First, and probably last, model show entries...
Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2018 5:21 am
This morning I decided to enter a few of my models in ValleyCon 2018 held at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Last year I attended as a spectator (my first model show) and this year decided to enter and spend the whole day there. I went in with absolutely no expectations of winning anything, and my expectations were met. 
I entered for the experience, to see if this was something that might motivate my building more. Currently, I build for enjoyment and the comradery here.
I entered my P-51D, Hurricane, and Hellcat in their 1/48 Scale Single Engine Aircraft class; there were a dozen or so other beautiful entries. In their Automotive - Truck & Miscellaneous class I entered my ‘41 Chevy Pickup; again about another dozen entries.
I thought with luck, I might get an honorable mention; no such luck. As further evidence of my luck, I purchased 30 tickets to their raffle. There were 100 to 150 attendees and I estimate that was the average number of tickets others bought. There was a HUGE pile of prizes, so there was a good chance to come away with something. Well, for some I guess it was better than others. At least 3 walked away with 5 or more prizes. Now I’m not sure how many tickets 2 of them bought, but the guy in front of me also bought 30 and he had 5 of his numbers called... sheesh.
Well, I did win one, and from the price tag I guess I got my money back; so no complaints.
I hope this doesn’t sound like a condemnation of the show, I don’t mean it to be. It was a fine event, it’s just the competition did nothing for me. I wouldn’t be surprised if my builds placed dead last. And I’m OK with that, as I said the other entries were stunning; the other entrants obviously take the hobby more serious than I do. But I wouldn’t know since there was no feedback, no indication of judging criteria, just a final announcement of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and honorable mention. However, it was good to see my models next to these others to get a sense how well I’m doing.
Will I go again? Probably. I like to see the work of others and it’s a good excuse to go to the Petersen (BTW, if you are in LA, it’s worth the trip...). But I doubt I’ll enter any models in the future....
I entered for the experience, to see if this was something that might motivate my building more. Currently, I build for enjoyment and the comradery here.I entered my P-51D, Hurricane, and Hellcat in their 1/48 Scale Single Engine Aircraft class; there were a dozen or so other beautiful entries. In their Automotive - Truck & Miscellaneous class I entered my ‘41 Chevy Pickup; again about another dozen entries.
I thought with luck, I might get an honorable mention; no such luck. As further evidence of my luck, I purchased 30 tickets to their raffle. There were 100 to 150 attendees and I estimate that was the average number of tickets others bought. There was a HUGE pile of prizes, so there was a good chance to come away with something. Well, for some I guess it was better than others. At least 3 walked away with 5 or more prizes. Now I’m not sure how many tickets 2 of them bought, but the guy in front of me also bought 30 and he had 5 of his numbers called... sheesh.
Well, I did win one, and from the price tag I guess I got my money back; so no complaints.
I hope this doesn’t sound like a condemnation of the show, I don’t mean it to be. It was a fine event, it’s just the competition did nothing for me. I wouldn’t be surprised if my builds placed dead last. And I’m OK with that, as I said the other entries were stunning; the other entrants obviously take the hobby more serious than I do. But I wouldn’t know since there was no feedback, no indication of judging criteria, just a final announcement of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and honorable mention. However, it was good to see my models next to these others to get a sense how well I’m doing.
Will I go again? Probably. I like to see the work of others and it’s a good excuse to go to the Petersen (BTW, if you are in LA, it’s worth the trip...). But I doubt I’ll enter any models in the future....