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Modeling for Competition
- Thread starter MrT
- Start date
I know we have a lot of members who are and have been heavy into modeling competition and I for one look forward to your views and input on this.
This will be the first in a series of articles about how to build for competitions.
I've only entered a couple local so far, only IPMS shows. I'm looking forward to getting judged by AMPS standards and see how do. Hope to get some good experience with what you all have to share on this topic.
This will be the first in a series of articles about how to build for competitions.
I've only entered a couple local so far, only IPMS shows. I'm looking forward to getting judged by AMPS standards and see how do. Hope to get some good experience with what you all have to share on this topic.
Your first topic "Know the Rules" is very important.
I got docked two points for not following the rules, otherwise I would have gotten a perfect score.
I'm not so good at following rules but hey, sometimes you just have to....
Another thing I have found interesting is that the last two models I built, I built with the intention of
entering them in an upcoming competition...and I finished them!
These are the only two models I have "finished" in a long time.
Tom
I got docked two points for not following the rules, otherwise I would have gotten a perfect score.
I'm not so good at following rules but hey, sometimes you just have to....
Another thing I have found interesting is that the last two models I built, I built with the intention of
entering them in an upcoming competition...and I finished them!
These are the only two models I have "finished" in a long time.
Tom
Heavens Eagle
Well-known member
I am completely the oposite on it. Years ago I twisted and started building for competition. RUINED my modelling for years!!! :vmad :vmad 
Couldn't even think about modeling forever after that. Finally a few years ago the interest started to come back. Lucky for me I didn't get rid of all my stuff back when.
These days I will go to a contest and enjoy it. Take photos and get some ideas, but will probably NEVER enter another kit. That is how bad my experiences were.
The biggest problem I had was that I ended up building for the contest, not my own enjoyment. Bad, bad idea. Won't do it ever again.
Couldn't even think about modeling forever after that. Finally a few years ago the interest started to come back. Lucky for me I didn't get rid of all my stuff back when.
These days I will go to a contest and enjoy it. Take photos and get some ideas, but will probably NEVER enter another kit. That is how bad my experiences were.
The biggest problem I had was that I ended up building for the contest, not my own enjoyment. Bad, bad idea. Won't do it ever again.
Sherman 18
Master at Arms
I believe this is going to be great to follow.
I love entering in contests. Not so much on judging, but I've done my share of that.
Knowing the rules is the first thing for any competition.
Great subject Terry! :drinks
I love entering in contests. Not so much on judging, but I've done my share of that.
Knowing the rules is the first thing for any competition.
Great subject Terry! :drinks
Competition is not for everyone Paul, I've never been a competitor, not in sports, games or anything. Sure I got a thrill when I won a skeet shootin' round or knocked the QB on his rear end repeatedly but I didn't thrive for it.
The models I entered for competition were built for me and I took them to see how I stack up personally against others. I'm really interested in seeing how I get judged by AMPS standards, I will build one or two things with the knowledge I get from this series but I'll also take along some old stuff.
Follow along with us though, never know what you may pick up, and if it's something you can't get rid off the Doc has a shot for it.
White_Wolf
Master at Arms
Great topic T, here's how I see things :evil:
I am trying to enter as many competitions as I possibly can. Yes, I love to win. No secrets there. I do believe there is no other better way to learn where you are in any domain than to compete. It is when I see where others are, that allows me to get a dimension of where I am. Plus the socialising side of it, shaking hands with some good people, all that counts.
I think there is a tangible difference in knowing where you are vs. thinking you are the best, nothing can be improved once you've won the Best of Show, for example. I never sleep on my laurels, but rather go back home with new ideas, things that I should do, and, equally, things I shouldn't do.
I am also trying to judge as much as I can, when allowed to. I have presented my opinions in discussions with organisers, chief judges etc. Multiple Pandora's boxes here ... My point of view is that audacity should be rewarded, not punished, and I will always score an extremely complex / bold subject, with minute imperfections, make that VERY minute, like a speck of dust, or the faintest brush mark ever seen, higher than a perfectly built, flawless yet boring, no "life" coming out of it, uninspiring and dull, Tiger tank, invariably present in large numbers on the table.
Love it or hate it, when I saw palmtree leaves made of green feathers winning the category and nearly becoming "Best of Show", I said "thanks for having me here" and I never returned to that particular competition.
Laurence
I am trying to enter as many competitions as I possibly can. Yes, I love to win. No secrets there. I do believe there is no other better way to learn where you are in any domain than to compete. It is when I see where others are, that allows me to get a dimension of where I am. Plus the socialising side of it, shaking hands with some good people, all that counts.
I think there is a tangible difference in knowing where you are vs. thinking you are the best, nothing can be improved once you've won the Best of Show, for example. I never sleep on my laurels, but rather go back home with new ideas, things that I should do, and, equally, things I shouldn't do.
I am also trying to judge as much as I can, when allowed to. I have presented my opinions in discussions with organisers, chief judges etc. Multiple Pandora's boxes here ... My point of view is that audacity should be rewarded, not punished, and I will always score an extremely complex / bold subject, with minute imperfections, make that VERY minute, like a speck of dust, or the faintest brush mark ever seen, higher than a perfectly built, flawless yet boring, no "life" coming out of it, uninspiring and dull, Tiger tank, invariably present in large numbers on the table.
