I have judged at several shows and the three things that we look for to consider a model for an award are: basic modeling skills, decent paint, and overall realism. For example I was judging at a show last weekend and this guy had a decent nova but didn't glue the wheels on, needless to say he didn't place.But of those three what it all boils down to is the finish of the model, if you have a glass finish and the other two things you will be noticed by a judge.