JUDGING

Overview

When preparing a model for entry consider the following criteria judges look for:

• Construction
  • Preparation of parts, sprue gates removed, mould marks (sink marks, mould release, punch out marks etc.) removed.
  • Alignment of parts, do all wheels touch the ground, are wings level, are masts vertical.
  • Seams, are all seams filled and sanded smooth.
  • Glue marks cleaned up.
• Painting
  • Correct colours from reference or instructions.
  • Check for over spray or runs.
  • Matt or Gloss finish as appropriate.
• Decals
  • In correct positions from the reference or instructions.
  • Is the decal clear carrier film visible (silvering)?
• Finishing
  • Is the subject weathered appropriately? References help here.
• Reference
  • For all categories, but particularly the Enhanced or Modified categories, providing the judges some reference for your subject is critical.  As a minimum it is recommended that the kit instructions are provided, but images of the actual subject is helpful.  Consider providing a description of any enhancements or modifications made and then additional reference to show the judges why the changes have been made, for example: location of alternate markings or typical weathering patterns.  If you are modelling a “What If” subject, it is recommended that some reference be provided of the actual camouflage/marking scheme from which the What If subject was based.  Judges will use this to assess the What If scheme for “accuracy” in a similar way as references are used to assess a model to the historical subject.
• Entry
  • On the day make sure your model is presented in its best light, give the surface a clean, remove dust, check for breakage during transport.

Our Judging System

Many different judging systems are used to decide the outcome of competitions like QMHE and ours is just one version. It is similar to the judging system used at international competitions such as the US Nationals held annually in America.

We do not use a ‘points based’ system.

Three judges are allocated to each competition category and asked to determine, by consensus, the winning models. Their decisions are ratified by the chief judge. By using a panel of three judges to select the winners we hope to ensure the personal views of one judge about what a winning model should look like are balanced by the views of other experienced judges, and that a fair decision is reached.

How are our judges selected?

QMHE member clubs are asked to nominate experienced modellers who judge regularly in local competitions or have judged previously at QMHE, who then join our judging panel.

What do you mean you don’t agree with the judges’ decisions?

In every competition there are winners and losers. Modellers and visitors attending the show will have their own personal favourite models. Sometimes, the judges’ decisions won’t reflect the decisions you would have made had you been judging. We don’t expect that everyone will agree with all of the decisions made by our judges, but we trust that our judges will be fair and use their experience and expertise to ensure the right choices are made to the best of their abilities.

Possibly the most important rule for competitors

Behave ethically 

Read the competition rules closely and enter your model in the correct category. While most modellers understand and accept the subjective nature of the judging process, they will not accept people deliberately entering in categories that do not comply with the rules of the competition.

While we try to ensure each model is entered in the correct category through our scrutineering process, there are an incredible number of kits available on the market. Occasionally, we’ll be unsure whether a modeller has added parts not included in a kit or made modifications not permitted by the category rules.

For this reason, we have to be able to rely on the information modellers provide us about their models when they enter. If we overlook something, and inadvertently allow a model to be entered in the wrong category, we know one of the many experienced modellers attending QMHE will notice… and word gets around very quickly.

There is no value in winning or placing in a category if you did not comply with the competition rules.