Love it or hate it, when I saw palmtree leaves made of green feathers winning the category and nearly becoming "Best of Show", I said "thanks for having me here" and I never returned to that particular competition.
Laurence
ausf
Master at Arms
I don't get to many shows anymore, but am certainly interested in the topic. I love Mike's idea regarding an accompanying GB and online contest.
I haven't entered a competition for the sole reason of my show attending days were when the kids were young, so stealing precious time for a show usually meant a mad dash through the vendors, quick look at the builds and go. I never had the time to wait to the end to get results, nor really knew anyone to warrant hanging out long anyway.
By the time I started to know people online to meet up with at a show, I was a vendor, so I usually didn't even get to see the builds at all, let alone enter something. I just stood at a table talking models all day. Being a vendor had it's perks though, sit next to Jentz for 8 hours and you're bound to learn something. It's also nice to have Steve Zaloga asking me questions for a change.
I haven't entered a competition for the sole reason of my show attending days were when the kids were young, so stealing precious time for a show usually meant a mad dash through the vendors, quick look at the builds and go. I never had the time to wait to the end to get results, nor really knew anyone to warrant hanging out long anyway.
By the time I started to know people online to meet up with at a show, I was a vendor, so I usually didn't even get to see the builds at all, let alone enter something. I just stood at a table talking models all day. Being a vendor had it's perks though, sit next to Jentz for 8 hours and you're bound to learn something. It's also nice to have Steve Zaloga asking me questions for a change.
Heavens Eagle
Well-known member
I might enter a kit only on one condition, I finished it and am at least pleased with how it came out. (note I am QUITE picky) and have had it setting for at least a little while.
I never was upset by being won out by a good quality model, but inferior judging and being beaten by a model with very obvious flaws on several occasions finally did it for me.
If (BIG if) I were to enter a model again it would be to "just show it off" Which is really the correct way to do it anyway.
I never was upset by being won out by a good quality model, but inferior judging and being beaten by a model with very obvious flaws on several occasions finally did it for me.
If (BIG if) I were to enter a model again it would be to "just show it off" Which is really the correct way to do it anyway.
Ah yes, I've seen that also. Well that's one of those things we can't really do anything about other than avoid the next time that group does a show.
So what's next Mr. T?!
I'm sorry for all the trauma, but my intent was not to start the debate on how rotten contests are. As I stated there are nasty people everywhere. It is too bad that some have had to contend with some of these people. Let us focus on how we can improve our model making by using the rules and guidelines that many contests use. If you choose to compete somewhere at least you won't be taken by surprise. Maybe we will begin to look critically and honestly at our own work before the contest judges do.
B)
B)
Heavens Eagle
Well-known member
I should apologize to you Terry, I was the one that started it. Anyway, on with the class!
White_Wolf
Master at Arms
I meant to add to the list that Terry put together an entry to the effect of "Be advised of judging", last on the list. Only to avoid the confusion at the end of judging and to be aware that, despite all efforts and quality, things can be totally opposite from one show to the next.
Back on track - know the rules .... I have attended shows here that require references and judge by IPMS rules (sort of) and others that do the speed judging thing, by selecting one club member and one volunteer for each category.
Nothing much to say about the speed judging - avoid blatant mistakes (gaps, brush strokes, glue stains), everything should line up nicely (wheels on armour for example, and cars too), no seam lines.
No silvering on decals, correct alignment and so on.
Much is to be said about weathering vs. not weathering, OOB vs. modified and so on. However, I would ask the judges / organisers prior to attending if there are ANY amendments to the rules or any changes. To sum it all up:
- read the judging guidelines
- make sure your model(s) are in the correct category
- even if there is a perfect understanding of the rules, ASK if there had been any changes.
Hope this helps
Laurence
Back on track - know the rules .... I have attended shows here that require references and judge by IPMS rules (sort of) and others that do the speed judging thing, by selecting one club member and one volunteer for each category.
Nothing much to say about the speed judging - avoid blatant mistakes (gaps, brush strokes, glue stains), everything should line up nicely (wheels on armour for example, and cars too), no seam lines.
No silvering on decals, correct alignment and so on.
Much is to be said about weathering vs. not weathering, OOB vs. modified and so on. However, I would ask the judges / organisers prior to attending if there are ANY amendments to the rules or any changes. To sum it all up:
- read the judging guidelines
- make sure your model(s) are in the correct category
- even if there is a perfect understanding of the rules, ASK if there had been any changes.
Hope this helps
Laurence
AndyFettes
Master at Arms
Interesting topic for discussion one that I am very much looking forward to.
I also think its very important to choose your show too
For instance I no longer enter competitions that have 1st 2nd and 3rd. I attended shows that use the Chicago rules where your model is judged on its own merit instead of being pitted against other modelers.
I do not like that the fact that my model for example a figure which I am ok at doing is up against Mr X who is less experienced but probably has put more time and effort into his model than I did and while I go home ( hypothetically) with a medal Mr X goes home with nothing, that to me is not fair.
I also think its very important to choose your show too
For instance I no longer enter competitions that have 1st 2nd and 3rd. I attended shows that use the Chicago rules where your model is judged on its own merit instead of being pitted against other modelers.
I do not like that the fact that my model for example a figure which I am ok at doing is up against Mr X who is less experienced but probably has put more time and effort into his model than I did and while I go home ( hypothetically) with a medal Mr X goes home with nothing, that to me is not fair.
