WASMEx Competition Judging Guidelines
(Published 01 May 2024)
Introductory Notes
Under the guidance and direction of the Chief Judge the WASMEx Committee has held in-depth discussions regarding how to make judging the WASMEx competition as fair and consistent as possible.
The main challenge is that judging models always involves striking a balance between at least three important aspects:
1, The technical excellence of construction and finishing.
2, The skills and dedication involved, which takes into account the technical difficulty of the project or methods used.
3, A subjective assessment of the 'overall artistic effect'.
The resolution of the Committee is that at WASMEx 2024 each model will be judged for two kinds of awards:
• Gold Silver Bronze (GSB) Award - which will be a recognition of technical excellence in construction and finishing
• High Distinction Award - which will be a recognition of laudable 'Artistic effect' and / or 'Skill & Dedication'
The two award streams are independent, but complementary since each award recognizes a different kind of excellence. For example a memorable and spectacular but technically flawed model would probably not score a place in the GSB judging but could still win a High Distinction. It is possible for a model to do well in both Award categories, so that a 'Gold' and a 'High Distinction' can both be awarded to a single model.
In order to make the judging criteria transparent to the entrants and consistent between judges we have published them here.
Each award - either GSB or HD - must be the outcome of a formal viewing and discussion of each model by at least two judges.
Each award - either GSB or HD - must be ratified by the Chief Judge.
Unless other information is provided, It is assumed that the model is entered into WASMEx undamaged and 'as finished' by the entrant.
During the judging, for both award streams (GSB and High Distinction) the judges will assess the model 'as displayed'. However, if a model is damaged during transportation to the show and the chief judge is notified, then a written note briefly outlining the damage will be displayed beside the model. Such damage will not disadvantage the model during judging.
Wherever possible we will provide judges who are recognized as having expertise in the field that they are judging.
We do not have numerical quotas for either GSB or HD awards.
In terms of 'overall standing' within the judging an 'HD' award is considered equivalent to a 'Gold'.
Gold, Silver, Bronze Award Stream Judging Guidelines
Gold, Silver, Bronze (GSB) Judging aims to assess technical excellence in the construction and finishing of a model. The concept behind the guidelines documented below is that with very few exceptions all scale models must be both constructed and finished and that these two activities are largely independent of one another because a well constructed model can be finished poorly and vice versa.
For each model therefore we can award a score from one to ten for 'Construction' and from one to ten for 'Finish'. The combined score of these two will give a numerical score out of 20 that will determine which GSB award the model has won.
At all times GSB judges should strive to be fair, objective and consistent with their peers. Ideally a model judged 'Gold' in one category will be the genuine technical equal of another 'Gold' model in another category. It is our hope that the introduction of the simple judging guidelines and numerical scoring system below will assist us in attaining this goal.
GSB Guidelines for Judging Construction
Technical judging of this nature is about assessing the presence or absence of flaws.
Typical examples of Construction Flaws include, but are not limited to:
- Incomplete construction
- Incorrect parts used
- Open seam lines
- Visible seam lines
- Misaligned parts or 'crooked' construction
- Uneven or rough application of filler / putty
- Misplaced glue / cement
For Construction, each model will be awarded a score from 1 to 10 points.
Points / Description.
1 - Several prominent flaws immediately visible
2 - Some prominent flaws immediately visible
3 - Several flaws visible on casual inspection
4 - Some flaws visible on casual inspection
5 - Several minor flaws visible on close inspection
6 - Some minor flaws visible on close inspection
7 - Several minor flaws visible on close, deliberate inspection
8 - Some minor flaws visible on close, deliberate inspection
9 - Flaws visible only on close, prolonged, deliberate inspection
10 - Practically flawless.
GSB Guidelines for Judging Finishing
Technical judging of this nature is about assessing the presence or absence of flaws.
Typical examples of Finishing Flaws include, but are not limited to:
- Incomplete paintwork
- Dust or other foreign matter in paintwork
- Uneven paintwork
- Runs in paintwork
- Visible brush marks
- Overspray
- Paint bleed-under masking
- Finger marks in paintwork
- Scratched or hazy clear parts
- Incorrectly applied decals (for example crooked, bubbled or lifting)
- Silvered decals or visible carrier film
For Finishing each model will be awarded a score from 1 to 10 points
Points / Description
1 - Several prominent flaws immediately visible
2 - Some prominent flaws immediately visible
3 - Several flaws visible on casual inspection
4 - Some flaws visible on casual inspection
5 - Several flaws visible on close inspection
6 - Some flaws visible on close inspection
7 - Several minor flaws visible on close, deliberate inspection
8 - Some minor flaws visible on close, deliberate inspection
9 - Flaws visible only on close, prolonged, deliberate inspection
10 - Practically flawless.
The awarding of Gold, Silver or Bronze will be determined by the aggregated score from the two categories above.
18 to 20 Gold
16 to 17 Silver
14 to 15 Bronze
GSB Stream Judging - Additional Notes
Accuracy
Gold, Silver, Bronze judging will not assess 'accuracy'. The intention of the GSB award is to assess the technical excellence of the construction and finishing of the model not the accuracy of the model. If an 'inaccurate' kit (for example a kit manufactured with inaccurate structural contours relative to the prototype) is flawlessly built and flawlessly finished it will win a 'Gold' award. How 'accurate' a model is can be very difficult to determine, this is especially true of customized, historical or fictional subjects.
