Contest judging

[Jantrix]

It’s been a couple of years, but due to the benevolence of my wife (it was on Valentines Day) I was able to attend IPMS Jaxcon this year. I’m an on-again, off-again member of one of the clubs putting on the show and I was asked again to help out with the judging. Usually I end up judging the sci-fi or figurines or something, but this year I got to judge the automotive categories that I wasn’t entered in. I got partnered up with two other members that are doing national level work and have been judging for a long time. Needless to say, I learned an awful lot.

I was approached afterward by several people who wanted to know the whys and wherefores of the judging criteria, so that they could improve their work for next year. After chatting a long while I figured I might write this to help out any folks with plans on competing someday.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

As important on the competition table as elsewhere in life.

A gleaming paint finish. It is the hands down the first thing that draws the eye and will make or break you. A gleaming paint job with a clean build and no extra detailing will beat a super-detailed car with dull paint near every time. Also glue marks, scratches, haze, orange peel and miss-matched paint on separate panels will kill you.

Cleanliness. If you took an uncased model off the shelf, dusted it off a bit and brought it to the show, you just shot yourself in the foot. Dust gets everywhere, and we will see it on the inside of the model if not outside. Cases are $4.50 with a 40% off coupon at Michael’s. Get one.

Decals. Yellowed, badly placed, peeling or covering a bad spot in the paint will get noticed. Using a setting solution is highly recommended.

Pitfalls and no-nos

Once we are passed the first impression stage and get on to the in-depth examination, we get down to brass tacks. Here is some stuff that will get you knocked back a spot or two.

Mold lines, and injection pin marks. These two seem to be the big unforgivable sins.

Paint or chrome missing where a part was cut from sprue. A lot of folks paint parts right on the sprue, snip them off when dry, and touch up paint after. That can bite you later if you miss one.

Missing or broken parts. Usually gets a ??? look from the judges and a “That’s a shame.â€

Road weary. Some folks do a lot of these shows and after a while the cars start to show it no matter how well they are done. The BMF will start to wear off at the roof edge from getting handled so much. Same with wear marks in the chrome bumpers from its time in storage containers. Also grills, bumpers, rear views and wings that have been re-glued multiple times may be noticeable.

Poorly done detailing. This includes BMF, wiring, detail painting, aftermarket goodies etc. Please don’t wire the distributor with thread. Please.

3-Wheeling. Unless your model is supposed to be on only three wheels, all four better be on terra firma.

Wheels rubbing the fenders. I’m sure this one would vary from judge to judge, but for the guys that I was judging with, the wheels better look like they could spin/ front wheels turn unimpeded. These are models of cars after all.

Paint chips. Lacquers especially dry hard and tend to chip if your not careful.

Too much glue or SA glue haze on parts. Nuff said.

Scratched windshields and other windows.

Now I’m not saying that if you have any of these issues, don’t bring the model. By all means do bring it. If for nothing else than the fun and experience of competing, and socializing with your peers. Besides a third place trophy is still better than no trophy.

Things not to worry about.

This is a pretty short list.

Accuracy. The judges don’t care if that isn’t a factory color for that year car. Or that the rally wheels for that car should be aluminum and not chrome. They don’t care that Rusty Wallace didn’t have a Champion Spark Plugs sponsorship that year. They just care how well you did it.

Making judging difficult.

Those super duper revolving, mirrored display stands with the strobe lights and the disco ball are all great for getting your car noticed. But it makes it darn hard to closely examine the work. So do yourself a favor and either get rid of it prior to judging or use a stand that has no back and does not revolve so that the judges can turn the stand 360 and be able to clearly see the whole model. An additional note. If you are using a large display stand that takes up considerable room and the table is pretty full, it would appreciated by the rest of your fellow competitors to take it down so that everyone has equal display room.

All in all I had a great time. I won some awards and learned exactly what to work on for next time. So next time the 1st place trophies are going home with me.

