Judging at model shows

tankerbuilder

That is a good thing. I have found ,because of the venue, that,s what  we have to do too. The idea of an argument starting because someone didn,t like what was said about his or her model, is moot that way.             tankerbuilder

Around here, the judges are always reminded thatthe builder or a friend could be within earshot so discretion is thekey. Yes, if need be, point out flaws to each other, but do it objectively. As we approach a class to be judged, it's pretty clear what we're doing. We either have ribbons identifyng us as judges or a stack of folders with pens and judging sheetsout. We'll also ask anyone who is hovering to give us room to do our jobs.

The only time anyone got po'd in a class I judged was after the awards. His "masterpiece" hadn't placed and he asked the judges why. We explained, as tactfully as possible, it was lacking. He'd started out with a 1/25 scale modern big rig style truck with chrome exhausts, added a bunch of 1/35 scale parts and some WWII German crosses and entered it in softskins. As I recall, there were unpainted metal parts, poorly attended seams, and more build issues as well. He argued that this represented a late war German vehicle and that since it was late war, anything goes. Well, maybe if he'd put it in sci-fi or fantasy, there were classes for both, he'd have had a shot.

Anyway, part of this disgruntlement surely comes from being, usually, limited and mandated to picking the 3 best models in a class. Invariably, one class will have 5 or 6 top notch builders, truly deserving of recognition while the next has clearly sub par builds. Each will have exactly 3 winners. Using an open system as done at figure events and some regular contests allows teh ebst modelers and their work to be recognized commensurate with their abilities and skills.

A further problem may arise from people hovering near tehir work hearing people who are not judging pontificating on the works on the table. They may assume that these self styled experts are actually judges. My guess is that nost of these guys won't bother judging since they're too busiy holdong court with anyone who'll listen to them while the judges are doingthe real work.

That is a good thing. I have found ,because of the venue, that,s what  we have to do too. The idea of an argument starting because someone didn,t like what was said about his or her model, is moot that way.             tankerbuilder

Sometimes a local show will close the room, if it has one, for judging.  The reason is so the judges feel free to discuss a models pros and cons without being concerned that the builder of the kit is standing nearby.  Several of the shows I've judged at recently, we've left the room open and when judging a category we will politely ask anyone not a judge standing nearby to step away until we are done.   This has worked out fairly well.

Doug

The only time I remember shows being closed for judging is at IPMS regional shows, but they usually follow a published schedule, so you know how long the displays will be closed. 

It's also going to depend on the quanity and quality of the entries.  I've judged some local shows in the past and it can take a long time to objectively judge a lot of excellent entries in a particular catoegory.

Mark

When I go to the IPMS/ALAMO SQUADRON show and contest I ALWAYS offer to be a volunteer judge in any class I don,t have something in of course .I find it to be educational and fun as well .The listing of what was done and how shows there are many modelers out there that are still old school and boy do they do the job . That said , I make sure I hit the vendors BEFORE judging starts anyway .               tankerbuilder

We don't close the display area while judging. Never have. What's the point to that? People are gonna leave if you do.

I think timing will be more realistic.  After the judging quite a few competitors started packing up so I might aim to e there when they open next time.

Being a judge may not be much of a plan, I brought my son along so he could see the kits too.  Even he was very inspired.

Time wise I believe it was 1-2 hours so it seams I got off easy.

There is a way to both alleviate the length of time the display area is closed for judging and to keep yourself occupied during that period of time; volunteer to be a judge or ask if you can learn to be an assistant judge.

The more judges there are, the faster it would go.

You'd keep yourself busy learning to be a judge and get to see the kits up close and in depth.

Just a suggestion.

Timing it would have made for a more meaningful message.  From your description, it doesn't sound like all that long of a time (I have been at shows where the display room was closed for three to four hours).  And it depends on the show.  Some never close the displays.

gunner_chris

At least on the bright side I got a cheap kit for me, one for the boy and me to build and some cheap paint.

That's it?!!! Take more cash next time....and haggle!

The shows I go to close up for 2-3 hours. The first one I attended closed for 4hrs, I only had 20 bucks and the vendor room was crappy, and my wife came along(for the first and last time!)......talk about a LOOOOOOONG, boring wait.

At least on the bright side I got a cheap kit for me, one for the boy and me to build and some cheap paint.

For the IPMS Nationals, that's the norm as well as some regionals. The IPMS Region 1 convention (New York and New England) no longer closes the dispaly room during judging. For local shows, at least in New England, it's never done. AMPS East keeps teh room open, though most individual models are judged before being put on display. Long Island and MFCA figure shows are juded with the displays open as well.

The show I go to takes a long time as well. The car guys are done fairly quickly, but the aircraft guys take forever.....

Glenn