Hey guys and gals, its been a while. I have been busy working on a Heinkel He-111.

Anyway I was just wondering what judges look for in terms of models at a competition. What about kits, do 109s and Mustangs get boring?

Thanks,

~Chip

I don't know from an experience standpoint - never been a judge.

Personally, I would say that a well executed subject will get high marks no matter how many times it's been seen. I think you do have to do a better job on a more common subject, because there isn't any other 'wow' or 'creative' factor for judges to look at or for.

Hi Chip:

I could only comment about IPMS contests. I've been an aircraft judge
at IPMS contest in the USA Midwest states; but not at the IPMS/USA
national covention, held each year.

I would say that if the judges are good, experienced, and completely
unbiased, that basic construction is where they seperate the
models that make the "cut" in a category and get very close inspection
in order to pick, first, second and third. And of course, basic
construction is the part about modeling that isn't very much fun to do.
All seam work must be top notch, with sanded off or puttied in panel lines
being re-scribed back in. Parts alignment, with aircraft models, especially
is so easy to get wrong. A judge see's a lot of poor alignment models.
IMO, Most a/c modelers who fail in alignment of parts, usually do so in the
landing gear and/or wheels alignment. As you look down the centerline of
the model from the prop looking aft toward the tail. With a/c models it isn't
easy with some kits to get the dyhedral(sp) correct in the alignment of the
wings, (poor fitting parts, especially in older kits) in relation to fuselage,
to the horizontal stabs, to the vertical tail, etc.

A good judge should pay no attention whatsoever to what type of model
the builder has entered in that category. If the model's basic construction
isn't up to par, no great paint scheme, addition of scratchbuilt, resin, PE
parts will save the entrant, not even it if's an Me 109 or P-51. However, there
are many modelers who enter IPMS events even now — altho IPMS has judged
that way since 1965 — and do not know how important basic construction is.
The IPMS/USA web site has a very well written text on what judges look for.

Hope this helps. But I'm only speaking from my own experience. Others
will probably disagree with my opinion.

What Rick said. As with him, I've judged at regional and local events for years. Once even at the Nationals. Some other things that you'll need to be careful of is alignment of ordnance, rockets and bombs have to be pointing straight into the airflow. Seams in wheel wells and intakes have to be addressed correctly. Accurizing an aircraft is less important than laying down a good layer of paint and blending the decals in well.
At some point, however, extra detailing may come into play. Two equally well built models are vying for a "podium place." Allother things being equal, the one that shows additon al work will get the nod if that additional does not intruduce construction errors.

Here's a link to the Competition Handbook that should give you a pretty good idea of what a judge is supposed to look at.

Just to echo what has already been said, seams and alignment are big discriminators. I've seen wonderfully painted and decalled models that were eliminated because the builder got in a hurry and managed to cock-up the landing gear.

As Al and Rick allude to, no amount of aftermarket can overcome a poor or mediocre job of basic building.

Silvered decals do in many folks at locals and regionals.

The best advice is to read and understand the handbook. It clearly outlines what judges look for right off the bat, regardless of the judging system.