BASIC
SKILLS:
Basic Skills are considered
the minimal criteria of a good model. These include the following:
Seams filled, Mold Release Seams removed, Sprue Tree Nubs removed, Mold
Ejector Pin Marks removed, no sink marks present, no gaps between surfaces,
clear pieces not marred or fogged, surfaces finished smoothly, glue marks
or excess glue do not appear, paint applied smoothly, decals applied with
no silvering. Manufacturer's logos, copyrights or other molded in
identification must be removed. All models shall meet these minimum
criteria to be considered for an award. These skills are considered
the essential building blocks towards creating skilled works of art
and are applicable to ANY type of model. There are no separate
Basic Skills for Aircraft, Armor, Automobile, Nautical, Science
Fiction, Figures, Dioramas or Juniors. Basic Skills remain
consistent from model category to model category. If these skills
are not achieved, the modeler has not mastered the basics of model
building, and advanced work will not be well represented.
AIRCRAFT (INCLUDES
HELICOPTERS and REAL SPACE)
To be awarded Bronze, the model must meet
all the criteria of the Basic Skills. In addition
Wings and Horizontal Stabilizers must be straight. Vertical
Stabilizer(s) must be straight up and down or if angled vertically
such as on an F18, must be positioned correctly. Landing
Gear must be straight and aligned (if present); Tires on gear (if present)
must touch/contact the display surface.
To be awarded Silver,
the model must meet the criteria of the Basic Skills
and Bronze Award. In addition, Dry-Brushing and Weathering
techniques are considered in the execution of detail and the
exhibit's finish. Detailing and/or aftermarket parts (Resin,
Photo-Etch, etc.) if included, must be applied following the same
Basic Skills criteria. Attention to detail is judged
on execution, such as gun barrel(s) drilled, antenna attached, exhaust
stubs drilled out, or any other details added to enhance the model.
The addition of aftermarket parts or extra details does not automatically
qualify the exhibit for a Silver Award.
To be awarded Gold,
the model must meet the criteria of Basic Skills,
the Bronze and Silver Awards. Conversions and scratch built
items are judged on the execution of skill and how well they are
incorporated into the existing pieces of the model/exhibit.
The addition of aftermarket parts, conversion or scratch built items,
or any other extra detail does not automatically qualify the exhibit
for a Gold Award. The number of hours taken to build the model
is inconsequential. An entirely scratch built exhibit does not automatically
qualify for a Gold Award.
ARMOR (INCLUDES
SOFT SKINS AND ORDNANCE):
To be awarded Bronze,
the model must meet the criteria of the Basic Skills.
In addition, Road Wheels must be level and have contact with
the display surface. Gun Barrel(s) must be round, no flat
areas along the barrel where the seam was removed. Individual
Track Links or Continuous (Single) Piece Tracks must be applied correctly.
Tracks must be applied facing the proper direction and Track
tension must be appropriate for the subject. In the event
of Open Sponsons (in the original kit) these shall be filled to prevent
viewing light or Tracks and/or Suspension components when viewing
down through the Upper Hull or Turret. If Engine Grilles are open
for venting or filled with screening than they shall be engineered
by the exhibitor to prevent light or interior parts of the subject
from being noticeable.
To be awarded Silver,
the model must meet the criteria of the Basic Skills and
the Bronze Award. In addition, Dry-Brushing and Weathering
techniques are considered in the execution of detail and the exhibits
finish. Detailing, Aftermarket Parts (Resin, Photo-etch, Turned
Gun Barrels, Metal Tracks, etc.) if included, must be applied following
the same Basic Skills criteria. Attention to detail such
as Machine Gun Barrels drilled, Antennas attached, Exhaust Pipes
drilled and any other extra detail that enhances the exhibit is
judged on its execution. The addition of Aftermarket Parts
or extra details does not automatically qualify the exhibit for a
Silver Award.
To be awarded Gold,
the model must meet the criteria of the Basic Skills, the
Bronze and Silver Awards. Conversions and Scratch built
exhibits are judged on the execution of skills and how well they
are incorporated into the existing pieces of the model.
