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. 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 Judge's
Choice Award. In the case of a tie, 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.
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. 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.
