show class help?

[DrewCfromSC]

entered my first model show yesterday, had fun, entered 5 cars and won two first place trophys. Im new to this showing and wounder if theres guidelines for classes? Like what is considered box stock, open box, competition, etc. This show had 52 different classes and one of my entry to me looked like it fit into several classes? Overheard one contestant say he was moved out of pro street class because of tires. His car had slicks and needed street treaded tires to be in the pro street class.

I had a blast and was shocked to win anything, but would like to learn he different terms or classes.

Thanks Drew.

[Dr. Cranky]

Drew, you will find that as you attend more shows, these definitions keep expanding and or changing. I think it makes sense to get the information way in advance before you get to the show. And congratulations on the wins. Keep building and sharing.

[peter31a]

Drew, it really varies from show to show. There is no universal set definition of classes. It all depends on the organizers of that particular show. Generally box stock means nothing but what came in there kit box with the exception of coatings like paint and bare metal foil and sometimes flocking. But no aftermarket stuff like wiring, photo etch etc or parts from other kits. Usually the instructions have to be displayed with the model.

After that show organizers are usually the ones that determine what they expect in a class. I've found that at most shows the people running the show will do their best to help you place the model into the correct category if you ask at the registration table.

[Harry P.]

Different contests have different rules, simple as that. There is no one definition of all classes that everyone agrees on.

Check the rules of the contest you plan to enter before you enter.

[Danno]

Different contests have different rules, simple as that. There is no one definition of all classes that everyone agrees on.

Check the rules of the contest you plan to enter before you enter.

Excellent advice, Harry.

Drew,

A couple of shows/contests I'm aware of have their classes and specifications/rules for their classes online.

Check out GSL Classes and Rules (they don't call them 'rules,' they call them 'competition principles' because their big kahuna is a lawyer) http://www.gslchampionship.org/competition-principles/

Check out Desert Scale Classic Classes http://www.cactuscarmodelers.com/desert-scale-classic-classes/

These will give you some pretty decent general guidelines, but as Harry said, there's no substitute for familiarizing yourself with the rules of the specific show/contest you plan to enter. They will probably have their own take on things.

And another suggestion: be sure to familiarize yourself with their rules BEFORE you get to the event. No sense wasting valuable event time debating or arguing rules.

[Nacho Z]

Let me add my two cents. Like everyone has said, different shows may have different definitions regarding their classes. What I have found, and it is funny and slightly annoying at the same time, are the trophy hounds. You alluded to this in your original post. These are the guys who will wait before entering their models and scope out the various catagories their models may fit in. They will look at the models already entered. They will then place their model in the catagory that they think they have the best chance of winning/placing in. I have seen guys put their cars in obviously incorrect catagories just to get that little plastic trophy. I even seen cars in the Misc. catagory. It makes me chuckle.

[freakshow12]

The one main contest I attend every yr is very simple. 2 divisions. Jr and sr

In those there are

Box stock ( foil is only add on allowed other than paint)

Detailer ( anything goes)

Factory stock (box and detailer)

Open ( customs,rods, race cars etc

Light commercial

Heavy commercial

Then they have best of show for each division. And sponsor choice awards. I have had great luck at this contest for the last several years My twister mach took best of show sr detailer factory stock. Tough class

[Danno]

A well-run contest will have rules, procedures, and staff committed to enforcing the rules and procedures in the interest of conducting a fair event.

For example, at Desert Scale Classic, we've fine-tuned the classes/rules to eliminate overlap as much as possible. There's a class for every model, and very few instances where a model could fit into more than one class. We allow the entrant to place his/her model into the appropriate class, but we also monitor the placements to assure every model is in the right class.

If a model is placed in the wrong class, we ask the entrant to move it to the correct class. Before we begin judging, we check every class, every model to verify comportment with the rules. Any models in wrong classes are moved to the correct place before the judges start evaluating entries.

There are three areas out of 30+ classes where there can be dual eligibilities. In those instances, we allow the entrant to decide which placement he/she prefers, but the model must be 100% in compliance with the rules of the selected class.

I think we've seen it all, and we've dealt with it all with integrity. We've seen the trophy hounds move their models from appropriate placement into other, lesser-populated classes. We've moved them back to where they belong. Most entrants understand and agree. We've had a couple of entrants who moved their models back to the class they originally placed them in, and we've moved them again to the proper place. They forgot that we have the final word. We had one who moved his model a third time, moments before judging began. We caught it.

And, yes, we had one entrant who refused to put his model in its proper class. The model was withdrawn from competition and was not judged.

The key to preventing 'class-shopping for trophies' is to have clear, concise class specifications that prevent abuse, and then enforcing them.

[freakshow12]

Well said and I agree 100%

[DrewCfromSC]

great info here everyone! Thank you for your replies.

Drew