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.
