cap reguarly when bending over to look at models, the front bill portion might hit a model and break something off. Or better yet, completely take your hat off.
When placing models on a table, please put the larger models toward the back of the table (if possible). Do not put larger models in front of smaller models and thus prevent the smaller models from getting viewed. EXAMPLE: Larger 1/350 scale ships (Aircraft carriers, Battleships) in front of smaller 1/350 scale ships (Tugs, PT boats, Minesweepers, etc.).
When placing your model and model sheet on a table, If possible, please do not cover up someone else’s model sheet for their models.
Do not eat and/or drink near the models. Nobody wants to see food crumbs and/or spilled beverage on the models/tables.
Don’t pester/talk to the judges as they are making their rounds and judging models.
What else did I miss? Anybody else have something to add?
Good advice, especially the daily shower/deodorant! To be fair, I have only attended ONE model contest where it got really stinky. But it was in Arizona in the summer, and it got to 113 degrees F outside.
Regarding hats, also don’t forget jewelry around the neck and wrists. It’s so easy to snag models you are bending over to look at.
If you bring a misbehaving cranky child along, please consider taking the child to a seperate room or other area where you can talk to him/her and calm them down before going back to the vendor/exhibit area.
I think you covered just about all of it right there.
One other thing…if you’ve got gas…take it outside. When I was at the Nats in New Braunfels there was more than one time I experienced the “green cloud”. It’s frickin’ nasty…do it somewhere else.
If you like a model, let the modeler know. Ask them questions on their inspiration and techniques. Most will gladly share information (some won’t and treat it like state secrets).
Whatever you do, don’t be the guy who says, ‘What you should have done…’
@mustang1989
I don’t think there’s much that anybody can do to control “gas”. If somebody eats or drinks something that causes gas, or has some other body/medical issue that causes gas, well…that person is going to do what they gotta do, know what I mean?
As for the pic of the person picking up the model…No offense, but I hope nobody here has a discussion about that. I heard and read the stories about that more times than I can count. That picture has been talked about to death. No need to beat a dead horse. But I still get and understand your point about not picking up/touching models. Though it’s still ok for judges to move and pick up models due to table space constraints or the model being in the wrong category.
Adults with children should keep an eye out to make sure they don’t touch or pick up the models.
Children accompanying adults should keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t touch or pick up the models. Gosh, do we have to make the kids watch their parents? Apparently, we do.
Oh, and one more on the hat thing. Do not lean over to look at a model if you have a camera on a lanyard around your neck. It could be an unintentional wrecking ball / undersea cable destroyer.
Right up there with the “I’ve got a better idea” saying. We’ve got a guy in our shop who says that "should have done " thing all the time. It’s really irritating.
I hear ya. But folks can be a little discreet about it anyways.
I probably wouldn’t have mentioned a thing about it at all but I was right there watching the guy. I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
In my defense …you did start a thread on Do’s and Don’ts at a contest. Out of respect for what you mentioned as well as any future comments on it, I went ahead and edited the thread and took the picture and comments out. You’re right…that picture has been beat to death with commentary.
Don’t argue the results with the judges and complain that you should have gotten an award for whatever reason. Most times at a contest, the judges decisions are final. If you have a gripe with the judging and not winning an award that you thought you should have gotten, then please bring forth your comments in a “civil and respectful” manner. Don’t be argumentive and rude. If you’re going to be that, then for lack of a better term, you’re just showing “poor sportsmanship”.
While it isn’t really a do or don’t, it does pertain to shows / contests and the griping that sometimes goes along with it.
If you have suggestions or ways to improve the show, please let the organizers know in a respectful manner. Or even better, volunteer to help out with the event. The amount of work to put on a show is usually under appreciated. Even if it’s just help with set up or tear down, that will certainly be welcome.
We came up with ‘Well, you obviously haven’t seen the latest research’ to combat that. Agree, it’s extremely annoying.
Another thing - if somebody compliments you on your model, be gracious and thank them. If they ask, tell them how you finished your model and any issues you ran into.
…and don’t give them a sly look and say “It’s a secret.” A guy once told me that to my face. I no longer talk to him about his models, fascinating as they are. A pity, as I am sure his knowledge and techniques would be useful to many.
For me at a show, having someone come up to me to compliment one of my models and ask me how I built it gives me as much satisfaction as any award at the show and I’m proud to share with them and answer their questions.
Agree, it’s extremely annoying.
