A few tips for improving your chance of winning at ModelExpo

[BradG]

So another year down and it seems the judging is still controversial as ever. Anyways, I've judged at Expo since I was 14, so here are a few tips on what I look for in judging your models.

1 - Reference..ah yes lets get this one out of the way first. If you supply nothing, you will get 0 in the pre judging form, that means you miss out on 25% of points possible and your chance of progressing to the technical stage is almost non existent. To give you some idea of how cut throat this stage can be; I judged a category with 38 models in it, only 1 model that did not score 100% (that is 12 out of 12 points) progressed to the technical judging. Out of 6 kits that scored 11/12, only 1 progressed. This is only a quick overview of the models to spot obvious errors, so if you have a very prominent panel line showing, this might just be enough to cut you. Keep this in mind.

2 - Leading and trailing edges of wings. I can't count how many models lose points for this. I've even knocked out models in the pre judge for this reason. Make sure you fill and sand those edges.

3 - Tank wheels, make sure they all touch the ground or are in contact with the track at the appropriate point. Having two or three wheels that randomly sit off the track when your tank is meant to be sitting on a flat surface will almost certainly knock you out in the first stage of judging.

4 - Finish and paint the bottom of your tank/ship/aircraft. I picked up one very nice model on Saturday night, only to find the modeller had not bothered to fill, sand and paint the bottom of his kit. Yes I will pick up your model. If you don't want to paint the bottom of it, then glue it to a base, but be warned, some judges carry little detail mirrors and lights. You might not always get away with it.

I hope this helps you build a better model if you are actively going after a trophy next year.

[Adam the Akrodude]

Good points Brad.

A few years ago I was told by a judge that my Dora 9 was bumped from 1st to 3rd because of inattention to the leading edge of a wing tip showing a slight gap. When it was pointed out to me, it did indeed stand out like dogs balls. It was a good lesson.

[Cap'n Wannabe]

So another year down and it seems the judging is still controversial as ever. Anyways, I've judged at Expo since I was 14, so here are a few tips on what I look for in judging your models.

1 - Reference..ah yes lets get this one out of the way first. If you supply nothing, you will get 0 in the pre judging form, that means you miss out on 25% of points possible and your chance of progressing to the technical stage is almost non existent. To give you some idea of how cut throat this stage can be; I judged a category with 38 models in it, only 1 model that did not score 100% (that is 12 out of 12 points) progressed to the technical judging. Out of 6 kits that scored 11/12, only 1 progressed. This is only a quick overview of the models to spot obvious errors, so if you have a very prominent panel line showing, this might just be enough to cut you. Keep this in mind.

2 - Leading and trailing edges of wings. I can't count how many models lose points for this. I've even knocked out models in the pre judge for this reason. Make sure you fill and sand those edges.

3 - Tank wheels, make sure they all touch the ground or are in contact with the track at the appropriate point. Having two or three wheels that randomly sit off the track when your tank is meant to be sitting on a flat surface will almost certainly knock you out in the first stage of judging.

4 - Finish and paint the bottom of your tank/ship/aircraft. I picked up one very nice model on Saturday night, only to find the modeller had not bothered to fill, sand and paint the bottom of his kit. Yes I will pick up your model. If you don't want to paint the bottom of it, then glue it to a base, but be warned, some judges carry little detail mirrors and lights. You might not always get away with it.

I hope this helps you build a better model if you are actively going after a trophy next year.

Or you could quietly drop a brick on every other model in your category when nobody's looking..

[DesTROYer]

Or you could quietly drop a brick on every other model in your category when nobody's looking..

Have you ever tried to drop a brick quietly on a wooden table? It ain't quiet.

[hrtpaul]

Good points there Brad. Also don't forget to read the Expo rules and all they entail cos to me, by entering a model you have agreed that you understand and accept said rules. Another tip if I may suggest. DON'T BE A SORE, WHINGING, SOOKY LA LA LOSER. After the pathetic crap from a few supposed adults I saw on Facebook last night, I think this is a VERY important point. No it won't help you win, but it will certainly make you a better person and not seen as a complete douche full of your own self importance. I and others were truly gobsmacked at the childish behaiour shown by these people. Not everyone can be a winner and peeps need to grow the hell up and realise that the worl;d doesn't revolve around them. Judging is always a contentious issue but the blatant and personal slagging off of those that volunteered their time for the good of all the other entrants was purely disgusting. These peeps need to remember if it wasn't for the hard work of all the volunteers that run this awesome event then there'd be no event. I'm tipping half these flogs haven't ever gotten out from behind their Call of Duty keyboard and taken the time to help judging. It's very safe behind said keyboard and that's where the spineless sit shooting off accusations/having a sook etc etc. To quote Terence from last night "I always believed Expo brought modellers together in a spirit of friendly rivalry and acceptance of the umpires decision, but now I think ego is getting in the way of common sense". Very wise words. You win some, you lose some so deal with it. Respect the ump's decision and if you can't GTFO and don't ruin Expo for everyone else.

[Cap'n Wannabe]

Or you could quietly drop a brick on every other model in your category when nobody's looking..

Have you ever tried to drop a brick quietly on a wooden table? It ain't quiet.

That's why you hide in the toilets until after everybody goes...

[BradG]

I agree with parts of what you've said Paul, but I wouldn't go so far as to call people sooks. I don't mind a critique, I don't mind questions asked, but I admit that a thread over on LSP got my back up a bit as one person who entered (and got a commended) called the judging crap and asked we get ourselves together or don't put the show on. I don't think he was sooking, but I do think he was ignorant of how judging is conducted as it was clear he had not read the handbook.

I think ego has something to do with it, especially those new to entering competitions. I liken it to my very first essay I submitted at University. Just out of high school, did pretty well on the TER, I thought I was hot shit, only to get an essay back full and I mean full, of red marks and corrections. It can be a real slap in the face. Similar thing here, where someone might think they're a great modeller, only to enter a competition the first time and run up against people who are better. It can be ego denting.

[Adam the Akrodude]

Or you could quietly drop a brick on every other model in your category when nobody's looking..

Have you ever tried to drop a brick quietly on a wooden table? It ain't quiet.

That's why you hide in the toilets until after everybody goes...

"Hide in the toilets" - ah alrighty then! Wasn't Swap n Smell enough mate?

[Cap'n Wannabe]

Have you ever tried to drop a brick quietly on a wooden table? It ain't quiet.

That's why you hide in the toilets until after everybody goes...

"Hide in the toilets" - ah alrighty then! Wasn't Swap n Smell enough mate?

Oh come on....the toilets smell way better!

[Adam the Akrodude]

Cap'n, this conversation has gone right down the toilet - i.e your hangout! OUCH!

GAME, SET, MATCH!