The addition of aftermarket parts,
conversion or scratch built items, or any other extra detail does
not automatically qualify the exhibit for a Gold Award. The
number of hours taken to build the model is inconsequential. An entirely
scratch built exhibit does not automatically qualify for a Gold Award.
NAUTICAL (INCLUDES ALL
SHIPS FROM ALL ERAS):
To be awarded Bronze,
the model must meet the criteria of the Basic Skills.
In addition the Hull seam must not be apparent. Sides
of Deck Houses must rest flat on Deck Surfaces with no gaps.
Mast(s) must be at the proper angle, not bowed or bent. If
rigged, rigging must not be too tight or too loose. Ratlines do
not sag. A Bowsprit on a sailing ship must not be angled above
or below its natural plane. Yardarms do not bend upward or downward
due to the rigging being too tight. Railings must be vertical
and not angled. Propeller(s) are properly attached to shaft(s)
at the correct angle. Rudder is aligned. Deck Guns
properly aligned in their Carriage or Turret. For Submarines:
Periscopes, Masts, Snorkels are not bent or angled. Bow and Stern
Diving Planes are horizontal, not bent upward or down as opposed
to the dive angle. Stern Diving Plane Horizontal Stabilizers
are straight and level. Vertical Rudder Stabilizers are straight
up and down without leaning left or right.
To be awarded Silver,
the model must meet the criteria of Basic Skills, and the
Bronze Award. In addition Dry-Brushing and Weathering
techniques are considered in the execution of detail and the exhibit's
finish. Detailing, Aftermarket Parts (Resin, Photo-Etch,
etc.) if included, must be applied following the same Basic Skills
criteria. Attention to detail such as Main Gun/Cannon Barrels
drilled, Antennas attached or, any detail added to enhance the exhibit
will be judged on its execution. The addition of Aftermarket
Parts or extra details does not automatically qualify the exhibit
for a Silver Award.
To be awarded Gold,
the model must meet the criteria of Basic Skills, Bronze
and Silver Awards. Conversions and Scratch built items
are judged on the execution of skill and how well they are incorporated
into the existing pieces of the model. The
addition of aftermarket parts, conversion or scratch built items,
or any other extra detail does not automatically qualify the exhibit
for a Gold Award. The number of hours taken to build the model
is inconsequential. An entirely scratch built exhibit does not
automatically qualify for a Gold Award.
FIGURES:
To be awarded Bronze,
the figure must meet the criteria of the Basic Skills.
In addition, the application of paint, shading and blending
of colors is considered. The effect of light on the exhibit and
how shadows and highlights are accentuated will be considered.
The figure should appear to be standing firmly on the display base
and not hovering above it. If groundwork is part of the base
it should appear realistic to the exhibit.
To be awarded Silver,
the figure must meet the criteria of Basic Skills and the
Bronze Award. In addition Dry-Brushing and Weathering
techniques are considered in the execution of detail and the exhibit's
finish. Detailing and After- Market Parts must be executed
following the same Basic Skills criteria. Attention to detail
such as Plumes, Buckles, Belts, Horse Hooves, Horseshoes and Horseshoe
Nails added to Hooves, Gun Barrel(s) drilled out and any other additional
details will be judged on it's execution. The addition of extra
detail or Aftermarket Parts, does not automatically qualify for a
Silver Award.
To be awarded Gold,
the figure must meet the criteria of Basic Skills, Bronze
and Silver Awards. Conversions and Scracthbuilt items
are judged on the execution of skill, and, how well they are incorporated
into the existing pieces of the figure. The
addition of aftermarket parts, conversion or scratch built items, or
any other extra detail does not automatically qualify the exhibit
for a Gold Award. The number of hours taken to build the model
is inconsequential. Â An entirely scratch built exhibit does
not automatically qualify for a Gold Award.
SCIENCE FICTION, FANTASY:
To be awarded Bronze,
the model must meet the criteria of the Basic Skills.
In addition Hull seams must not be apparent. Any Wings,
Horizontal/Vertical Stabilizers must be positioned correctly.
Landing Gear must be straight and not misaligned. Wheels/Tracks
must contact the display surface. Gun Barrels must be round
with no flat areas along the Barrel where a seam was removed.
