Michael, Since I am a member of the KC Slammers and attended the Heartland show I saw your model and was very impressed with your work. However, please keep in mind that any judging at a show is still very subjective. To be "irked" because your model didn't win first place and ONLY got second tells me you will be "irked" a lot if you continue to enter contests. Take some advice from someone that has both competed in many shows and judged them, be thankful that you received the recognition that you did. My first entry at the Heartland several years ago didn't even place. However, I entered it in many other contests and it has since won more awards than anything I have built since. It even took a first in another class last year. Judges are human and the awards are based on their opinions not on any quantifiable criteria. I look forward to seeing more of your work next year.
