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Nick, now you are being condescending. I am not a novice and have plotted categories like a degenerate gambler at the roulette table. If you bother to read my previous posts, your questions would be answered. In short, if I can't enter it where I want, I see no point in bringing it. See above posts. I don't bet the hard ways at the craps table; I do place bets. Jim, you have never given an answer to my question. Dak
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What would best serve my needs would be a service to copy a part I made myself. I friend of mine says one of our local libraries has such a device. I guess it scans the original and prints out copies. Is this for real? Nick Filippone
- Today
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DAK Certainly didn't want to come off as condescending. That was not my goal. Just to give you the insight you were looking for. If I did come across that way you have my apologies. I do have to ask, why do you think it wouldn't be competitive no where else? it's when you make statements like that (See below) that lead me to believe that you think OOB is looked at and judged differently. Jim
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Assuming that a category under-entered one year will continue to be so and will therefore be a slam-dunk the next is drawing to an inside straight. Full disclosure: I have tried that myself years ago. It does not work. I can assure you that you are not the only contest entrant or reader of the latest Journal with it's Contest results who noticed the low numbers in 132 and are also greedily licking his or her chops as they anticipate Chattanooga. Furthermore, as the National Convention moves about the country, the interests and target categories of the different attendees will affect category "census." Jim's advice is best. And I will add more. If winning at a National Contest is important to you ( as, I admit, it is to me) spread your "bets" around the contest room by building (to the best of your ability) for several different categories. To bring only one entry to the IPMS National Convention Contest with high expectations of winning is a recipe for disappointment. Regards. Nick- doesn't put all his eggs in one basket- Filippone
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Jim, Don't take this the wrong way, but you are missing the point. This model is an interim project for me; a simple study in painting and weathering. I think it will look good and based on my study of the OOB categories, I feel it would be competitive there, but no where else. I want to move on to other, more important projects and not spend a lot of time on a subject of minimal interest to me. I am looking for opinions about the figure, not suggestions about whether to enter it in OOB or another category. Building the model my way is more important than entering the contest. I have contacted the NCC and have asked for a ruling. I don't even want to bring the model, if I can't place it in OOB. An OOB tank takes up very little space in the car. Large models of even small aircraft take up far more space as well as being more delicate. I read the rules closely before I enter a National and do my best to conform to the established rules and I have no particular problem with them. However, as noted in the rules, not everything can be covered until it comes up. Additionally, you are coming off somewhat condescending. I have plenty of contest experience over many years, in several different regions and I build six to ten models.....mostly dioramas.... a year. You may have also noticed my name on Journal articles for the past couple years. My original IPMS number was way lower than my current one, but I dropped out for several years getting my current one on my return. The standing question is....does the addition of a non-kit figure violate the spirt or letter of the OOB rules? I say it does not, for reasons stated earlier. Dak
- Yesterday
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I had a heck of a time trying to tint the canopies. Everything that I tried just ran off and pooled up. One of our club members, Richie experimented with a bunch of concoctions and finally got something to stick and was the right color. He used white glue and clear paint and all kinds of VOODOO Magic. Whatever it was it worked great. Thanks Rich! It feels great to get something done finally. Bill
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Maddog Manufacturing 2017 Production Line
Mark Deliduka replied to Mark Deliduka's topic in Photos: On the Bench
Well, it's been over a month and I finally have some time to post what I've gotten done in all that time. Let's start again with my aircraft. Some time ago I got some extra decals for my Boeing 737. I then added some decal film to them to help insure they don't break up too much. Finally, I managed to get one side on to repair the damaged ones that were already there: That has also been clearcoated for protection, and later I'll try the other side. I was surprised at how long that decal took to loosen up! Moving along, I did the radar dome on the night fighting Hellcat I'm building for someone: I need to clearcoat those parts and get the decals on this model. Moving on, I worked on my two helicopters. The Nigerian Hind was first. I assembled the main rotors first: Then I added the landing gear and gear doors: This is a test fit to see how it all sits. All I need is a bit of paint touch up; the ordinance and eventually, a canopy: I also worked on my Australian HAP Tigre; getting the main rotors done and the whole thing clearcoated for decals: Here it is with the decals on, and the canopy masking off: Later I noticed that the little beastie wasn't sitting right; she was leaning to one side. So, I turned it over, cut one of the landing gear and added a shim to the strut. That is the white thing you see here: Finally, this one was almost done. I added the ordinance, the main and tail rotors, and a tail wheel from another kit since this one had gotten lost; and then touched up some of the paint. All that is needed on this is the "eyeball" on top of the cockpit and the gun beneath the nose: That completes the aircraft, now to bring it down to the ground.... To start with, I base coated the M-992: I was going to fix the tracks some, but I'm tired of this thing sitting on the bench. I'll be hand painting the camo pattern on this later. Next I decided to get the