Edited February 16, 2009 by Jantrix

[MrObsessive]

Great points all Rob! I want to expand on your paint tips a bit.............

I found that when displaying a model, particularly a coupe, the first thing that catches my eyes are the roof, hood, and trunk. If those areas aren't gleaming like a mirror, I (and other judges) will usually pass on it and go to the next model. The sides of the model aren't as critical, but still should be rubbed out and polished nicely.

Also, for those of you doing candy paint jobs, there's nothing more of a turnoff when I'm judging, than for there to be paint "dots" in the finish. Probably the airbrush spattered the paint along the way-------but the builder just polished over it instead of stripping it and doing it over.

.........................And yes, a perfectly painted curbside model will beat out a super detailed one.

Things not to worry about.

This is a pretty short list.

Accuracy. The judges don’t care if that isn’t a factory color for that year car. Or that the rally wheels for that car should be aluminum and not chrome. They don’t care that Rusty Wallace didn’t have a Champion Spark Plugs sponsorship that year. They just care how well you did it.

HA!

You haven't been to the GSL have you Rob?! Documentation for factory/replica stock is a must if you want your model to have a fighting chance of winning. Pics, factory brochures, even shop manuals I found out come in mighty handy.

Now the GSL is the Upper Eschelon of contests in the country, so your lesser contests won't be as picky-----but then with some in the IPMS........................

[MikeMc]

Those are all great reasons why I wil never enter any show!

I will look all day and since I'm not entered I can rip all the others apart...due to ??????

Nope no trailer queens for this ole boy...I sure am glad that I enjoy building models FOR ME

[Harry P.]

Those are all great reasons why I wil never enter any show!

Nope no trailer queens for this ole boy...I sure am glad that I enjoy building models FOR ME

Ditto times 1,000!

[RodBurNeR]

I don't have much to really say except, I am glad we have NNL's. I have judged and ran a judges contest. It was all fun and a learning experience for sure. I won't ever run a judged contest again, only because it takes so much work....and work is no fun. (not to mention, too serious)

As for GSL....I have heard it's the almighty of all nit picking....but I have seen cars in person that won awards there which would fail at small local contests. I am not sure what to think of that.

[Jantrix]

Those are all great reasons why I wil never enter any show!

I will look all day and since I'm not entered I can rip all the others apart...due to ??????

Nope no trailer queens for this ole boy...I sure am glad that I enjoy building models FOR ME

Mike, I'll agree with as well. I do only this one show becasue of the excellent group that are running it and it's local.

I build for myself first and foremost. But if I take my creations out once a year it's still nice to bring home a trophy.

I have no plans on ever attending a GSL or NNL level show as a participant. I'm just not at that level. And frankly don't care to be.

Edited February 17, 2009 by Jantrix

[RodBurNeR]

I would like to add for you Jantrix....as for an NNL show, there is not a single person not qualified to enter. NNL is not a judged contest, it's a gathering of modelers sharing and enjoying this hobby. I tell ya what, it's a friggen' blast is what it is! I have had way more fun at NNL's than any other kind of show!

The atmosphere is much more laid back. Each time I go to one, no matter which one....it's nothing but laughter among friends and getting to know more guys like ourselves. I might not be completely hitting the nail here....but that is a hint of what it's like.

Contests with judging from my experience.....are too serious. There is always someone mad and calling so and so a cheater or something....basically can't ever make everyone happy. (not bashing contests, they are still a great way to get out and have fun!)

NNL however....from what I have noticed, nobody even cares about the awards. I really enjoy these shows! You should give them a shot, you would be surprised. (I recommend to anyone that loves this hobby, you will have a good time and make friends...it's a social event)

Don't let GSL confuse you with NNL.

