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.
