At model building competitions, juries evaluate your model on five main criteria: technical execution, detailing, paintwork, originality, and presentation. Technical execution and paintwork usually carry the most weight in the evaluation. Most competitions use a scoring system of 1-10 per category, where judges specifically look at seam quality, color accuracy, and realism.

Which aspects do juries weigh most heavily in model building competitions?

Technical execution and paintwork form the backbone of every model building evaluation. These two aspects often determine 60-70% of your total score. For technical execution, juries look at the quality of glue work, seam finishing, and how neatly components are placed.

The paintwork receives extra attention because it’s immediately noticeable. Judges check for brush strokes, color transitions, and whether the colors are historically correct. A perfectly built model can lose points due to poor paintwork.

Detailing ranks third in importance. This involves small additions like cables, hoses, or weathering effects that make your model more realistic. Originality weighs less heavily but can make the difference in a tie.

The presentation, including your workspace and documentation, usually comprises 10-15% of the score. A neat presentation with historical information shows professionalism and can earn extra points.

How does the scoring system work in model building competitions?

Most model building competitions use a 10-point scale per evaluation category. Each jury member gives points from 1-10 for technical execution, paintwork, detailing, originality, and presentation. The average of all jury members determines your final score.

Some competitions work with weighted scores. Technical execution and paintwork then receive, for example, a factor of 2, while originality gets factor 1. This means that an 8 for paintwork counts as 16 points instead of 8.

For technical execution, judges look at seam quality, component fit, and overall build quality. For paintwork, they evaluate color choice, finish, and realism. Detailing concerns added elements that aren’t standard in the kit.

For originality, they look at creative interpretations or unique additions. Presentation encompasses your workspace, documentation, and how you tell the story behind your model.

What are the most common mistakes that cost points?

Visible glue residue and poor seam finishing cost the most points among beginners. Plastic cement leaves white spots on dark components, and excess glue creates unrealistic protrusions. Always sand seams smooth before painting.

Thick paint layers hide details and look unprofessional. Multiple thin layers give much better results than one thick layer. Let each layer dry thoroughly before applying the next.

Color errors are immediately noticeable on historical models. Always check color schemes before starting. A German tank in American colors automatically costs points for historical accuracy.

Dust or fingerprints on the final result show lack of care. Wear gloves during final finishing and use a soft brush to remove dust.

Carelessly placed decals with air bubbles or tears also cost points. Use decal softener and gently roll away air bubbles with a damp cotton swab.

How do you optimally prepare your model for a competition?

Begin your preparation two weeks before the competition. Check your model under different lighting conditions to spot flaws you can still repair. Daylight reveals different details than artificial light.

Create a documentation folder with reference photos, color schemes, and historical information about your subject. Judges appreciate when you can explain why you made certain choices.

Clean your model thoroughly with a soft brush and dust it. Check that all components are still securely attached. Loose parts during evaluation make a poor impression.

Test your presentation setup at home. Ensure good lighting and a neutral background that makes your model stand out. Dark models show better against a light background.

Prepare answers for questions judges often ask: which techniques you used, why you chose certain colors, and what the biggest challenge was during building.

Where can you find quality model building materials for competition projects?

For successful competition models, you need high-quality materials that make the difference in detailing and finishing. Quality paint, fine brushes, and good glue form the foundation of every winning project.

We offer everything you need for competition projects in our model building assortment. From basic kits to specialized detailing sets and professional paint products.

The advantage of ordering from us is that you automatically receive discounts on multiple items. This is perfect when you need various materials for one project. You can view all discount rules on our rules page.

We ship until 23:30 for next-day delivery, convenient when you need last-minute materials for a competition. Our Thuiswinkel Waarborg certification guarantees safe purchases and reliable service.

By investing in quality materials, you give yourself the best chance of success in model building competitions. Good tools and materials make the difference between an average and a prize-winning model.