Competition Competition Rules, Definitions and Classes

This is an Open competition. It is not necessary to be a member of IPMS to enter the competition (although certain special awards/trophies are reserved for members of IPMS Ireland or IPMS.)

Admission to the venue is free to all IPMS members. You must have a valid membership of an IPMS club/branch/chapter somewhere in the world. Membership must be valid on the day of the event. All other entrants to the venue must pay a fee to enter. This fee is €2 per adult, but children are free.

However, there is a fee to enter the model competition. This is €2 per model, but if you enter five or more models, the fee is simply €10 (thus encouraging you to enter as many models as you like!).

Any model incorrectly entered may not be judged. So, if you are not sure about which class to enter, please check with the event organisers. It may not be possible to rectify mistakes on the day. There are 40 competition classes and a range of special awards and trophies, catering for all types and tastes of modelling.

HOW TO ENTER

Entry forms are available from the IPMS Ireland website in .pdf format. There is no limit to the number of models that one person may enter. Entries may be presented on the day of competition. No entries will be accepted via post or email. Please download the entry form from the web-site, www.ipmsireland.com, complete the form as necessary and bring with you on the morning of the registration, together with a relevant fee (as set out above). Each model entered will be registered with its own unique entry number and given an Entry Card, to be used on the Competition Table.

WHAT TO DO ON THE DAY

The Competition Area will open at 10.30am. You will be able to register your models and collect your entry card(s) from the Competition Desk (at the entrance to the Competition Area) from 10.30 am until 12.00 noon (early collection is advised to avoid delays at closing time). Registration for the Competition finishes at 12 noon. No models will be permitted to be placed onto the Competition table after this time if not already registered. Judging will commence at 12.30pm. Once you have your Entry Cards you may place your models on the competition tables. All classes will be clearly marked out and labelled on the tables to aid placement of models. It is then YOUR responsibility to place the models WITH their Entry Cards, on the correct table. Please ask for help from a Steward or from one of the Competition staff if you are unsure. If entering in any of the standard kit classes (SK), please ensure that you have the instructions for the kit in question as well, as these need to be placed below the entry card in these classes.

The Entry Card must specify the competition class, the unique model entry number and the title of your model, as well as any special prizes/trophies for which you have entered (except the Peoples’ Choice, which applies to all competition entries). There is also a "details" section on the card, which allows you to give the judges some information about the work you have done and which kit(s) or add-on parts (if any) you have used. Please feel free to attach further details to your entry card. Remember that no judge, however experienced, can be familiar with every kit that ever was and sometimes extra information provided can make all the difference to judges when making a decision. Due to space constraints, no more than two photographs can be placed with any model.

RULES

1. All models must be the handiwork of the entrant(s) only.
2. A model that has been physically entered into the IPMS Ireland competition in 2010 is ineligible for entry into the 2011 competition.
3. IPMS Ireland and/or its officers reserve the right to remove any entry which may cause dispute or offence.
4. Although every care is taken to ensure the safety of exhibits, models are placed in the competition at the owner's risk.
5. Once placed on the Competition Table, only the Competition Secretary, or his appointee, may move a model prior to the official removal of models at the end of the show.
6. An entrant shall have the right to bring to the attention of the Competition Secretary any infringement of the Competition Rules, providing such notice is given prior to the commencement of judging. However, on any point of contention, the Competition Secretary's ruling shall be final. Correspondence after the event on rule infringements will not be entered into.
7. Entrants for IPMS members only trophies may be asked for proof of current IPMS membership.
8. Once an Entry Card and a unique entry number have been issued they may not be used for a model other than the one originally registered.
9. In the event that a model is eligible for more than one class, it may not later be moved to another class from that into which it was originally entered.
10. Models must be placed on the Competition Table(s) by 12.00 noon. Models should not be removed before 4.30pm without prior approval of the Competition Secretary. Any model removed from the tables without prior agreement will be subject to disqualification.
11. All models are to be constructed as stated and defined. Metal foil, wood, veneer, paper, cloth, decal or any other material may be used to cover the model to represent a particular finish or to construct detail items. Such coverings or details must be cosmetic and not structural.
12. In the event that propellers, rotors, turrets or any other assemblies are not attached to the model, this MUST be clearly specified on the Entry Card. If this is not done, IPMS Ireland cannot be held responsible for any damage that may be caused to the model.
13. Where a model is displayed on the base, the base should not be larger than 1.5 times the model size. Any base over 4 sq feet (1.327 sq metres) must be notified to and approved by the Competition Secretary prior to the date of the competition. It is generally not required to display a model on a base.
14. Civilian vehicles Class and Figures Classes only: due to the preponderance on the market of white metal kits over plastic in these particular areas of the hobby, white metal kits shall be allowed in these classes only.

15. Where there are three or less entries in a particular class, the class in question may not be judged, and - at the discretion of the Competition Secretary – the models concerned may be moved to the next most appropriate suitable class, to enable them to be considered in that class. If there is no suitable class, then the entries will not be judged, and the entrant will be refunded his/her entry fee for the models concerned.
16. In classes with more than three entries, a Gold Silver and Bronze may be awarded, but in addition, commendations may be awarded at the discretion of the judges.
17. Junior Classes are open to anyone under the age of 16 on the date of competition.
18. The entrant agrees that IPMS Ireland and its branches/chapters may use images of the models in its/their web-site, forum and newsletter and any other publicity / promotion of the society and that any claim to copyright to such images is waived by the entrant.