tracks on the Russian BREM. I started by adding some links to the drive sprocket and then cementing that on the hull, as indicated by the instructions: After some more work, I got one run of tracks done: One more run to do and I'll be ready to close this up and paint it. Next I primed the Italian Lince: After that dried, I shot it with a coat of pale OD as a base: The back roof brace broke off, as I was sure it would, so later on when I'm almost done, I'll make a new one from styrene rod. Next I went to work on my WWI MACK truck. First I shot the green back on the roof of the cab where I'd filled and sanded the seams: Next, I was not happy with the looks of the tilt. I started by doing some sanding to remove some seams and then brought out my putty and filled all the seams, sink marks and gouges I'd made before: Some time later, I got everything as smooth as I wanted: I then gloss coated the chassis and cab for decals and shot a new Field Drab color on the tilt. It all looks much better now: Now I just need to decal this, dullcoat it, then assemble the last detail parts and weather it and I'll have another MACK truck. Since I was dabbling in WWI subjects, I finished painting the pattern on my WWI 8-inch artillery gun: This just needs some weathering and it'll be done. Finally! Since I was hand painting camouflage patterns, I decided it was time to finish the armored train engine too. I had started with the green before and now I finally got it all done: After that, I added the brown: This one just needs a bit of weathering also and I'll have it finished. Hopefully soon. Moving on out to my shipyards, we find the Izumo getting some attention. I had masked off the flight deck so it was time to shoot the lighter grey: It's almost impossible to see in those pics so you'll have to take my word for it. Here's the island after I finished painting it too: Later the masking came off. I was extremely pleased at how well this looked: I dry-fit the island to see how it looks: I was most impressed with how seamless the join was on this. Excellent molding! After that, I decided to build the lower hull. I added the sonar dome, rudders, strakes and screws to the underside. I'm still not sure I'll add this to the model, but at least it will be completed if I do: Later on, I painted the funnels and then cemented the island down on the deck. I then added most of the detail parts to the deck and island. I left off all the tall, thin antennas and masts that would end up breaking off as I worked on this further. Now this is ready for touch up paint and clearcoat for decals: That completes the run of progress I've gotten done so far. I hope to finish up at least four of these in the next week, and possibly another few by the end of the year. Here's hoping! Thanks all for looking in, comments are welcome. -
Here is the Airfix 1/48th TSR2. I added a CMK cockpit and SAC metal landing gear. The SAC gear addresses one of the problems with the kit. The kit gear is splayed out about 3 degrees and the SAC gear corrects that. I added some hydraulics and brake line to them also. Since all of the TSR's flew in a white test scheme, I wanted something that looked a little more menacing. I painted mine in a tactical wrap around paint scheme of MM Dark Sea Gray and MM Dark Green. The tail I painted up like a show bird from the #16 Squadron, The Saints. I always liked there little guy with the halo. I found a picture on the web and it was thee perfect size for the large all moving tail. I adjusted the fuselage contour where it meets the top of the wing. The CMK cockpit really helps this kit. There are other parts that could be addressed by resin, but I chose only the cockpit. I don't think any putty was used for construction. I had a great time building this thing and boy is it big. Bigger than an F-111. Any comments good, bad, indifferent, all welcome. Bill
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DAK You pay your money, you take your chances. Here is what I would recommend. Build the model to the best of your ability.You stated > (During that time I have learned there are some areas you don't compete in unless you are prepared to go all in) Well I would counter that you should always go all in if you are competing at the Nats. Don't ever think you can enter something and not put your best effort forward as you have no idea what will show up from year to year. What areas at the Nats don't you have to be prepared to go all in??? . So add your figure, enter it in OOB. (IF) it gets moved into the regular category due to the addition of the figure then you are ready to compete there since you have built the model to the best of your ability. Always put your best effort forward. Don't assume because it doesn't have belts or other things added that it will be dismissed especially since you will have the instructions included with the entry and that your original intent was to enter it OOB. The team will see that and note it. My main point being don't assume anything one and two don't assume it's out of the running because it's an OOB build that got moved to a regular category. I have seen models stay in OOB with weapons added that weren't called for in the instructions. Unfortunately it's not all as black and white as I think we would all like it to be since every eventuality is impossible to plan for. So all anyone could really say is be ready for any eventuality. Or if you have quams about the distance then wait until the Nats are closer. That's what I had to do this year with 3 of my builds. I finally got the chance to enter two 32nd scale builds and a 350 ship dio. So there is my opinion, build it, bring it and show it "Sound familiar ? LOL" Jim
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I have been entering contests for 50 years. During that time I have learned there are some areas you don't compete in unless you are prepared to go all in. With this model, I am not. My current project has no seatbelts or a dozen items I regularly see in winning models in categories like 103, 120,131, 135, etc. As for OOB, note that one category...132... only had two entries, this year. However, as in shooting craps, past performance is not guaranty of future performance. I make no assumption that OOB is a cake walk, but the is a definite difference in truly competing and merely being in the category. Traveling 900 miles, I choose to bring those models, which in my opinion give me the best chance. It is a distance thing, a couple hours away, I might say what the heck, and bring it to show. But twelve hours on roads I know are going to be bumpy, no way. I have several other pieces which could take up the same space and are a lot easier to transport. As for the U-boat, that is a different thing. I have two of the Bronco kits and plan to build one full hull and one in a diorama. Since there is not a lot you can do to a submarine model before it becomes a diorama, OOB seems like a good place to enter it and I always include figures with all my models. We began discussing the concept at my local chapter and I felt the question would be a good one to discuss and get some broader opinions. So, do you feel the figure on the OOB airplane violates the OOB rule? if so, why? Dak National Judge