Edited February 17, 2009 by awbcrazy

[Fletch]

Rob, I agree completely with all your points. As someone who has been judging contests for over 10 years. Finish is the #1 thing that draws the attention of every judge. I use the term Finish as the best painted model on the table may not be the shiniest. I have given Best Paint to a well done, well planned rust bucket, because above all else execution in laying out the finish is what we're looking for. More often then not the well weathered model has had significantly more time and effort put into it then polishing out the latest color from Testors or HOK.

Also, I don't know about the contest that the rest of you judge but we encourage builders to put a fact sheet with their entries. A lot of the time there are things done to a build that in the short time frame of judging gets overlooked. If you've managed to correct a flaw during the build that you feel enhances the model, put it on a facts sheet and display it with the model. Something that may get a cursory glance, if it's call to our attention by a facts sheet can be the difference between not placing at all or taking home the first place trophy.

Some judges will take away points if your model doesn't roll. I for one will take away points if it does roll, after all it's meant to be a static display not a toy.

My #1 pet peeve when it comes to judging a contest is glass. If you can't take the time to make sure the clear parts remain clear you're in trouble. Scratches, glue smudges, windows not fitted to the opening. Guys, that one thing I will tell any one who asks "Why didn't my model win?", EXECUTION!!!!!!!!!! You had the right idea but just didn't take the time to execute the idea.

Every year someone brings in a model that they are so proud of it's not even funny. And, they always make the same profound statement, "I just finished this one an hour ago!" I always ask the same thing, "When did you get started on the build?" and the response normally is they built it in the last couple of days. And, it always looks like it. As a judge I would rather have them take their time and BUILD the model then throw it together just so they can have something to enter.

Judging is extremely subjective. For years I showed Scottish Deerhounds in AKC shows. When you got your entry forms it always let you know who the judges were going to be. Not only the Breed Judge, but the Group Judge as well as the Best in Show Judge. With this information you knew how well you dog would fair based on the likes/dislikes of the particular judge. It's not that much different when it comes to judging model car contests. We all have our likes/dislikes and we apply them accordingly while we're judging.

I don't say any of these things to discourage any of you from entering a judged contest. But, as Rob indicated ask the judges what you can do to make your next build the winner that you feel it deserves to be. DID you get that? ASK!!

OK, I'll get off my Soap Box and get back to the bench. After all I have contest to enter!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited February 17, 2009 by Fletch

[58 Impala]

Our local club participated in the local IMPS show last spring. We were asked to judge the automotive categories. We broke up into small groups,and you weren't allowed to judge a category you were entered in (no conflict of interest). It was my first time judging and I have to say I really enjoyed it. I learned alot in the process, but it was difficult to choose a winner in each category. I'd do it again if asked.

[FloridaBoy]

I have judged my share of contest throughout my modeling career, and have been considered a tough judge, and Mattis's topic and tips are so right on. There are two things contest entrants must know. Do not expect to enter if you just spray paint an interior flat black, and justify it as a black interior, and seceond, when a judge lifts a car to inspect it closer, and the body detaches unexpectedly from the chassis, the entrant will probably pay dearly in pointsl for the heart attack the judge has.

I have been to contests where they look at the firing order of the spark plug wires, but those are rare. As for me, if one details, do it well. I have seen way too many neat carb systems wired to the hilt, and the connections are poor, or the stacks are not mounted fair. It just takes a little diligence.

I am no different from any other modeler, as time get closer to the end of a build, or the entry date of a contest, it is time to rush it up a bit and those detailed errors are what cost.

As for black interiors, Testors makes a pearl black metallic which to me goes on a little flat and looks great as a black vinyl or leather, yet is not flat black dust catcher. Testors will amplify details. If you look in any black interior, there are many hues of black, gray, silver, chrome, and even woodgrain. If you decide to go all black, and go contest, detail down to the painted knobs on the radio. Sorry that is the way it is.

Ken "FloridaBoy" Willaman

[MrObsessive]

My #1 pet peeve when it comes to judging a contest is glass. If you can't take the time to make sure the clear parts remain clear you're in trouble. Scratches, glue smudges, windows not fitted to the opening. Guys, that one thing I will tell any one who asks "Why didn't my model win?", EXECUTION!!!!!!!!!! You had the right idea but just didn't take the time to execute the idea.