Individual Track Links or Continuous Track is applied correctly.
Tracks applied facing in the proper direction and Track tension appropriate
for the subject. If Engine Grilles are open for venting or filled
with screening than they shall be engineered by the exhibitor to prevent
light or interior parts of the subject from being noticeable.
To be awarded Silver,
the model must meet the criteria of Basic Skills and the
Bronze Award. In addition Dry-Brushing and Weathering
techniques are considered in the execution of detail and the exhibit's
finish. Detailing, Aftermarket Parts (Resin, Photo-Etch,
etc.) if included must be applied following the same Basic Skills
criteria. Attention to detail such as Main Gun(s) or Cannon
Barrels drilled out, Antenna attached, any details added to enhance
the model is judged on its execution. The addition of Aftermarket
Parts, or extra detail does not automatically qualify the exhibit for
a Silver Award.
To be awarded Gold,
the model must meet the criteria of Basic Skills, Bronze
and Silver Awards. Conversions and Scratch built items
are judged on the execution of skill and how well they are incorporated
into the existing pieces of the model. The
addition of aftermarket parts, conversion or scratch built items,
or any other extra detail does not automatically qualify the exhibit
for a Gold Award. The number of hours taken to build the model
is inconsequential. An entirely scratch built exhibit does not
automatically qualify for a Gold Award.
GAMING:
To be awarded Bronze,
the model must meet the criteria of the Basic Skills.
In addition Hull seams must not be apparent.
Any Wings, Horizontal/Vertical Stabilizers must be positioned
correctly. Landing Gear must be straight and not misaligned.
Wheels/Tracks must contact the display surface. Gun Barrels
must be round with no flat areas along the Barrel where a seam
was removed. Individual Track Links or Continuous Track is
applied correctly. Tracks applied facing in the proper direction
and Track tension appropriate for the subject. If Engine Grilles
are open for venting or filled with screening than they shall be engineered
by the exhibitor to prevent light or interior parts of the subject
from being noticeable.
To be awarded Silver,
the model must meet the criteria of Basic Skills and the
Bronze Award. In addition Dry-Brushing and Weathering
techniques are considered in the execution of detail and the exhibit’s
finish. Detailing, Aftermarket Parts (Resin, Photo-Etch,
etc.) if included must be applied following the same Basic Skills
criteria. Attention to detail such as Main Gun(s) or Cannon
Barrels drilled out, Antenna attached, any details added to enhance
the model is judged on its execution. The addition of Aftermarket
Parts, or extra detail does not automatically qualify the exhibit for
a Silver Award.
To be awarded Gold,
the model must meet the criteria of Basic Skills, Bronze
and Silver Awards. Conversions and Scratch built items
are judged on the execution of skill and how well they are incorporated
into the existing pieces of the model. The
addition of aftermarket parts, conversion or scratch built items, or
any other extra detail does not automatically qualify the exhibit
for a Gold Award. The number of hours taken to build the model
is inconsequential. An entirely scratch built exhibit does not
automatically qualify for a Gold Award.
AUTOMOTIVE - CAR / TRUCK
/ MOTORCYCLE:
To be awarded Bronze,
the model must meet the criteria of the Basic Skills.
In addition, Wheels and Tires must be straight, not out of alignment
and must contact the display surface. Hood, Doors and Trunk
Lid must be aligned. Frames must be straight with no warpage evident.
Chrome pieces must not be crazed or marred. Front Windshield,
Rear and Side Windows must fit properly. When Bare Metal
Foil or similar products are used, they must be applied properly.
Clear Headlights and Taillights must be attached properly with
no fogging and no stress cracks. Tints applied to Windows,
Lights, or Sidelights should be finished properly with no fogging
and no runs or heavy spots.
To be awarded Silver,
the model must meet the criteria of Basic Skills and the
Bronze Award. In addition Dry-Brushing and Weathering
techniques are considered in the execution of detail and the exhibit's
finish. Detailing, Aftermarket Parts (Resin, Photo-Etch,
etc.) if included must be applied following the same Basic Skills
criteria. Attention to detail is judged on its execution such
as Exhaust Pipes drilled out, Engine Wiring, Engine Hoses and Accessory
Drive Belts, Brake and Steering Components or any details added to
enhance the model. The addition of Aftermarket Parts or
extra detail does not automatically qualify the exhibit for a Silver
Award.
