Model building competitions typically award a variety of prizes to participants who showcase their skills and creativity in constructing detailed and accurate models. These prizes can range from trophies and certificates to cash prizes and modeling supplies.
Types of Prizes
Here are some of the most common types of prizes awarded at model building competitions:
- Trophies: Many model building competitions award trophies to winners in different categories, such as best in show, best craftsmanship, best historical accuracy, best diorama, etc.
- Certificates: Participants may receive certificates of achievement or recognition for their entries, acknowledging their hard work and dedication to the craft.
- Cash Prizes: Some competitions offer cash prizes to winners, which can vary depending on the competition’s size and level of sponsorship.
- Modeling Supplies: Winners or participants may receive modeling supplies such as paint sets, brushes, decals, and other tools to help them continue building their models.
- Gift Cards: Competitors may also receive gift cards to modeling shops or online retailers where they can purchase more modeling kits or supplies.
- Sponsor Prizes: Sponsors of model building competitions may donate prizes such as model kits, reference books, or other related items to be awarded to participants.
- Recognition: In addition to physical prizes, winners and participants often receive recognition and praise from judges, fellow modelers, and the modeling community at large.
Criteria for Judging
When it comes to awarding prizes at model building competitions, judges typically evaluate entries based on a set of criteria to determine the winners. Some common criteria include:
- Craftsmanship: Judges look for clean construction, precise detailing, and overall quality of workmanship in each model.
- Accuracy: Models are judged on their accuracy and authenticity, whether they represent real-life vehicles, buildings, figures, etc.
- Painting and Finishing: The quality of painting, weathering, and finishing techniques used on the models is carefully assessed.
- Detailing: Judges pay attention to the level of detail in each model, including small parts, decals, accessories, and other elements that enhance realism.
- Composition: For dioramas or scenes, judges consider the overall composition, storytelling, and creativity displayed in the presentation.
Special Awards
In addition to the main prizes, some model building competitions also offer special awards to recognize outstanding achievements or unique qualities in certain entries. These special awards may include:
- Best in Show: The overall best entry in the competition, often considered the most impressive and well-executed model.
- People’s Choice: Voted on by attendees or participants, this award goes to the entry that receives the most popular votes.
- Junior Builder: Reserved for younger participants, this award recognizes the talent and potential of young modelers.
- Best Theme: Given to the entry that best fits the competition’s theme or subject matter.
- Best Newcomer: Awarded to a first-time competitor who shows exceptional skill and promise in model building.