You read my mind Fletch!

I was gonna point that out also as that's been a big downer for me for a long time. Some kits (especially resin) have bad fitting glass to begin with.

This is where the builder needs to take time to test fit everything before painting to make sure there are no disasters waiting in the wings. It's one of the reasons I do my painting last to make sure everything will fit into place without any drama.

For the beginners out there......please don't take my statements the wrong way.

I'm focusing on folks who also have come to me with the "Why didn't my model win" comments-------only to be a bit miffed when I (politely) tell them what was not quite right.

It's part of the reason I don't particularly enjoy judging-------the hurt feelings are inevitable in some cases. I'd much rather be a spectator these days!

[ericmaxman]

Ahh. Its great that you guys at the US has such model car competitions. over here, I have only seen military stuff. And not many people venture into plastic models. That said, most of my friends are too busy getting their faces glued the their computers. There are a quite a few diecast collectors,but when it comes to DIY, nothing beats plastic models. I wonder how can I get my friends to join me?

[Fletch]

As you can see each one of us who take on the yoke of judging have different things that push our buttons. As Ken alluded to interiors are not all flat black PERIOD! They are a combination of metal, plastic/vinyl/leather and cloth. Check out the interior of your own car. If you have a car that is vintage enough to have a metal dash more often then not it has a gloss finish. Look at the seats and door panels. If they're plastic, vinyl or leather they will have a semi flat finish to them. Cloth seats are almost always going to be flat as cloth does not shine up well at all. Wood grain, chrome trim is going to be bright and shiny.

The GSLIMCC was brought up earlier in this topic. They are typically much harder when it comes to judging then most local contests. One thing I know about the criteria used for the GSL is EVERY section of the model should be built as if it were going to be in a contest devoted to that section. What I mean by that is build the engine like you would if it were being judged against all the other engines in the show. Same with the interior, chassis, etc.

If you build for pleasure and someone else builds for the sake of winning contests and if they build each section as a stand alone piece don't expect to win.

I have had the honor of receiving a couple of "Best in Show" awards over the years. Then I've taken those same models to another show and didn't even get an "Also Ran" out of it. When you enter a contest survey the other entries. BE HONEST with yourself. You will know if you have a chance of winning or not. If you don't win pick the brain of the modeler who did win. Notice I used the term "MODELER", like it or not women build models as well and they win contests!!!!!!!

Be as gracious in winning as in loosing. Leave the sour grapes for someone else. If you want to know more about judging ask the group sponsoring the event. Apprentice under one of their experienced judges. It's the best way I know to get the experience to know what to look for. You'll find out more often then not it's just common sense.

Above all else, remember it's a HOBBY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Eric, the best advice I can give you is to sponsor a build night. Get a stock pile of kits and the tools needed to build them and invite you friends over. You will find building plastic models is not for everyone, but if you have one convert that's one more then you has to start with. Good Luck, keep us posted.

Dave

aka Fletch

[Chas SCR]

Wow from IPMS shows to the NNL non judge shows to the GSL? three complete different deals in all. IPMS that I have seen up here in the tri state area is nothing more then the plain and ship guys shows. The cars are there but not even close to the numbers of the Military stuff. They have a lot of rules for the judges to go by -

like no touching of the models or picking them up. Ok if you do not pick them up and can not see under them you are told not to judge this part of the car compare to the one you can see from having a mirrior under it.

For the NNL's some are ok and others so so. The only reason to go is to see old friends that you do not get to see at your local shows and get to talk to them and catch things up. Its more of a big model car club get together and thats it. For how they come up with the winner its like being in high school and the biggest one that is most popular wins. It has nothing to do with the best model or what it took to build it. Kind of like in the 1:1 car shows it is whats called a "OPEN" Show any thing goes and who has the most friends vote wins.