To be awarded Gold,
the model must meet the criteria of the Basic Skills, Bronze
and Silver Awards. Conversions and Scratch built items
are judged on the execution of skill and how well they are incorporated
into the existing pieces of the model. The
addition of aftermarket parts, conversion or scratch built items,
or any other extra detail does not automatically qualify the exhibit
for a Gold Award. The number of hours taken to build the model
is inconsequential. An entirely scratch built exhibit does not
automatically qualify for a Gold Award.
DIORAMA:
To be awarded Bronze,
the Diorama must meet the criteria of Basic Skills. In addition,
the application of paint, shading and blending of colors is
considered. The effect of light on the exhibit and how
shadows and highlights are accentuated will be considered.
The figure(s) should appear to be standing firmly on the display
base and not hovering above it. If groundwork is part of the
base it should appear realistic to the exhibit. Additionally
the Diorama must tell a story; the viewer looking at
the exhibit should be able to understand the story that is being conveyed.
To be awarded Silver,
the Diorama must meet the criteria of the Basic Skills and
Bronze Award. In addition Dry-Brushing and Weathering techniques
are considered in the execution of detail and the exhibit's finish.
Detailing must be executed following the same Basic Skills criteria.
Attention to detail such as individual Blades of Grass, Tree Leaves,
Building Rubble and Accessory Equipment is judged on its execution.
The addition of extra detail does not automatically qualify the
exhibit for a Silver Award.
To be awarded Gold,
the exhibit must meet the criteria of the Basic Skills, Bronze
and Silver Awards. Conversions and Scratch built items
are judged on the execution of skill and how well they are incorporated
into the existing pieces of the Diorama. The
addition of aftermarket parts, conversion or scratch built items,
or any other extra detail does not automatically qualify the exhibit
for a Gold Award. The number of hours taken to build the
model is inconsequential. An entirely scratch built exhibit does
not automatically qualify for a Gold Award.
THEMATIC AWARD:
Each year, the Club
selects a Theme for that year's contest. Models which
fit that theme will be first judged in their respective category.
The best model from each category relating to that theme will then
be judged against each other to determine the Best Theme Award.
The winner will be announced at the Awards Ceremony and receive
a commemorative plaque in honor of their achievement.
JUDGE'S AWARDS:
The Gold Medal winners in each category will be
judged against each other by the individual category judges
to determine the Best in Category Awards.
Each of these winners will receive a plaque in honor of their
achievement.
Each of the winners of the Best in Category awards will
then be judged against each other by a majority of the judges to
determine the Best In Show Award. In the
case of a tie among the judges, the head judge will determine the
winner. The winner will receive a plaque in honor of their achievement.
All plaques will be presented during the Awards Ceremony following
the completion of judging.
PEOPLE'S
CHOICE AWARD:
All attendees to
the show will have the chance to vote for the People's Choice
Award. Only one vote per person please. Simply fill
out one of the ballots available on any of the show tables and deposit
your ballot into the "People's Choice Award" ballot box located near
the Raffle table in the vendor room. A minimum
of 50 total votes is necessary from attendees in order to award the People's
Choice Award. Ballots will be totaled immediately prior to the
awards ceremony. The entry with the greatest number of votes
will win! Please only one vote per person (no ballot stuffing,
even though this IS Chicago).
JUNIORS:
It is the Butch
O'Hare Chapter's philosophy to encourage Junior modelers to
participate in the scale model building hobby and reward the
Junior modeler appropriately based on their meeting Basic Skills
criteria and extra effort that has been put into their exhibit.
We encourage parents to work with the Junior modeler to make the experience
a positive one. We discourage the adult modeler from using
their own modeling skills to improve the Junior exhibit. All
work presented is to the sole work of the individual whose name appears
on the exhibit.
The
"Chicago Rules" Award Criteria is an addendum to the IPMS/Butch O'Hare
Chapter-Contest Rules.
