I got a model last week that got me to thinking about different OOB builds and competition. I got the Eduard 1/48 Tempest special edition, and was amazed at what all came in the box - photo-etch, resin cockpit upgrades, etc. Technically all of that came “out of the box.” Would it be fair to enter that in an OOB class in a contest against, say, a Monogram model of the same subject? Do the judges take that kind of thing into consideration?
If it all came included in the box, then its OOB. Thats my attitude anyway.
If a kit comes with inferior components, thats not the fault of the builder.
That is the challenge in contests today. Some OOB kits include all the bells and whistles so that no AM is needed. If you bring the instruction sheet along with the fancy OOB kit to show that the resin, brass etc came in the box, by most rules they can not DQ that kit. Of course that puts the builders of more basic kits at some disadvantage. But I have placed higher with a basic kit built well over a fancy kit with AM not built as well. In the end, all the add on in the world will not beat a more basic kit if the builder is not paying attention to build basics- mold line removal, seam clean up, filling gaps, alignments, etc… all the stuff that happens before painting.
Stikpusher - its been so long since I entered a contest that I had forgotten that in the OOB class you have to include a copy of the original directions. I guess that is probably why they have that requirement, right?
Have there been any of you that have worked as judges at shows that had this come up? Say two models that both had all the basics - seams, alignment, good paint job, etc… How would you choose or decide the winner?
Thanks!
JS, I have never worked as a judge in a contest. But on a personal level, all other efforts being equal, l would judge for the guy who just did that extra bit of work that stands out. It’s hard to describe, but you know it when you see it.
OOB can be argued to include anything and everything included in the box, paper from the instruction sheet cut up to be used for belts and harnesses, stretched sprue for wires, antennas, etc. Modlers do get creative. Our IPMS Chapter has gone on about that as being OOB from both sides…
According to the IMPS USA rules you can enter in the OOB catagory with a kit including resin and PE as long as those came with the box. I know of other competitions/organisations limit OOB to styrene plastic, no Hi-Tech kits.
"1. OUT OF THE BOX (OOB). The IPMS/USA National Contest will include separate categories in selected Classes for OOB entries. An exception to this rule is the Junior Class, where OOB awards will be selected from among the entries in the standard categories. Juniors must indicate on their entry form if they are entering their model as OOB. A. Models that meet the OOB criteria (outlined below) may be entered into the OOB categories, but they are not required to be there. Modelers may, therefore, choose to place their model in a standard category, where it will be judged against the other entries with no reference to it being OOB. It will not, in that case, be considered for an OOB award. B. The general OOB approach is to build what came in the kit. In some cases, however, this may result in an incomplete or inaccurate model. For this reason, the OOB requirements allow for some exemptions beyond what was strictly in the box. These include but are not limited to, for example, the addition of rigging wires, seatbelts and antennas on aircraft, antennas and closed sponsons for military vehicles, and rigging and deck railings on ships. Exemptions vary from Class to Class, but allow for commonly accepted construction techniques and standards while still maintaining the general OOB approach. C. All possible exemptions cannot be pre-defined, so modelers who are unsure of whether their work falls under these representative exemptions are strongly encouraged to check prior to the judging with the respective Head Judge to avoid being disqualified in the OOB categories. In complex cases, the Head Judge will initial the entry sheet to inform the judges of his decision and prevent subsequent errors or reinterpretations.
- OUT-OF-THE-BOX entries will be governed by the following rules: A. KITS. Any commercially available kit may be used. Any parts provided in the kit may be used, regardless of their material (i.e., brass, resin, plastic, etc.). Generally, only parts that are included with the kit and found in the bag or box may be used. As provided above, exemptions may be allowed but must be approved by the respective Head Judge in advance of the judging. B. FINISH. All finishing techniques are allowed. Decals other than those included with the kit may be used. Insignia, markings, and instrument panels may be hand-painted instead of decaled. Weathering is permitted. C. CONSTRUCTION. The modeler may fill seams and gaps; sand off rivets; drill out gun ports, exhaust pipes, or other appropriate openings; thin to scale such parts as trailing edges, flaps, and doors; re-scribe panel lines lost in construction; and add rigging and antennas. D. IT IS NOT PERMITTED TO: vacuform, manufacture, or replace any part, or substitute parts from another kit; cut or separate canopies, surfaces, hatches, doors, etc. (no major surgery); combine a standard kit with a conversion kit; add anything other than specified on the instruction sheet except as shown in Section C above or specifically exempted by the respective Head Judge. E. INSTRUCTION SHEETS. Modelers must attach at least the first page of the kit instruction sheet to the entry form and have the rest of the instruction sheet accessible to the judges for review during judging (preferably, directly under the table from the model). Models entered without an attached kit instruction sheet will not be considered for an Out-of-the-Box award. "