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IPMS Queensland judging criteria.
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GENERAL |
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| When judging a model do not spend
too much time focused on "looking" for faults. If a construction
or finish fault is not evident on a cursory examination of the kit sitting
in it's "normal" position (ie. if it is necessary to turn the
subject to catch the light from a particular angle just to find it!) then
it is usually not worth being too critical. Deduct points on a scale that
reflects their importance to the model's appearance, not for the sake of
deducting. In other words be fair and reasonable not
"nit-picky".
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"OUT OF THE BOX"AND "STANDARD' JUDGING
SHEETS |
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For each "separate" flaw found take off 0.5
of a mark by making a 450 slash in the boxes adjacent to the relevant
fault under the Construction and Finish headings. For the next 0.5 mark
deduction add another slash in the opposite direction in the same box so
an "X" is formed. Repeat this process form left to right along
the boxes for each subsequent flaw in it's respective category, so that
each full-crossed box constitutes a one point deduction and each
half-crossed box equals a deduction of 0.5 of a mark.
The maximum total point deduction for each of the 5 fault categories is 5
for the "STANDARD judging sheet (totalling a potential of 25 each for
Construction and Finish) and 6 for the "OUT OF THE BOX" sheet
(totalling a potential maximum of 30 in each heading). To work out the
final score simply add up the deduction along each row of boxes, add these
sub-totals down the list and subtract this total from either 25 or 30
(depending on the sheet).
The following explanations will outline each of the 5
fault categories that incur such deductions under the Construction and
Finish headings as well as the remaining headings where points are
"awarded" rather than subtracted, as a guide to both judges and
modellers;
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CONSTRUCTION |
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1. SPRUE
CUTS AND MOULD LINES: When
a part is removed from the
sprue, care must be taken to ensure it is a clean out that is sanded and/or
filled where necessary, and the mould or seam lines usually found along
the
sides or edges, are scraped away. Where the constructor has attempted to
remove them and they are still faintly visible or have been left in an
area of
delicate detail or difficult access use a bit of discretion and leniency
(also
ensure there isn't meant to be such a line on the real thing!).
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2. KNOCKOUTS
AND SINK MARKS: Knockout
pin and sink marks are
made in the production of the model kit and can mar the surface of the
finished entry. They should be filled and/or sanded so they are no longer
visible. Be less severe with those on difficult to see inner faces where
they
are not immediately noticeable or prominent.
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3. FILLING,
FILE AND SANDING MARKS: These cover a variety of sins ranging
from scratches to gouges left behind after cleaning up of join lines, or
poor
workmanship in cleaning up knockouts or sink holes as well as filling
flaws
and sloppy putty work. Deduct points depending on prominence, severity,
and frequency of the damage.
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4. GLUE MARKS
AND OTHER BLEMISHES: These
reflect poor technique
and lack of finesse and again should be penalised on extent and occurrence
as well as location and importance.
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5. JOIN
LINES, GAPS AND POOR ALIGNMENT: Self-explanatory. Deduct on
severity and frequency of cracks, gaps, and generally misaligned parts.
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FINISH |
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AIRBRUSH SPATTER AND OVERSPRAY:
Caused by poor technique or
a dirty airbrush resulting in poor colour separation and excessive
feathering
on demarcation lines, spoiling the appearance of the finished product.
Take
off marks on the degree of severity, it's extent and impact on the model.
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2. BRUSHMARKS,
HAIRS, DUST
AND FINGERPRINTS: Deduct marks for visible brushstrokes or hairs, dust
or fingerprints left during painting which indicate carelessness or sloppy
workmanship.
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3. APPROPRIATE
FINISH TYPE: This refers to the correct use of matt, semi-
gloss, or full-gloss paint finish in the appropriate locations and/or on
the
appropriate model. Subtract points for failure to achieve this depending
on
the extent and overall effect this has upon the finished product.
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| 4. DECAL ALIGNMENT, SIT AND
EDGES: Self-explanatory. Remove marks for each misaligned or poorly
settled transfer, or for obviously visible film and/or edges of decals not
properly trimmed, bedded or concealed.
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| 5. DECAL SILVERING AND DAMAGE: Take
away marks for each silvered decal as well as for decals which are tom,
cracked, blemished or contain trapped air bubbles under the surface.