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The MiG-21 attributed itself during the Vietnam War quite well against the US Air Force and US Navy. The small fast airframe accompanied with the limitations imposed by the US command allowed the Vietnamese Air Force to reach something close to parity. Eduard has released the MiG-21PFM previously but this boxing is specifically targeted to the Vietnamese use of the airframe. read more View the full article
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Jim is quite right. Why in heaven's would you assume an OOB category is some kind of a cake walk at the Nationals. If you approach the building of an entry for the Nationals "...with neither the interest of the time to turn it into a competitive model" you will end up with just exactly that: a model that is not competitive - in any category! Nick - long ago gave up looking for a quick and lazy path to a National trophy- Filippone
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Master Box Ltd, out of the Ukraine, has been a leader in 1/35 figures for a while. They expanded into 1/24 female and fantasy figures in 2016, starting with their first series of six female figures representing the World War II era. This current series, Dangerous Curves, is ideal for modern automotive or truck vignettes and dioramas. Tyra is the latest edition following eight previous kits. I'm sure there will be more on their way. read more View the full article
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DAK Unfortunately you may not find what you are looking for here. All we can do is only give our opinion. That and whatever a cup of coffee costs will get you said cup. It really is up to the class head judge and it may take some discussion amongst the judges and the class head to make the final call at the contest. So now it's really up to you if you want to bring it and take the chance. Yes as Nick said , where the entrant places the model shows where they want or think they should be. That is taken into account. And if I were a betting man I would wager that's "Probably " what would happen, it would stay put. BUT I nor any other judge here can't give you that info since we are not the ones making the call. What I do want to ask is why do you think your model wouldn't compete in a regular category? The same things are looked at in both. Just because extras are added doesn't mean yours or anyone else model wouldn't place. Many years ago when OOB's were in the regular categories ,over 33% of the time one of the place models was also a OOB build. Believe me, I did the math 😉 Jim
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First, a clarification. The Me-109 shown above is not the model I am talking about. In fact, it is not even my model, it is just being used to illustrate my point. My model will be on a scale scenic base with the figure standing on the airplane and that will not change. All I am seeking is a clear understanding before I pack up and transport a large model 900 miles (1800 miles round trip) to Chattanooga, only to find the entry MUST go in a category where it does not have a snowball's chance in hell of even placing. If the head judges consensus is no to the figure, then I will make no plans to bring the model to the contest. The model I have under construction is being done as a study in assembly, painting, and weathering. The kit does not even have seat belts. I have neither the interest or time to turn it into a competitive model for a category like 131 or 135. Having read the 2018 rules, several times, my view is even though the figure is not part of the kit, it in no way violates the letter or spirit of the law because figures are only judged in the diorama and vignette categories. The pilot figure can be ignored just like any other model with a figure. In fact, I am planning on an OOB submarine with a similar display. An OOB 1/35th Bronco Type XXIII U-boat with a crewman standing on the hull. Again, the model itself will in no way be altered. Certainly, all figures are used to enhance the model, but they are regularly ignored while judging and I see no difference here. As you can see from the pictures below, figures are common in the OOB armor. These appear to be Tamiya kits and come with figures, which raises the question.....if figures are actually part of the kit, should they be judged in OOB classes? But that is a separate issue for another day. Dak National Judge
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Before you invest in a 3D printer and all that goes with it, you should see if you can get your hands on a part. From what I have seen the resolution on most "home" printers is fairly low and requires a lot of work cleaning up the part to make it acceptable. If you have been around a while, I liken it back to the early days of computer printers. The first printers were the notorious "9 pin" printers. They used 9 dots to create the entire alphabet and all numbers. They were crude but did the job. Compared to today's high resolution laser printers they were horrible. Same thing now. Don't buy one expecting to do fine detail work. Before you invest in that, learn a basic CAD program and sent the files to Solid works for printing. They have printers that cost easily in the 6 figure range and can do fine detail work. They are not cheap per part, but it will get you parts you can use with a minimum of cleanup. It will also give you a solid introduction to the world of 3D printing without the costly mistake of buying your own printer and finding out it just can't do what you want it to do. 3D printing is still in its infancy, much like computers 20 years ago. It is getting better so rapidly that what you invest in today will rapidly become obsolete.
