My first competition

[ojays]

Back in the 60's I joined our local IPMS branch and went to all the monthly meetings. I thought I had picked up several good ideas/tips so after several months I entered my very first completion. This was to be my last as well

I entered a 1/72 ME 109 that had had been converted with the RR Engine. I had spent many hours looking at photo's, checking colours etc. and was proud of my endeavours.

Imagine my dismay when the Judge on taking a cursory glance at my pride & joy made the comment, 'It looks as though a child has glued a spitfire nose on this Messerschmitt and painted the nose yellow' and walked on.

No constructive criticism, just dismissive.

As one of the local model shops was already using some of my models in his main window display, I didn't think my efforts were that bad!

I decided then that I no longer wanted to be a member of a group who considered themselves elitist.

That's why I enjoy being on this forum, any criticism is constructive and helpful.

Rant over.

Gregg

[Dave W]

Back in the 60's I joined our local IPMS branch and went to all the monthly meetings. I thought I had picked up several good ideas/tips so after several months I entered my very first completion. This was to be my last as wellI entered a 1/72 ME 109 that had had been converted with the RR Engine. I had spent many hours looking at photo's, checking colours etc. and was proud of my endeavours.

Imagine my dismay when the Judge on taking a cursory glance at my pride & joy made the comment, 'It looks as though a child has glued a spitfire nose on this Messerschmitt and painted the nose yellow' and walked on.

No constructive criticism, just dismissive.

As one of the local model shops was already using some of my models in his main window display, I didn't think my efforts were that bad!

I decided then that I no longer wanted to be a member of a group who considered themselves elitist.

That's why I enjoy being on this forum, any criticism is constructive and helpful.

Rant over.

Gregg

I understand what you mean Gregg.I don't normally do clubs of any kind.In my experience too they can be elitist.But I thought I would give his one a go.Ive been to Two meetings so far and apart from one or two they seem a friendly bunch.I prefer to be complimentary of other peoples models and if I think they are crap I just won't say anything.To me it's just a hobby and I'd like to share it with like minded friendly people.Which is why I became a member of this site.

[Guest]

Here here Dave

[colin m]

As you say Dave, I'm not a 'club' person either, but have been tempted to seek out a local club, but we'll see.

[Andy2035]

Hi Dave,

Sorry to hear you didn't win anything, shame they don't not only have a class, but a size class also, everyone always likes the large models, but, people often forget that sometimes more time can be spent on the smaller kits to get everything looking right...

Anyway, better luck next time...

Andy...

[ojays]

It wasn't about the prize to me, it was the dismissive attitude!

Gregg

[flyjoe180]

Better luck next time Dave, that Gladiator is superb work. Surprising to hear that the judges at these things are quite narrow minded. And that IPMS don;t allow non-plastic construction materials. Get with the times I say.

[eddiesolo]

I am a member of local boat club doing RC and although I do RC I do various models too, hence why I am here lol.

Some of you may know my sunken wrecks etc, I was very unsure of these at my club's open days until a committee member told me that I was being daft and should bring them along, the models had a good reception from members, other clubs and public alike. Although not a competition, it can be daunting showing your wares to other folk in the flesh, so to speak. No room in my book for snobbery, look down on another's work is the height of rudeness and bad manners.

This site is a prime example of how to behave, we have some serious talent and model-making prowess on this site, and then we have the intermediates and novices. All are welcome and all can bring something to the forum, I would never have thought in a million years that my sunken U-boat would intrigue others to have a go! So you never know what may happen from, what you think maybe crap, is not to another person and you may just help that person in developing a technique or to try out something.

Good for you Dave in having a go, I'm proud of you.

Si

[The Migrant]

Back in the 60's I joined our local IPMS branch and went to all the monthly meetings. I thought I had picked up several good ideas/tips so after several months I entered my very first completion. This was to be my last as wellI entered a 1/72 ME 109 that had had been converted with the RR Engine. I had spent many hours looking at photo's, checking colours etc. and was proud of my endeavours.

Imagine my dismay when the Judge on taking a cursory glance at my pride & joy made the comment, 'It looks as though a child has glued a spitfire nose on this Messerschmitt and painted the nose yellow' and walked on.

No constructive criticism, just dismissive.

As one of the local model shops was already using some of my models in his main window display, I didn't think my efforts were that bad!

I decided then that I no longer wanted to be a member of a group who considered themselves elitist.

That's why I enjoy being on this forum, any criticism is constructive and helpful.

Rant over.

Gregg

Not all model clubs are created equal, Gregg. I've been in several, in the UK and more recently Calgary, and there are inevitably good and bad aspects. I've made some great friends and my modelling has improved as result of healthy competition and helpful advice; on the negative side I've witnessed ridiculous childishness and petty politicking. But I wouldn't let the comments of one guy put you off (and it seems there's always one in every club who knows everything and is quick to criticize, but doesn't ever really build anything himself...).

Similarly with contests, judges rarely work independently – they're usually in teams of 3 or more – so one person's offhand comments become less relevant. And most judges are striving to be fair, looking for the basics (alignment, seams, paintwork etc).