Global Scale Modeller

Yes, it's that time of year for Jarrod and I to venture out and see the regional model contest in Columbus, Ohio.

Like in the previous years, we will take some photos and show them here for all to enjoy. The Columbus "Eddy Rickenbacker" chapter of the IPMS is generally an aircraft and armor/soft skin group, but the contest will bring in many builders from hundreds of miles to participate in the contest resulting in a wonderful mix of other subjects too.

Last year our 1/350 Tamiya Yamato build finished second in its ship category. To be honest, I was slightly disappointed that our 1/16 M4E8 Sherman or the Churchill AVRE with SBG bridge did not place in either of their categories at all. They did however get plenty of interest and photos taken of them, so evidently some people enjoyed the final products. Keeping in mind that the competition was really tough, it will just motivate me more on my next build (or not). I say or not, because I really do not build to compete, but rather to enjoy the challenge of modeling and sharing the journey other fellow modelers.

The contest is this coming weekend. I will not be competing this year and do not plan on judging either. While I have my IMPS credentials (training) to judge and have done so in the past, it is not something I like to do.

Photos coming next week...

Ben and Jarrod

Understandable about the judging and have loads of fun while your out and about.



Ps....congrats on the wins last year.

Yesterday we attended the mid-west BLIZZCON IPMS Regional Model Contest in Columbus , Ohio (USA). Much like every year, the IPMS "Eddie Rickenbacker" chapter conducted a wonderful contest. The event brought together builders from hundreds of miles around, vendors from throughout the central United States. While there were hundreds of models, I did not have the time or ability to capture all of them.

Photos: (Part 1)

More photos from the show:

Last, but not the least of them.....

































































Thanks for looking, I hope you enjoyed the photos.

Ben and Jarrod

That's a lot of great builds!

So much talent.

Hi Ben,

First - fantastic photos - you do a really great job of capturing the show.

As a 45yr+ member of IPMS Columbus, I wanted to say thank you for all the coverage you've provided over the past 4-5 years - it's appreciated. We've been doing it a long time, and no, weather never seems to affect attendance!

I've worked the registration desk between 9-11am both this year and last year, and remember speaking with you and Jarrod. I'll probably be in the same place next year as well, so don't hesitate to come up and say 'hi'!

I'd like to address your comments about judging not to criticize, but hopefully to enlighten and encourage more modelers to participate. I have judged at BlizzardCon many, many times over the years, several times at Region 4 events, and at least a couple times at Nationals.

BlizzardCon relies on volunteer judges, about 1/3 of whom are members of IPMS/Columbus. The rest come from all over Region 4. So, there is really no 'home town advantage' - the judges never judge categories in which they are entered, and never know who's models they are judging unless they have personal knowledge of the model. Judges are set up in 3 person teams, and you are asked to recuse yourself if you are familiar with one of the models being judged. I know I've had to do that myself several times, and it happens fairly frequently.

IPMS judging criteria for the contests focuses on modeling basics first. You would be AMAZED at how many times a truly wonderful model is disqualified, or dropped back a spot or two because of a seam showing, silvered decal, smudged canopy, wheel slightly out of alignment, wings or stabilizers at incorrect dihedral, etc, etc, etc. Generally, the winners in a category are the models with the least flaws. Only if two models are near perfect does any other item come into consideration (difficulty, paint finish, modifications, etc). If you want to 'win' at contests, focus on getting the basics right. Without that, your model will never be considered for a place.

But, you have the BEST attitude about the contests - take them as a way to get feedback and assess your progress as a modeler, and not as a blow to your ego!

The only real complaint I have about model contests is that after the judging, everyone is in a huge hurry to get packed up and get home. So, you don't really get much chance to socialize, or to ask the judges what they saw on your model. At least at Nationals, you get that chance, and can usually find the judges for your category.

I personally tend to hang around, and answer questions if I can, even though I have an hour and a half drive now (I live in Dayton).

The feedback I get from local chapter meetings (even though I live in Dayton, I get to IPMS/Columbus 4-5 times per year) when I ask for 'judging comments' has made me a much, much better modeler over the years. Most of the judges that I have met are very happy to give you a critique if you ask.

SO, I hope you, and anyone else who is interested come to a contest, or a local chapter meeting, and participate. It's truly one of the best parts of modeling - being part of the community.

-Scott Sharkey

Thanks for sharing man, totally awesome work people are doing out there. Inspiring stuff.