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REALISM
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| This is that elusive quality that
separates the masterpiece from the ordinary model. Use the judging sheet
as a guide when allocating points to determine which level the model being
judged falls into. Things to consider include weathering, scale "look,
and sit etc.
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PROVISION OF AND ACCURACY TO REFERENCE
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The modeller should always research his subject, not only to ascertain its accuracy but also to capture its paint scheme and weathering. It also helps to achieve a higher overall standard of workmanship and finish. The judge must take great care to compare these features only with the reference material supplied. He cannot assume anything or let his own knowledge of a particular subject be introduced at any stage for the sake of impartiality and fairness to those contestants whose work or subject matter is not his strong point. It is therefore entirely up to the competitor to provide sufficient and relevant reference material to gain the 20 points on offer. In other words, "nothing provided, nothing looked for or assumed, and thus nothing given".
Use the judging sheet's sliding scale re the quantity and quality of the reference material supplied. On both judging sheets "Provision of Reference" is clearly defined with point allocations and self-explanatory descriptions. However the "Accuracy to Reference" box on the STANDARD JUDGING SHEET refers to both accuracy to "detail" and "paint scheme and markings", while the same box on the OUT OF THE BOX SHEET refers only to accuracy to "paint scheme and markings" (re the supplied reference). This is because obviously no detail or correction work is permitted on out of the box models.
* NB The exception being scratchbuilt or "kit-bashed" models where the subject doesn't exist either commercially or historically. In this case marks may be awarded from a total of 20 based on 1magination and creativity". (eg. Sci-fi spaceships, figures and other subjects, hot-rods, and fantasy figures or monsters etc.)
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| EFFORT |
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| This refers to attention to detail. Marks are given for extra work done over and above assembling the basic kit (though with a very complex kit this may be taken into account). Such areas to look for include
any/all correction work, detailing, and replacement of parts with either scratchbuilt or after-market pieces right through to vac- form kits and major or totally scratchbuilt models. Points should be awarded on the sliding scale reflecting the amount and quality of the work carried out and its impact on the finished model. Take careful note of the work's accuracy to the supplied reference material for authenticity as well as workmanship. Be more generous with work done from scratch vs. commercially available detail sets and add-ons.
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JUDGES COMMENTS |
| This section is to allow direct feedback (where elected) where the judges are encouraged to pass on any tips or areas to work on as well as positive points and praise on the outstanding aspects of the model to be used as a learning tool by the modeller for future projects. It is intended to be given and taken in a friendly, positive and constructive spirit not as an opportunity to criticise entrants or their work for the sake of criticism.
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DIORAMA JUDGING SHEETS |
These sheets differ in that points are "awarded" in 0.5 mark increments (instead of being deducted as per other judging sheets) for the
"Construction" and "Finish" headings. These headings are broken down into five separate components with a maximum of five marks per component; thereby totalling 25 marks each for the two headings.
The marks are awarded in a similar fashion to the other sheets. A full cross is made in each box for each full mark awarded. A diagonal slash is placed for a half mark. The boxes are again filled in from left to right; then down the 5 component headings. Finally, these marks are totalled for a score out of 25, which is entered in the box on the far right of the form. |
| Issues to consider when awarding marks for each of the five components under: |
(a) "Standard of Construction" include
1 . Sprue Cuts 1 Mould 1 Seam Lines
2. Knockout Pins and Sink Marks Details as per the OOB
3. Filling, File and Blemishes and Standard Sheet
4. Glue Marks and Blemishes Guidelines
5. Join Lines, Gaps and Poor Alignment |
And
(b) "Standard of Finish" include
1 . Airbrush Spatter and Overspray
2. Brushmarks, Hairs, Dust and Fingerprints Details as per the OOB
3. Appropriate Finish Types (ie. Matt, Gloss or Semi-Gloss) and Standard Sheet
4. Appropriate Colours for Each Component Guidelines
5. Decal Alignment, Sit, Edges, Silvering and Damage
The "Realism", "Reference" and "Effort" components on the sheet are to be judged as per the guidelines or the OOB and Standard sheets by simply using the graded tables to determine the standard and score
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| INTERPRETATION/DISPUTES |
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Any questions, problems or areas of dispute regarding interpretation of these guidelines or the competition rules, by the judges or competitors, should be referred to the Committee with final arbitration if necessary carried out by the Club President.
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