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JUDGING

Overview


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. QMHE member clubs are asked to nominate experienced modelers who judge regularly in local competitions or have judged previously at QMHE, who then join our judging panel. Three judges are allocated to each competition category and asked to determine, by consensus, category results. Their decisions are ratified by the Chief Judge. By using a panel of three judges in each category we hope to ensure the personal views of any judge is balanced by the views of other experienced judges, and that a fair decision is reached. Prior to judging commencing, the Chief Judge will brief and calibrate the judging teams to ensure a fair and balanced outcome for the modeler.

Entry

On the day make sure your model is presented in its best light. Remove dust, give the surface a clean and check for any breakage that may have occurred during transport. When preparing a model for entry into QSMC consider that the judging will follow the criteria below:

Construction

Judges will look for correctly-treated mould seams, sprue and casting vents, components properly assembled, absence of glue marks, assembly areas properly filled and finished. Additionally, on conversion and scratch built entries the judges will look for mismatched or out of scale components, unfinished areas between components, putty or sculpted areas, rough sanding or smoothing, fingerprints in the putty. Judges will also look at how the entry is attached to the base ( if applicable). The entry should be posed appropriately on the base with an appearance of correct scale weight, neither floating above the ground work nor sunk into it (exceptions would be mud, snow or other soft ground). During this phase attention will be paid to areas where:

  • rough sanding or smoothing, fingerprints in putty/filler are obvious.
  • looking for correctly-treated mould seams, sprue and casting vents. Where construction      seams have been filled, components that cross these seams restored.
  • External Equipment is properly attached, e.g., stowage not hanging in space.
  • Straps hang properly and naturally Straps should have proper thickness
  • The model touches the ground/surface properly.
  • Gun barrels should be drilled/hollowed out.
  • Accessories and equipment should be in proper scale for the entry.
  • On converted and scratch built entries the judges will look for mismatched or out of scale components (anatomy)
  • Alignment of parts, ie do all wheels touch the ground, are wings level, are masts vertical.

Painting

Issues with paint and weathering are visible from a casual viewing distance of 2-3 feet. Over Painting and edging are visible. Issues become visible on close inspection only. Colour transitions, shading, highlighting and weathering should be consistent and not show unblended edges. Painting should be realistic to scale and have a consistent and neat finish, Gloss finishes should be smooth. Decals if used should conform well to all surface and painted detail. Flesh tones, eyes and hair should be consistent and realistic.

Groundwork (if applicable)

Judges will evaluate how the groundwork enhances the overall composition of the entry. The modeler should use the ground work to stage the entry. Groundwork can be simple or elaborate; the groundwork and vegetation should be realistic in effect, appropriate to the geographic setting, and painted in a style commensurate with the subject matter. The model should be tied to the base artistically, for example, a dusty vehicle should be posed on a dusty base; a muddy vehicle on a muddy base.

Overall Effect Degree of difficulty and scope of effort.

The more detailed and difficult work the modeler executes, i.e. heavy conversion/scratch built or elaborate integrated base and/or groundwork. the more credit they will receive. Judges need to  keep in mind the basics of assembly and painting in a combined presentation. This is specific to this section and is in addition to Modelling Basics. The underlying premise of a miniature is that it should look like a small version of a real entity, be that an aircraft, ship, armoured vehicle, figure et al.. The closer the entry comes to that goal, the better the overall effect will be achieved.

References

For some categories, but particularly the Enhanced or Modified categories, providing the judges some reference for your subject will enhance your entry. As a minimum it is recommended that 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. Please indicate on your entry that references have been provided.

If you don’t agree with the judges’ decisions?

In every competition there are winners and losers. Modelers 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

Please behave ethically.  Read the competition rules closely and enter your model in the correct category. While most modelers 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 may be unsure whether a modeler 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 modelers 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 judges and modelers attending QMHE will notice… and word gets around very quickly. There is no value in placing in a category if you did not comply with the competition rules.

General

All rules are subject to change at any time as decided by the QMHE Executive Committee.

1. The QSMC is open to all.

2. Entrants need not be a member of a club and may enter multiple entries in any category or class where eligible.
3. No entrant will be permitted to judge his or her own entry/category.

4. All entries must be the sole work of the entrant.

5. The scale printed on the instructions/plans will be recognised for entries.

6. The QSMC Competition Secretary and Chief Judge reserve the right to expand or combine categories and/or classes should the number of entries dictate.

7. All entries which have previously placed in QSMC are ineligible to re-enter.

8. Due to the family orientated nature of the QMHE, entries may be deemed unsuitable for display at QMHE and this decision will be solely at the QMHE Executive Committee’s discretion.

9. The Competition Secretary in conjunction with the Chief Judge will consider the appropriate category and/ or class for entries in doubt.

10. The Chief Judge’s decisions are final and will be made within the friendly spirit of the competition and no correspondence will be entered into. Countback may be necessary in the event of a tie; but the FINAL DECISION is at the discretion of the Chief Judge.

11. QSMC perpetual awards, Model of the Show, Modeler of the Show and the John Stockley Award are the property of the QMHE and must be returned to the QMHE Executive Committee prior to the event each year.

12. To qualify for The Modeler of the Show Award, competitors will need to be presented with Gold, Silver or Bronze medallions in a minimum of three (3) genres; i.e. Aircraft, Military Vehicles, Figures; or Civil Vehicles, Ships, Vignettes; or any combination of the 15 genres available.