For the judging shows this is where it all comes down to how good you did your model and build it with the best of what you can and could have done. If you are happy with it then be happy that you put 100% into it and let it be. Not all judge's look for the same thing or like the same stuff kind of like in the 1:1 car shows. Big Car shows in the real world the saying is that a black car can never win, They look nice but it does not catch the eye's of the judges for points.

For the GSL this is yes the grand dady of them all point judge shows there is. But "IF YOU NEVER BEEN TO IT THEN YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU ARE MISSING" It is a social event like no other. You have 4 days of being around modeler's talking and learning from the best of the best. You meet friends that will help you on the next build that you never thought of having them help you. You leave there with new friends that you end up coming back in two year with or making other trips to other shows with in your area. And should never NOCK THE GSL if you have never been to it or any Other show.

Yes the models are under a lot of judging in this. But also they will help you learn or tell you how to make the next one better. If you never know what to work on and make them even better then the last one then you will never advance in the modelling.

All three style shows have there goods and bad parts but they are ran ok with the up most respect and you can learn from them all. Wish the locol shows could do the same.

[MikeMc]

You read my mind Fletch!

I was gonna point that out also as that's been a big downer for me for a long time. Some kits (especially resin) have bad fitting glass to begin with.

This is where the builder needs to take time to test fit everything before painting to make sure there are no disasters waiting in the wings. It's one of the reasons I do my painting last to make sure everything will fit into place without any drama.

For the beginners out there......please don't take my statements the wrong way.

I'm focusing on folks who also have come to me with the "Why didn't my model win" comments-------only to be a bit miffed when I (politely) tell them what was not quite right.

It's part of the reason I don't particularly enjoy judging-------the hurt feelings are inevitable in some cases. I'd much rather be a spectator these days!

Good points Bill...My BIGGEST problem on any build is GLASS!!!

Could you go thru a list of do's and don'ts on glass? I fixed cameras and specialized in lens repair, so I know a lot about glass (next to nothing about the plastic type )...Smudges, scratches, gloves and future.....I think I've tried them all......

[FloridaBoy]

I sure don't mean to name drop here, but I have grown up and lived in South Florida even before Elvis, from 1955. I built model cars and down here in the sixties to seventy, it was a modeler's dream as there were lots of hobby shops and each one threw about 3-4 contests per year, and all were well attended. I got my introduction to reality, when I ventured south to Miami, and got my behind kicked by Augie Hiscano. He liked the body work I did with my cars, but my detail and workmanship basically stunk up the place and he showed me his "first" Bandit the red one, and it blew me into a new realm.

Because I liked Orange Blossom Hobby Shop in Miami, I took the trip after I got my license and since I also like model trains, so did Augie, and we bacame acquaintances, like you would your hobby shop owner. Later in 1988, I met Bob Kuronow, who founded Model Car Garage at the founding meeting of the Treasure Coast Scale Auto Society in West Palm. They were friends, and my modeling improved, still modeled trains, and again, my work paled compared to theirs, but I knew not to be arrogant and be humble, as their work was out of this realm.

They sort of taught me the ins and outs of building a model car contest winner, and to judge cars. Added to my IPMS experience, I prided myself in judging as I felt my days of competing are long over.

Again, they taught me the difference of hues, tones, textures, etc on details including undercarriages. From modeling, I learned to weather a car as if it had been on a street. A black interior is not black in the sun, it is very dark gray, and the sunshine or daylight gives the black texture and definition.

I have divested myself of all club activities and participation just so I can finish some of my projects without eyes looking over my shoulder, and have determined that if I miss a deadline, so be it, I will not hurry a car to make a deadline. I ain't Boyd or Chip, I am a slow old guy. I now realize I had the special gift of being around these guys in the past few years, and now one is gone, and the other I do not see often. Why I go slow is that my models are made in tribute to them, and not to please a judge.

Ken "FloridaBoy" Willaman