heya guys-[:)]- I have a question for you boys that have been to or judged model contests or shows-- In September, I am going to the AMPSEAST show in Danbury CT.( my first ever model show!)-- I am considering entering a model or 2–(that is funny 'cause I only have built only 3 so far–lol)-- but my questions are these-- what questions do I have to answere upon registration, and what catagory (in terms of experience) do I consider myself to be? in otherwords whom do I compete against?-- or do they figure it out for you? – here is my resume-- I built a few models in my early years (19 20 21)-- all crap-- no paint-- when I was about 21 I got my first AB-- you may have seen pics of my 1/25 tiger I on this forum – my ‘main’ and final build of that era, till 3yrs ago----- at this point I am now 55 yrs old (huge gap) and since I have built 1/16 tiger, 1/16 t-34, and 1/35 kv-1-- can somebody give a guy like me a ‘walk through’ of what to expect?-- the truth be told,in real life, I have NEVER really even seen another persons model – only online or in magazines-- thanks —tread[8D]— p.s. NERVOUS!!---- aw maybe I just skip it and observe?[%-)]
Hey Tread buddy. I can’t answer your questions my firiend, but I do wish you the best of luck. With those builds you’re bound to bring home some medals. [tup]
Never seen another guy’s model in the flesh?? [:O]
Oh well… [soapbox] let’s see.
I’ve been to a lot of 'em and even promoted, designed the flyers and layed out the guidelines for three of them myself (all IPMS though) so, here’s what I got for you.
The entry form shoud be available to you if you can get in touch with the Danbury club contact. It will help you out a lot to fill it out in advance. That will give you more time to shop the vendors and make a side trip to a local hobby shop (look ahead and check out some addresses before you leave to go to the contest) and get a bite to eat. You should be able to take all your paperwork in to get registered and pay the fees first so it will then be a simple task to just walk out and bring your entries in without having to stand in line watching over them. You only get a form to put with each model when pay the registration fee. If there is no form with the model you will not be judged. They will ask your name, address and club affiliation if you are a member of a local IPMS sponsored club. If you are a IPMS member make sure to take and present your card 'cause some clubs will give you a discount. In the case of your 1/16 t-34 you will look at the categories sheet to see which category it comes under, IE/exmp… such as maybe category 5. Allied armor 1/35 and larger… or they may have a category such as armor 1/32 larger and called maybe category 8. Anyway, on the application form where asked, just enter the category number that best suits your model and look for a placard on the display tables with that number… that’s where you’ll place your model. I don’t think, based on the level of your expertise, that you should say you are a novice. That might raise some eyebrows. Just don’t enter in the junior category since you aren’t under 17.
If you get anything wrong they should be able to help you upon request and in a lot of cases they will reserve the right to put the model in the correct category. As far as models built when you were younger, well, you would not be competing against juniors just because of the age you were when you built them. Your age when you enter is what counts.
All clubs are given a some lateral space in how they can set up their shows so the category numbers or category titles or fees can differ. “Best of” categories and “Most Popular” are usually determined by the judges and sometimes they ask you (on the sheet) to specify if you want to be considered for an award if you think your entry is eligible.
You must go. If you’ve never been to a contest before, be ready for the good and the bad. The good is that you’ll be amazed at what you see as just as I know people will be amazed at what YOU bring. Jaws will hit the floor and egos will shatter when you bring out that T34. People will praise you and others will put you down…you are a tank man. Let it bounce off because you build for yourself and should always be proud of what you can do.You will see grown men act like children and young guys act like men.
It will never matter how good you are because there will “ALWAYS” be someone better…one other little thing… be mindful who you give opinions to about any entry, you “could” be speaking to the builder.
You might be asked to be a judge. If you want to, say yes, and if not, say no. I’ve seen them ask people who have brought their first model to their first contest, so don’ be surprised if they ask you. They won’t allow you to judge in a category that you have an entry in though.
What’s wrong with 55… I’m still ahead of you. Get there early to get a good place on a table for your entry and make sure to take some cash for the vendors because you can find some sweet deals too. Heck, I could write a book here about this and you would still have questions. The minute I post this I’ll probably think of something else. Jump in with both feet and have a good time with a good attitude.
