WhatIfRebel,
Such a TEASE !
Everyone starts somewhere! Plus, I’m sure your builds look awesome! Yea some judges scrutinize details and some count rivets, but honestly the most important part of the hobby is that you have fun and build community!
Plus, the judges at most shows (at least for the ones I’ve been too) are kind people. Just like you they’ve built models and know the time and effort it takes. They’re always more that welcome to share both what was awesome about the build and some things that could make them better! I encourage you to go to a show one time!
Thanks @NWAN322 I really appreciate the pep talk. When I got back into modeling, I never envisioned being in contests. I’ll have to think about it.
Absolutely, I would place my models on the table at a purely exhibition-style show. For me, the joy of modeling isn’t just about the accolades but the opportunity to share my work with others who appreciate the craft. These kinds of gatherings can foster a strong sense of community, where we can exchange tips, techniques, and stories behind our models without the pressure of competition.
Exhibition shows offer a relaxed atmosphere to discuss the creative process, learn from each other, and gain inspiration. Seeing other modelers’ work up close can be incredibly motivating and might even spark new ideas for future projects. It’s also a chance to meet and connect with people who share the same passion, build friendships, and contribute to the vibrant modeling community.
Moreover, I’ve found that getting feedback outside of a competitive setting can open up new perspectives and ideas. The focus shifts from winning to the love of the craft, which is refreshing and fulfilling in its own right. So yes, I’d definitely participate in such an event, as it emphasizes the true essence of our hobby: creativity, learning, and camaraderie.
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What’s the criteria for that? Or, I guess in simpler terms, how does that work? Is that an IPMS advancement/graduation thing?
Thanks and cheers,
Mark
This is a page from the Manitowoc registration forms for last year. The parts highlighted by red arrows help explain the advancement process.
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Thanks for this copy WhatIfRebel. I really want to get over there this year.
@WhatIfRebel Can you explain what class a and class b are?
Tom, what you are describing, in essence, is what the car modelers call an NNL show. The purest form of an NNL is to show up, place your models, and then share. No “secrets” about techniques, no judging, just friends getting together for the love of modeling. Some NNLs have become hybrid shows/contests, but that’s not really an NNL. You may have a couple of awards: People’s Choice is a usual one. There may be some sponsored awards given by the organizing committee, but that’s it.
I’ve talked to many, many modelers over the years, and the push for more NNL style shows for what would be termed “traditional” IPMS subjects is gaining stream. Why? It’s always a challenge to find judges, and the judging rubrics are all over the place. There is also the appearance, rightly or wrongly, of modelers attending show after show and harvesting medals while crowding out the rest of the field. Another complaint goes something like this: It’s one thing to run a race and cross a finish line first—it’s objective. Judging models, even with a rubric that’s strictly followed is subjective.
I have no problems with contests, but I am also not a contest guy. I model for my own pleasure. I enter now and again when I am at a show to help support the contest because I believe we need these gatherings. Heck, we run a contest for BAMM in November! So, I recognize the importance of contests to the hobby. I also support the NNL system. They’re laidback. There’s a camaraderie and sense of community that is hard to identify, but when you’ve been to one, you get it.
PS. I’m changing the name of this thread so it’s not generic to the category.
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@MR_TOM_SCHRY
If you intend to enter the contest with any entries, you’d better hurry as the deadline for registering May 1st.
@dadoffour
Maybe this link will help. These are the categories for the 2025 contest this year.
Yes, those are the best events. NNL style shows are great as @Tim_Kidwell1 describes. I’ve been bringing my models to award shows and non-award shows as “non-Comp” status. Seeing other modelers’ models and talking about them is why I attend shows.
Also, speaking of models breaking in transit. I brought this model to a show but the transit didn’t break it. I put it in a zip-loc (not zip-locked) bag then placed it on top of the box of my other models because there was no more room in the box. The wind caught it and flew off then shattered on contact of the parking lot. Amusingly, Grave Robbert’s head actually rolled away under a car parked near by 
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Whatever’s available,not too many choices around me,just hoping they have vendors
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I second this wholeheartedly! As long as I can shop…
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HELP i use a tube glue that looks almost like that but mine has the life squeezed out of it
I remember that stuff from when I was 12,it smelled soooooo good, maybe that’s my problem 
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(Post removed as it was off topic.)
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I’ve only been to one show. We Have Scalefest here in North Texas. I went on the mid 2000s. It was sponsored by Squadron when it was still in North Texas. We got a tour of their shop afterwards. My how things have changed.
If I built more I believe I would love to exhibit at an NNL type show. I just looked to look at everyone’s work.
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They still have it! I buy it for my kids to use because I don’t want them smelling the unhealthy stuff and I don’t want to deal with spilled bottles of Tamiya extra thin.
Yes. They still have the old model glues for sale. I was at Hobby Lobby once and a guy was buying a model for his kid who was starting the hobby. He bought him the old glue. I asked him why. He said he wanted his son to know the pain of using that glue.
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