CLUB COMPETITIONS: PRINCIPLES AND STRATEGIES
Last updated May 2026. Subject to change prior to next competition.
Believe it, or not, the main focus of our club competitions is not to generate fierce competitiveness. Nor are they designed to deride our fellow member's efforts, or pummel each others self-esteem (and models) into the dust! And there was definitely never any intentions of unleashing an army of evil, axe-wielding judges with glowing red eyes, who ravage and scour the tables, crush our dreams, and march our poor modeller souls down into the dark labyrinths of oblivion!
In truth, the strategies behind the contests are far less dramatic...
Theory of Competition - #1: Encourage self improvement
The primary function of our club competitions is simply to assist and encourage club members to advance their own modelling skills and achieve better results. Hence competitions should merely be seen as one of many tools which our club provides to help members learn, understand, and better themselves where the hobby is concerned.
Theory of Competition - #2: Encourage new membership
The secondary function of the competitions is to provide a captivating platform from which: we can promote model building as a serious, broadly ranged hobby to the general public; to generate interest in model building; encourage new hobbyists to the field, and ultimately expand the potential for new memberships to the club.
MASTER-CLASS COMPETITION (2026 Model Expo & Competition)
This mode of contest is also known as "gold, silver, bronze". It is very much like your average school English exam (can you remember those!?) whereby a modeller's effort is marked and ranked based purely on their own knowledge and abilities that they have "brought to the table" in the form of a model. There is no contest between the models in each class, and each of the entries are awarded points using a universally accepted, pre-determined format. Each criteria (i.e. construction, accuracy, finishing etc.) is given a score that best represents the modeller's effort in that area, and then those scores are tallied. Awarding of a gold, silver, or bronze is determined by where the total score falls (refer to Table below). This means that in any given class there is no limit to the number of golds, silvers, or bronzes that can be awarded. This also means that, dependent on the standard of the model entries, a class could actually yield no gold, or perhaps silver, or even bronze awards. In each of the eight categories (not sub-classes) the highest scoring model is declared Best In Class and will receive a trophy and prize.
Ultimately the Master-Class "examination" offers a modeller a fair analysis of their own skills and talent, and ranks their abilities against an international standard. And it is fair to say, that even though the title "Master-Class Competition" assumes an air of profound modelling elitism, it is in fact completely open to modellers of any level of competency.
Total Score Award
90 - 100 GOLD
75 - 89 SILVER
60 - 74 BRONZE
50 - 59 Commended
Link to CLASS LIST
BONUS AWARDS
Best In Show
The "Best In Show" is chosen by the Chief Judge from the collective pool made up of "Best In Class" recipients from the competition.
The NIGEL RUSSELL Memorial Trophy
In each show one club member will be deemed by the Club President to have proven themselves to be a developing modeller, with a passion and enthusiasm towards improving their skills and output. Their entry or entries in the competition should show visible signs of improved modelling skills and overall growth within the context of the hobby. Due to the subjective nature of the selecting process, and the fact that it is reliant upon the president's recall of the recipient's efforts in previous competitions, this award should be considered quite an honour! The Nigel Russell Memorial trophy and title shall be retained by the recipient until the next contest.
Best "WATER - IN, ON, UNDER" Model / Interpretation (2026 only)
A prize will be up for grabs for the best model, vignette, or diorama in this display. This will be decided by the Chief Judge and Club Captain.
Public Choice
Every member of the public attending our Model Expo gets the opportunity to place a vote for their favourite model, diorama, vignette or collection on display. The piece with the most votes will win this coveted award.
JUDGES, ADJUDICATORS, EXAMINERS, SCRUTINEERS, GODS!
In the spirit of "Theory #1" (above) a judging team's primary focus is to be helpful to club members, and to provide positive feedback to the participant, so that he/she/they can learn from the experience and improve their own skills as a modeller. In order to achieve this judges should provide as much written information on the judging sheets as possible, with comments expressed in a supportive and encouraging manner, and have them returned to the entrants. Judges should also be available to discuss with participants any aspects or queries arising from the judge's verdicts (after all judging is completed).
It should be accepted that judging these modelling competitions can be a very subjective exercise and one where a consistent set of standards across competitions is a substantial challenge. In order to maintain judging consistency and improve fairness across the entire competition there needs to be active participation by all club members to "play judge" at various times. A modeller can learn so much more about their craft through having to scrutinize other models in the "arena".
Last updated May 2026. Subject to change prior to next competition.
Believe it, or not, the main focus of our club competitions is not to generate fierce competitiveness. Nor are they designed to deride our fellow member's efforts, or pummel each others self-esteem (and models) into the dust! And there was definitely never any intentions of unleashing an army of evil, axe-wielding judges with glowing red eyes, who ravage and scour the tables, crush our dreams, and march our poor modeller souls down into the dark labyrinths of oblivion!
In truth, the strategies behind the contests are far less dramatic...
Theory of Competition - #1: Encourage self improvement
The primary function of our club competitions is simply to assist and encourage club members to advance their own modelling skills and achieve better results. Hence competitions should merely be seen as one of many tools which our club provides to help members learn, understand, and better themselves where the hobby is concerned.
Theory of Competition - #2: Encourage new membership
The secondary function of the competitions is to provide a captivating platform from which: we can promote model building as a serious, broadly ranged hobby to the general public; to generate interest in model building; encourage new hobbyists to the field, and ultimately expand the potential for new memberships to the club.
