The categories and rules for the IPMS Ship Out of the Box categories are being changed for 2016.
A new category of 'Legacy' or single-media has been established. The intent is to allow modelers who do not do photo-etch or are uncomfortable with it to compete and do not feel that they are at a disadvantage against those modelers who do use photo-etch details. I look forward to seeing PitRoad, Revell, Trumpeter, or Tamiya plastic kits here - without added photo-etch. Primarily resin kits may also compete within the limitations noted. The category splits also address the rise of the high-tech kits which come with all of the bells and whistles.
The categories will be in place for at least three years so that we can see how they are accepted and how they fill out over time. The rules will be tweaked as necessary.
I had mentioned these changes during the ship judges side meeting during the Columbus show. The final rules will be published on the IPMS website soon.
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excerpts of the new rules are:
III Special Categories
2. Out of the Box
F. Ships Out-of-the-Box Category 425 – Multi-media or “High-Tech” kits: Entries in this category shall be in accordance with Rules III.2.A--E (above). Any commercially available kit may be used, but only the parts which are included with the kit (e.g. wood decks, photoetched details, resin parts, and/or turned metal barrels, etc.). No separate aftermarket upgrade sets either generically or specifically designed for the base kit are allowed. For verification, the kit’s whole instruction sheet must be provided.
The modeler may choose to modify a kit from a whole-hull to a waterline presentation. The modeler may cut and remove parts from the base kit and replace them with any kit-included detail parts, in accordance with the instructions. Otherwise the modeler is not permitted to manufacture, replace, vacuum-form, or substitute parts from another kit.
G. Ships Out-of-the-Box Category 426 – Single Media or “Legacy” kits: The modeler shall use only the primary material provided in the kit for the construction and detailing of the entry. Primary material is defined to be: plastic, resin, wood, paper, or cast metal, and comprises the majority of the material provided within the kit. No secondary materials may be used, even if provided with the kit, with the following exceptions:
i. For those kits which direct the use of wire to replicate items which may be beyond the limitations of the primary material (e.g. resin masts or gun barrels), wire material may be used. This wire may be either provided with the kit or supplied by the modeler.
ii. The modeler may use thread, wire, or stretched sprue to rig the ship or fabricate lifelines. In no instance may photoetched material, including separate stanchions, be used.
iii. Paper flags or ensigns may be used.
For verification, the kit’s whole instruction sheet must be provided.
The modeler may choose to modify a kit from a whole-hull to a waterline presentation, but may not otherwise make changes to the configuration of the kit’s subject. The modeler may not remove/replace molded fittings (hatchways, gun tubs, deck bolsters, etc). The painting and decaling of
the entry shall be in accordance with Rule III.2.B (above).