BASIC SKILLS:
Basic Skills are considered
the minimal criteria of a good model. These being: 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 removed.
All models shall meet these 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; Tires 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, Aftermarket (Resin,
Photo-Etch, etc.) Parts 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 too.
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 extra detail does not automatically qualify
the exhibit for a Gold Award. An entire 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 extra details does not automatically qualify
the exhibit for a Gold Award. An entire Scratch built exhibit
does not automatically qualify for a Gold Award.
NAUTICAL:
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 extra detail does not automatically qualify the exhibit for a Gold
Award. An entire 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
extra detail does not automatically qualify the exhibit for a Gold Award.
An entire 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 additional detail does not automatically qualify the exhibit for
a Gold Award. An entire 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 additional detail does not automatically qualify the exhibit for
a Gold Award. An entire 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 extra detail does not automatically qualify the exhibit
for a Gold Award. An entire 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 additional detail does not automatically qualify for a Gold Award.
An entire 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 AWARD:
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. The
winners of the Best in Category Awards will then be judged against each
other by a majority of the judges to determine the Judge's Choice Award.
In the case of a tie, the head judge will determine the winner. The
winner of Best in Show 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 "Best in Show" People's
Choice award. Simply fill out one of the ballots available on any
of the show tables and deposit your ballot into the "Best in Show" ballot
box located near the Raffle table in the vendor room. Ballots will
be collected and 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.
