Welcome to the forum. As for the super detailed models at the contest don't let that stop you. I've seen models built that I will never be able to compete with so I don't (or at least try not to), just build for the fun of it. I still like to go to the model contests myself but I go to meet fellow modlers not win contests. I always go with the thought that I won't and don't plan on winning anything so on those occasions I do win something its just icing on the cake.