I have been into modeling for more than half of my life. Over the years, I’ve noticed that the out-of -the-box kit no longer have a fighting chance of placing, let alone winning the first-place trophy. The standards to which entries are held these days compared to 10 years ago is astonishing. Now, one has to purchase the newest kit on the market, a resin interior with aftermarket accessories, photoetched-metal detail sets, and specialty decals to even have a kit noticed at a show. Every hatch or cover must be opened and fully detailed.
I have even seen judges with laser levels, measuring tapes, and cutout balances to make sure every nook and cranny of a kit is level, scaled, and straight. I feel this has hurt the hobby, not improved it. No longer can the casual hobbyist (key word being hobbyist) compete with the professional perfectionist. Yes, these models are amazing. But how many hobbyists have been turned off by not being able to compete?