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Nick, you gave me an answer on another subject that I think could apply here. I suggested putting a figure in a aircraft display to give it scale because the kit was of a very small subject and the model was larger than the "normal" scales. I had asked about placing a figure or object that was painted in primer gray on the base strictly to highlight the relative size and scale. You opined that that would be ok. I think that by doing it in primer gray, the purpose of the addition becomes obvious. A well painted figure enhances the visual appeal of the model as much as serving any other purpose.
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Dave ...Thanks for the update with reference to STL files that are readily available. It looks as though I very much under estimated what is out there. I will have to look up the site you suggested, and others to see what is on offer. Appreciate the feed back Kind regards Noel
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Great job, Kev! I think top hats should make a comeback. I like how you have the snow on the hat. Bill
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BBC Filming War Of The Worlds in UK
noelsmith replied to noelsmith's topic in Space, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Update...............The BBC has not been advertising WOTW lately on UK TV. Looks like we will be seeing it sometime in 2019. -
We active aircraft judges spend a lot of time in the days BEFORE the judging even starts patrolling the room and checking on category placement. We discuss it amongst ourselves and refer any knotty problems to Bil Devins, the Head Aircraft Judge for final adjudication. The opinion of the modeler with respect to where he or she thinks his or her entry should be placed is considered, but in the end the final decision is that of the judges as they endeavour, in fairness to all entrants, to apply the posted rules as even-handedly and objectively as humanly possible. Nick Filippone, Senior National Judge
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As an ex-head ship judge, we (the head judges) had an "unspoken rule" that the modeler in the event of a category placement question, the modeler gets to choose. FWIW.
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Just when you think you have seen everything lol. It's a tweener. I remember one year there was a figure "Japanese ww2 pilot" standing beside his plane... (In a figure category) and I believe it placed. So if the figure judges can do it why not aircraft judges? I see the logic of it adding to the model so that could put it into a regular category. You may say disregard the figure but Gil has a point. Although we have pressident with the Japanese pilot figure. We also had a 32nd Spitfire this year with a pilot standing by the tail in a regular category where the pilot wasn't judged. So where does this go? Oob A/c, regular A/c, diorama, or a figure category?. Its a good question but I have a feeling it probably would remain where the builder put it unless it blatently violates a rule. Just my 2 cents. Jim
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ONE figure not performing any task is traditionally allowed for scale and not judged. I would suggest NOT placing the figure on the model, rather on the ground. FWIW.
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I'm considered a pretty liberal/lenient judge....but I have to say that in my opinion adding that figure violates at least the spirit, if not the letter of the OOTB rules. To start, the purpose of OOTB is to separate models with ANY "outside" enhancements from those with them, whetherthey be bought aftermarket items or scratchbuilt items. You've added something that is not from the kit, directly ON the model. Why do so unless you're looking to enhance people's (and judge's) overall impression? Next, while (theoretically) it could be marked as a "do not judge" item; since the pilot is ON the model, it makes it very tough to do so. If it was on a base near the plane, I think you could make an argument for it to be ignored. However, standing on the wing sort of says "look at me". He should be waving instead of having his hands in his pockets.... Lastly, I'll join in on the "slippery slope" argument. If you allow this, then you can add (again, theoretically) resin under wing rocket tubes, after market wheels, and a vac canopy and write "ignore THOSE items". It's a SUPER looking mode, as is the pilot. Why limit yourself to the OOTB category? Enter it in the regular category and let the chips fall where they may. If I was chief judge, I'd move it from OOTB if placed there. By the way....you're welcome! My posting this judging opinion almost assures the head judge will rule against my opinion and let you in! GIL
