A Beginner’s Guide to Model Competition Judging
These Guidelines are just that - if you have your own method, please stick with it.
Do exercise discretion & try not to discuss with other judges when scoring the models.
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You may find it helpful to make an initial assessment of the 'field', so as to be aware which entries may be potential award winners.
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Do try to approach the modelling style of the entries with an open mind and not be swayed by your own personal preferences e.g. for/against weathering. (Or, “I don’t do Tanks!”… “What’s with Sci-Fi?”)
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If you prefer, each model can be assessed individually for four different aspects:
1) Construction; 2) Painting; 3) Complexity of build; and 4) Presentation.
Generally, it may help if you bear in mind the following:
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1. Construction
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2. Painting & Decals (transfers or stickers!)
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Correct assembly & alignment
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No brush marks, no smudging or overspray
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Removal of mould lines and flash
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Evenness of application
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No loss of moulded detail
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Clean demarcation lines
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Filling of joint lines
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Correct application of decals where used
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Clear canopies, no signs of excess glue
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No visible transfer film or 'silvering'
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Conformity to surface shape and not obscuring underlying detail
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How realistic is weathering & wear and tear?
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3. Complexity of build
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4. Presentation
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Is model straight from the box, or modified, detailed, converted or scratch-built?
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A model should sit correctly on its base and look realistic
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Degree of difficulty involved all the way through the build
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No daylight under tyres/tracks/feet, bulge on tyres, some sinking into a soft surface?
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Is it a state-of-the-art or vintage kit?
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Any information about the model eg.
a nameplate, a squadron badge etc
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Opened up panels, drilled out gun barrels, folded wings, or moved control panels etc
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Are there any helpful notes about how the model was built?
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Is the detail from after- market add-ons,
or is it scratch-built?
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Is the overall impression correct & convincing?
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Try to enjoy looking more closely at other people’s models
A Scoring Sheet - or where you can scribble your notes!
CLASS ________________________________
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Entry No.
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Model Name
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Construction
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Painting
& Decals
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Build Complexity
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Presentation
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Total and
Placing
(1st etc)
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