MASTER-CLASS COMPETITION (2026 Model Expo & Competition)
This mode of contest is also known as "gold, silver, bronze". It is very much like your average school English exam (can you remember those!?) whereby a modeller's effort is marked and ranked based purely on their own knowledge and abilities that they have "brought to the table" in the form of a model. There is no contest between the models in each class, and each of the entries are awarded points using a universally accepted, pre-determined format. Each criteria (i.e. construction, accuracy, finishing etc.) is given a score that best represents the modeller's effort in that area, and then those scores are tallied. Awarding of a gold, silver, or bronze is determined by where the total score falls (refer to Table below). This means that in any given class there is no limit to the number of golds, silvers, or bronzes that can be awarded. This also means that, dependent on the standard of the model entries, a class could actually yield no gold, or perhaps silver, or even bronze awards. In each of the eight categories (not sub-classes) the highest scoring model is declared Best In Class and will receive a trophy and prize.
Ultimately the Master-Class "examination" offers a modeller a fair analysis of their own skills and talent, and ranks their abilities against an international standard. And it is fair to say, that even though the title "Master-Class Competition" assumes an air of profound modelling elitism, it is in fact completely open to modellers of any level of competency.
Total Score Award
90 - 100 GOLD
75 - 89 SILVER
60 - 74 BRONZE
50 - 59 Commended
Link to CLASS LIST
BONUS AWARDS
Best In Show
The "Best In Show" is chosen by the Chief Judge from the collective pool made up of "Best In Class" recipients from the competition.
The NIGEL RUSSELL Memorial Trophy
In each show one club member will be deemed by the Club President to have proven themselves to be a developing modeller, with a passion and enthusiasm towards improving their skills and output. Their entry or entries in the competition should show visible signs of improved modelling skills and overall growth within the context of the hobby. Due to the subjective nature of the selecting process, and the fact that it is reliant upon the president's recall of the recipient's efforts in previous competitions, this award should be considered quite an honour! The Nigel Russell Memorial trophy and title shall be retained by the recipient until the next contest.
Best "WATER - IN, ON, UNDER" Model / Interpretation (2026 only)
A prize will be up for grabs for the best model, vignette, or diorama in this display. This will be decided by the Chief Judge and Club Captain.
Public Choice
Every member of the public attending our Model Expo gets the opportunity to place a vote for their favourite model, diorama, vignette or collection on display. The piece with the most votes will win this coveted award.
JUDGES, ADJUDICATORS, EXAMINERS, SCRUTINEERS, GODS!
In the spirit of "Theory #1" (above) a judging team's primary focus is to be helpful to club members, and to provide positive feedback to the participant, so that he/she/they can learn from the experience and improve their own skills as a modeller. In order to achieve this judges should provide as much written information on the judging sheets as possible, with comments expressed in a supportive and encouraging manner, and have them returned to the entrants. Judges should also be available to discuss with participants any aspects or queries arising from the judge's verdicts (after all judging is completed).
It should be accepted that judging these modelling competitions can be a very subjective exercise and one where a consistent set of standards across competitions is a substantial challenge. In order to maintain judging consistency and improve fairness across the entire competition there needs to be active participation by all club members to "play judge" at various times. A modeller can learn so much more about their craft through having to scrutinize other models in the "arena".
FAQs
Do I have to be a member of your club to enter the competition?
- You must be a financial member of IPMS Southland OR any other IPMS affiliated club. Get in touch via the CONTACTS page if you wish to join or want more information.
How many models can I enter?
- As many as you like.
Does it cost to enter?
- Yes. Entry fees this year remain at NZ$5.00 per entry, up to NZ$20.00, meaning you only pay for your first four entries and any over and above are free.
Can I enter models in more than one class / category?
- Yes you can enter a variety of models in a variety of classes but each must be relevant to the class you wish to enter, i.e. a 1/72 scale aircraft must be entered in Class A1. One model cannot enter multiple classes, so if, for example, you have a 1/700 scale ship model you must (strategically) decide whether you want to enter it in Class E1 (Ships) or SD (Special Display - Water).
Do I need to pre-register?
- No. Financial members of IPMS Southland will automatically be issued with a competitor number to be used on their entry forms. However if you are not a member of IPMS Southland you will need to contact us and let us know both your affiliation and your intentions, so that you can be added to our email list.
Are there prizes to be won?
- Being a non-profit organisation we are totally reliant on the generosity of our amazing sponsors. We always hope to have a range of model kits and/or supplies gifted to us to be used as prizes, but acknowledge that suppliers are often at the mercy of current economic trends at any given time, so are grateful for anything that comes our way. There will be no cash prizes.
Do I have to be a member of your club to enter the competition?
- You must be a financial member of IPMS Southland OR any other IPMS affiliated club. Get in touch via the CONTACTS page if you wish to join or want more information.
How many models can I enter?
- As many as you like.
Does it cost to enter?
- Yes. Entry fees this year remain at NZ$5.00 per entry, up to NZ$20.00, meaning you only pay for your first four entries and any over and above are free.
Can I enter models in more than one class / category?
- Yes you can enter a variety of models in a variety of classes but each must be relevant to the class you wish to enter, i.e. a 1/72 scale aircraft must be entered in Class A1. One model cannot enter multiple classes, so if, for example, you have a 1/700 scale ship model you must (strategically) decide whether you want to enter it in Class E1 (Ships) or SD (Special Display - Water).
Do I need to pre-register?
- No. Financial members of IPMS Southland will automatically be issued with a competitor number to be used on their entry forms. However if you are not a member of IPMS Southland you will need to contact us and let us know both your affiliation and your intentions, so that you can be added to our email list.
Are there prizes to be won?
- Being a non-profit organisation we are totally reliant on the generosity of our amazing sponsors. We always hope to have a range of model kits and/or supplies gifted to us to be used as prizes, but acknowledge that suppliers are often at the mercy of current economic trends at any given time, so are grateful for anything that comes our way. There will be no cash prizes.