DEFINITIONS

Standard Kit (SK)
A single, commercially produced injection-moulded plastic, resin or vinyl kit, built to the manufacturer's specifications, straight from the box. Seatbelts, rigging and aerials from any other sources may be added as appropriate to the subject. Any other form of detailing e.g. brake pipes, ignition leads is NOT allowed in this class. No opened cockpits or hatches are allowed unless it is an option in the kit. Changes in colour scheme and aftermarket decals are permitted (e.g. Bf109 from German to Spanish markings) or to “what-if” markings (eg Mustang in Irish Aer Corps colours). Kit instructions must be displayed with the model. Models in these classes will be judged solely on construction and finishing.

Any Source Detailed (ASoD)
A model built from a Standard Kit but that has additional detailing added from commercial sources and/or significant detail built by the modeller. The definition also includes any kit parts re-located or re-worked by the modeller. Cockpits may be opened and any open hatches, panels, wing/rotor fold or bomb bays provided as options in the original kit are allowable in this class and may be detailed. Control surfaces may be re-worked within this definition.

Super Detailed (SD)
Any model from injection-moulded plastic, resin or vinyl kit that has hatches, inspection panels and turrets, not provided as options in the original kit, removed and significant detail added by the modeller, from commercial and/or scratch built parts. Wing or rotor folds not included as part of the original kit also fall into this class. Subjects with skin or covering removed to show interior structure shall also be classed as super detailed. Any model converted from the manufacturer's original specification, regardless of the level of detail, must be entered in the relevant conversion class (ASoCON)

Any Source Converted (ASoCON)
Any model from a commercial source, regardless of the medium, that is built to a specification or variant other than that intended by the manufacturer (including “what-if” variants). Commercial, non-commercial and/or scratch built parts may be used. A change of colour scheme and/or decals shall not constitute a conversion, regardless of any change of designation of the model. A converted model may be detailed to any level desired by the modeller.

Vacformed (V)
A commercial kit where the main body parts and/or flying surfaces are of vac-formed plastic, but can contain any other detailed parts from any source. The kits may be detailed to any level desired by the modeller.

Scratch Built (SB)
A model constructed where the main body parts and/or flying surfaces are home- made or vac-formed plastic, other than of a commercial nature. The basic structure should be of plastic although a supporting (wooden) core is permitted. A scratch built model may be detailed to any level desired by the modeller.

Bases
Bases, although not obligatory, will be allowed in all categories (for dioramas see separate paragraph). The base should not be larger than 1.5 times the model size. Any base over 4 sq. feet (1.327 metres) must be notified to the Competition Secretary and approved of prior to the date of competition. A base may simulate the natural surface on which the prototype may be found to show the subject in context. For example, uneven ground to show vehicle suspension deflected, runway markings etc. shall be allowed, however, nothing other than the basic surface may be used. Trees, bushes, rock faces, ruined buildings, oil drums etc., are not allowed. Aircraft requiring beaching gear or trolleys may be so equipped. Ships may be displayed on water, but dry-docks and docksides are not allowed. The inclusion or exclusion of a base shall have no influence on the marks awarded by the judges, except in the Diorama classes.

Dioramas
A diorama shall be defined as one or more items (not necessarily from the same class) displayed on a scenic base, with or without figures, which convey a specific theme or real-life situation. Diorama base sizes exceeding 4 sq. feet (1.327 sq. metres) must be notified and approved by the Competition Secretary in advance of the date of the competition. If an entry contains major elements from more than one class (except for vehicles shown with their normal load), or if the base has additional items such as trees, bushes, rock faces, oil drums etc., it will be classed as a diorama.

Cases
Glass cases are permissible for public viewing periods but, with the exception of the ship classes, must be removed by the entrant for judging and photography purposes. Failure to comply may mean entries are not judged and / or awards withdrawn.

Figures With Models
In all categories except Figures and Dioramas, each model may be displayed with EITHER the crew members and/or passengers (who must be displayed in or on the aircraft/vehicle etc.) OR with a single figure on the base to indicate scale, NOT both. Figures placed on/in the aircraft/vehicle AND on the base shall mean that the entry is classed as a diorama. Figures may be from any source.

Civil Aircraft
This includes all aircraft used for non-military purposes, and includes racing planes (even from a military background – eg Mustang, Me 209, Supermarine S6B). “Warbirds” (modern versions of classic military planes) are classified as military, even if in civilian register. Military transport or medical / ambulance type craft are also classified as military.

Space, Science Fiction and Fantasy
These classes are for both real space and sci-fi models. Vehicles (SF01) are defined to include spacecraft, hovercraft, tracked or wheeled vehicles etc. The figures category (SF02) is solely for figures (including power suits etc). An entry of figures with a vehicle, or with more than one figure (eg a rider on a dragon etc), will be classed as a diorama (Class D05).

Juniors (Modellers under 16 years on date of competition)

Aircraft

Military Vehicles

Civilian Vehicles

Figures

Ships/Submarines

Space/Science Fiction and Fantasy

Dioramas

Miscellaneous and Humour

Type Sub-divisions

The Special Awards / Trophies