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.
