The AUSTRALIAN OPEN PLASTIC & SCALE MODEL CHAMPIONSHIPS is organised by IPMS Australia Inc., Australian Model Car Club, Axis Eagles, Bayonet Military Model Club, Northern Area Modellers, Waverley Scale Modellers Club, Whittlesea Area Plastic Modellers.

1) Models must be presented at the entry desk between 5 pm to 9 pm on Friday, 27 June or 9 am to 12 noon on Saturday, 28 June 2008. Entry forms will be available at the desk. NOTE: As we want to display the best models to the viewing public and fellow modellers any prize winning models removed from display before 5.00pm on Sunday will forfeit that prize
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2) Model entry fee is Adults $5.00 for the first model then $2.00 for next five models, Juniors and Intermediates $2.00 per model up to five models. Additional models free. There is no limit to the number of models that may be entered.

3) JUNIOR entrants must be under 13 and INTERMEDIATE entrants must be under 18 on 1 June 2008.

4) All models must have been completely built and finished by the entrant. Each model is eligible for entry in one category ONLY. Scratchbuilt models must be entered in the SCRATCHBUILT category. The Model Expo Director reserves the right to combine categories at any time. Models will be automatically eligible for any SPECIAL AWARDS which may be applicable.

5) Models which are part of a club display can not be entered. Any model which has won or been placed in any category of a previous AUSTRALIAN OPEN PLASTIC & SCALE MODEL CHAMPIONSHIPS is ineligible for entry in this competition.

6) Every entry MUST be accompanied by the instruction sheet supplied in the kit. Details of changes or modifications MUST be provided in writing and supported by photocopied reference where possible. Failure to supply the above details will incur loss of points.

7) Except as noted, models should be substantially composed of plastic materials (which includes resin). FIGURES, SCIENCE FICTION, MOVIES & FANTASY and SCRATCHBUILT models may be of other materials. Non plastic figures and scenery may be used in DIORAMAS, VIGNETTES and WARGAMING ARMIES. Wooden SAILING SHIPS may also be entered.

8) Models may be displayed on a base or plinth containing additional material but the judges will consider only the specific model designated on the entry form. Models attached to a base may incur loss of points if underside inspection is restricted – FIGURES, SINGLE MODEL DIORAMAS, DIORAMAS, VIGNETTES and WARGAMING ARMIES excepted.

9) All items within the base of a DIORAMA or VIGNETTE will be judged as a whole. The definitions of the categories are:
SINGLE MODEL DIORAMA
ONE model eg. Aircraft, Military AFV or Vehicle, Ship etc on base with simple scenic effects with 1 to 6 figures
DIORAMA:
A scene which tells a story, including TWO or more models on a base with extensive scenic effects.
VIGNETTE:
A cameo of a story, featuring 2 to 6 figures on a small base with simple scenic effects.
a) It can include – hand held or personally portable equipment, a horse or large animal, small livestock.
b) It cannot include – full buildings, large equipment, full vehicles, aircraft or ships.
c) If the scenic effects dominate the figures the model may be classified as a Diorama.

10) Awards will be made for first, second, third and commended in each category. The winning models will be determined by a points system which takes into account construction, attention to detail, finish, accuracy to reference/imagination and realism for a total of 100 points. Each model will be assessed by a minimum of two judges whose decision will be final.

11) In the event of a dispute regarding interpretation or application of these rules, the decision of the Chief Judge appointed by the Model Expo Director shall be final and binding and no correspondence will be entered into.
While the organisers undertake to provide all reasonable care and protection of models entered in the competition such models are entered at the owner’s risk and the organisers accept no responsibility for any loss or damage that may occur.

COMPETITION CLASSES
OUT-OF-BOX (OOB)
1) The model must be built using those parts contained within a SINGLE KIT as per the kit instructions.

2) NO MODIFICATIONS may be made to those parts, but manufacturing seams, sink holes, flash etc may be removed.

3) The model can be finished in any colour scheme using decals from any source including after market.
Decals excluded from some kits by legislation such as cigarette sponsorship or Nazi swastikas may be applied from another source. Decorative foil or powdered metallisers may be used.

4) Filler or model putty may be used for filling joints or gaps ONLY.

5) Sprue or other materials may ONLY be used if SPECIFIED in the instructions.

ENHANCED (ENH)
1) The model must be built using only those parts contained within a SINGLE KIT, except as stated herein. Filler, surfacing materials and scrap plastic may be used to rectify gaps and defects. Filler may be used to create Zimmeritt effect on German Armour

2) The parts within the kit may be altered or refined only as listed in the table shown at right.

3) If the instruction sheet makes specific reference to an accessory part(s) marketed for the model by the kit manufacturer then that part(s) may be added.

4) Other parts may only be added or substituted for kit parts as listed below.

5) The model may be finished in any colour scheme and markings. OUT-OF-BOX/ENHANCED (OOB/ENH)
This class combines the models from OUT-OF-BOX and. ENHANCED

MODIFIED (MOD)
Any model that has been extensively modified and does not conform with OUT-OF-BOX or ENHANCED OUT-OF-BOX classes.

Scorecard

This is the standard Scoring system used for final stage judging.