Bases
Except in the case of Dioramas and Vignettes, Gold, Silver, Bronze judging will not assess any base upon which the model is displayed. The intention of the GSB award is to assess the technical excellence of the construction and finishing of the model and not the means used to display it. For GSB, a model displayed on a base will have no advantage or disadvantage over a model not on a base. If the modeler wishes to have the base judged, he or she must enter the model into either a diorama or vignette category.
Figures displayed with a model
Except in the case of Dioramas and Vignettes, Gold, Silver, Bronze judging will not assess any human -or other- figure displayed alongside or within the model unless the figure is an inherent component of the kit. The intention of the GSB award is to assess the technical excellence of the construction and finishing of the model that has been entered. For GSB, a model displayed with figures alongside will have no advantage or disadvantage over a model without them. If the modeler wishes to have their figures judged, he or she must enter them in the appropriate figures category or enter the diorama or vignette category.
Difficulty
Since the difficulty of completing a particular project involves a highly subjective judgement, Gold, Silver, Bronze judging will not assess the perceived difficulty involved in constructing or finishing the model. The intention of the GSB award is to assess the technical excellence of the construction and finishing of the model not the difficulty in completing of the model. If a 'simple' kit (for example a kit manufactured with few parts and very high engineering standards) is flawlessly built and flawlessly finished it will be eligible for a 'Gold' award.
Models that have no construction required
Some models - for example many figurines, busts or 3D printed models- require no construction from the modeler. In such cases the criteria for Gold, Silver, Bronze scoring is to be solely based on finishing criteria and the final score will be 'out of 10' rather than 'out of 20' for all other models. For such models the scoring criteria will be (7 /10) Bronze, (8 /10) Silver, (9 /10 or 10 /10) Gold.
Unconventional build methods and materials- Including scratchbuilt, 'kitbashed', resin and wooden (etc) models
Gold, Silver, Bronze judging will not make no allowances for the method of build or the materials from which the model is constructed . The intention of the GSB award is to assess the technical excellence of the construction and finishing of the model and takes no account of the means by which the model was built. For example, To win a 'Gold' award, a scratchbuilt model must achieve the same standards of flawless built and flawless finish as the equivalent injection molded kit.
Size
In GSB judging large models shall have no advantage over small models and vice versa.
Dioramas & Vignettes
In the case of Dioramas (and Vignettes), the Gold, Silver, Bronze judging will apply to the display piece in it's entirety, including:
1. All models within the diorama.
2. Any figures within the diorama
3.The scenery of the diorama.
4 Any visible components of the base upon which the scenery is built (such as framing & woodwork)
5. Any interpretive signage or plaques attached to the base.
To win a 'Gold' award the finish on all of these components of the display will need to be at a 'near flawless' standard.
High Distinction Award Stream Judging Guidelines
High Distinction Awards recognize the 'Overall artistic effect' of the model and / or the ability of the modeler to 'Successfully attempt highly challenging projects demanding unusual skill and dedication'.
High Distinction Awards are given on the basis of an entirely subjective assessment - ratified by the Chief Judge - of what makes this model 'special'.
Qualities that an HD award might be based on include - but are not limited to:
-Spectacular
-Memorable
-Original
-Eye-catching
-Evocative
-Difficult
-Challenging
-Time-Consuming
-Painstakingly finished
-Skillfully executed
-Detailed
-Beautiful
-Colourful
-Attractive
-Unusual
-Well Composed
-Precise
-Unique
High Distinction awards look at the work as a whole and therefore include the base
High Distinction Stream Judging - Additional Notes
Personal bias
Although HD judging is inherently subjective, judges must avoid awarding HD's on the basis of 'personal bias' either for or against a particular model. For example, a model of a Spitfire must not be given an HD on the basis of a judge 'Liking Spitfires'. Similarly, a model of a Soviet tank must not be discriminated against because a judge 'Does not like communists'.
Supporting documentation
Although not compulsory we strongly advise modelers to display supporting and interpretive documentation alongside their model. Supporting documentation can include - but is not limited to - explanations of how the model was built, or modified and any particular challenging techniques used. Such information helps the judges assess the challenges presented by the modelling project and will assist them in assessing the model for an HD award.
Bases
For HD awards the effect of the entire work will be judged, this includes any base upon which the model is displayed. Any visible part of the base, including scenery, woodwork or interpretive signage or plaques will be considered relevant.
Figures displayed with a model
For HD awards the effect of the entire work will be judged, this includes any figures displayed alongside the model.
Difficulty
A subjective judgement that a model has been unusually difficult to build will be a valid criteria for awarding an HD.
Dedication
A subjective judgement that a model has been unusually time-consuming to build or has required remarkable dedication to complete will be a valid criteria for awarding an HD.
Unconventional build methods and materials- Including scratchbuilt, 'kitbashed', resin, vac-formed and wooden (etc) models
A subjective judgement that an unusually difficult method or material has been used, will be a valid criteria for awarding an HD.
Perpetual Awards
All perpetual awards - except for the people's choice and best club display awards - will be decided by votes cast by judges.
The votes will be secret.
The decision will be based on a simple majority.
All judges, including the Chief Judge, will have one vote for each award.
For any given perpetual award (with the exception of 'Peoples' Choice') only models that fall within the description of that award and win either an 'HD' or a 'Gold' will be eligible for the vote.
If no 'HD or Gold' models fall within the description then only silver awarded models become eligible for the vote.
If no 'HD, Gold or Silver' models fall within the description then only bronze awarded models become eligible for the vote.
If no 'HD, Gold, Silver or Bronze' models fall within the description then all remaining relevant models become eligible for the vote.
In the event of a split decision on any perpetual award, the final decision will be made by the Chief Judge.
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