In the thread on who's going to Phoenix, Burik was disappointedabout his metla knight figures going to the IPMS Nationals. I posted this under that thread but for everyone else who has been unsure about this. From the IPMS Competition Handbook under Cahpter Resources at http://www.ipmsusa.org come the following:

"PLASTIC DEFINITION. For the National Contest, "Plastic" is "any thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer, resin, or other material that can be formed by heat, pressure, or vacuum-forming." This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, polystyrene, ABS plastic, celluloids, polyethylene, vinyls, epoxy and polyester resins, fiberglass, acetates, acrylics, nylon, other synthetic and monofilament fibers, and other plastic modeling compounds. Neoprene rubber is also defined as a plastic for this contest. Glazes and body putties (e.g., "Green Stuff") are not plastics; however, when used for filling seams, improving contours, creating unusual surfaces (e.g., "zimmerit" on armor), etc., they will be considered plastic.

COMPOSITION. The use of plastic as set forth above is encouraged; however, the use of other modeling materials is allowed as the builder sees fit. Judging standards of finish, attention to detail, and authenticity will be the same, regardless of the materials used.

P/E detail parts are metal and 'car guys' have for years used metal in their models and is one of the reasons IPMS saw fit to no longer prohibit a model's composition.

Cody