Hope this helps you out…
Steve
Well, from my limited experience (four contests) there is usally an age bracket, sometimes a selfdeclaired skill level, and a catagory you are going to enter the kit in. Before entering try and look at some of the kits that have been turned in already. look at the various stated skill levels compared to their quality work and judge for yourself what level you should compete on. From the number of kits you have built recently I 'd say a beginner or novice. If you feel the level of your work is pretty good then move up to the next level. I don’t build many kits but I spend a lot of effort on the ones I do build. It’s not like having to produce a 20 game average to be placed on a bowling team. I always chose the highest level, just an ego thing. Some things to think about. The basics are critical to placing well. Are there seams showing that weren’t filled? Are any parts on crooked or nonsemetrical? Are there any glue marks. Any problems with the paint job? Are the decals properly applied? etc… Rare conversions, historical accuracy, extra details, custom work only come into play at the point of a tie breaker. You can have all the extras but if the basics have flaws you won’t be around for the finish. [2c] Greg.
It’s an AMPS competition so you will be judged on the merits of your work alone and not in direct competition with any other models there. Considering the calibre of your work (it’s the quality and not the quantity) I would think you’d enter into a more experienced category such as Intermediate or Advanced based on the descriptions and amount of detailing you’ve done (I’m assuming you’re going to enter your T-34/85!). Roy Chow can help you out as well, but here’s a good link to the AMPS Contest Rules that will help you know how best to be prepared when you go.
Treadwell,
Since this is an AMPS show, you probably already know they have 4 classes (5 if you count Juniors); Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Master. Once a modeler has earned a Gold medal at one level, they must move up to the next level for all subsequent AMPS shows.
Generally, only individuals who have limited experience (i.e., less than 10 models) or who build models strictly OOTB enter AMPS contests at the Basic Level. Most modelers will be comfortable entering their first AMPS contest at the Intermediate Level. However, if you have any question about which you should enter, just ask to see the head judge when you arrive. They should be more than happy to help you enter at the appropriate level. You very well may qualify to enter at the Basic level, but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
As for competition, there is NONE…except you against yourself. In AMPS competitions, every single model is judged individually and assigned points by a team of three judges. Once your model’s score is tabulated (I won’t go into the specifics here), that score is compared to the minimum standards for each award level (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) and if your model meets the standard, you are awarded the appropriate medal.
My advice…go for it and have a blast.
[Edit: wbill76, you beat me by 2 minutes!!!]
Treadwell: May I encourage you to arrive early and sign up for a judging session. Even if you don’t have a ton of experience under your belt, you’ll be on a team with some more seasoned AMPS judges. YOU’LL LEARN A TON by examining others’ models and scoring them w/your fellow judges. You’ll be amazed at what your eye will fix itself to just because you have a categorized score sheet in front of you.
As for what category to place yourself into: maybe Intermediate or Basic, just to get your feet wet. Frankly, just talk to the guys at registration – tell them your specifics and get input from them.
Enjoy your time there in Danbury!
thanks guys for the help and encouragement[:)]–I really appreciate it-- I have since read the ‘amps’ rules as to judging and I understand better now-- I still have one more question–as my t-34s biggest attribute is the interior, would I display the model with the turret roof off and rear engine comp decking off-- turret removed to see fighting comp detail-- or what ? or could I leave it together as a complete ‘tank’ and remove the pieces while the model is being judged so the judges could see the detail inside plus how it all fits together?- can your display include pics?-- sorry for so many questions and I know I sound like a 'giddy little kid" but this stuff is new and exciting to me( its GOOD to be excited!!-- lol–[(-D]) --thanks-- tread[8D]
Dang, treadwell! That is one sweet build! I have participated in quite a few contests in my day, and usually the contestants will show the interiors by displaying the removed panels right next to the model. In your case, I would leave off the rear panels and the turret roof. Leave the turret mounted as that is what defines the tank. Based on the number of builds you have done I would say enter as intermediate. But, after seeing your T-34, you’re really going to have a hard time justifying it! GOOD JOB.
you are usually not allowed to be rpesent while your model is judged. Many people also do display pictures with their builds. Your sure to win a gold with that T-34. It’s beautiful.