IPMS Show Experiences

[tcoat]

Figured I would make a generic thread instead of adding to some shows ones. My experience does seem to be in line with those listed in other threads though. 

On Sunday I went to my first ever model show. It was a BIG one! I had no idea what to expect but there were over 1,500 models there and I was totally outclassed in some of my builds. It doesn't help that the IPMS judges seem to have a totally different outlook on modeling than I do! I like to make things look as real as possible but they seemed to be looking more for precision in the subject and pristine paint jobs with no dirt or weathering even if appropriate to the subject.



All of what I entered have threads on here someplace but here is a rundown.



Watched them look at this one. They took one look at the cracked paint on the roof and moved on without even a second glance. They didn't even peak at the form that said it was actually deliberate and very difficult to do.



This one was in the running but the one judge ruled it out because the aerial HK was "Too shiny a finish". Not sure if he ever saw the movie but those things are almost chrome!



According to the judges too "gimmicky" and "excessively weathered" . I sort of anticipated that one as soon as I saw everything else on the table looked like it just rolled out of the factory.



Excessively weathered. Again have they not seen the movie? The rebels did not spend their time polishing their equipment



Was entered for OOB. Knew it didn't stand a chance but the highlighting of the promo chassis was fun so threw it in there anyway.






This one bugged me a bit. They told me to enter it in the Scratch Build and Heavily Modified category and then when the judges came around they said it was not scratch built nor heavily modified enough. They also would not even look since it was not an "intact aircraft" so they could not determine if "everything is correct for the type".



And this took silver. I threw it in at the last minute just to round out some categories.



Now... this may sound like I am complaining or something but I assure you that is not the case. I had a blast and the general public enjoyed my work. The Terminator one received several People's Choice stickers which made me happy! What I did come away from it all with is that these contests are obviously judged by a different standard. Many of the categories (there were so so many) were won by the same person taking all three awards. One guy cleaned up in cars, another in armour and there was a guy for aircraft that just stood on the stage while they handed him award after award. These guys seemed to invariably be IPMS members that obviously have done this a long time and know exactly what the judges are looking for.



I am not in the hobby for awards and will continue to enter these shows for the fun of it but I will attempt to build a couple of models to their standards just to see what happens!

[chromdome35]

I've never entered a contest either and have flirted with the idea of doing so.

From the cheap seats, it appears to me that judging at these events is somewhat similar to a strike zone in baseball... it is whatever the ump (judge) decides it is.

On one hand, they say it isn't weathered enough, then on another model, they say it is weathered too much even though it isn't. That has to be frustrating.

[tcoat]

Mar 27, 2023 9:45:48 GMT -5 chromdome35 said:

I've never entered a contest either and have flirted with the idea of doing so.

From the cheap seats, it appears to me that judging at these events is somewhat similar to a strike zone in baseball... it is whatever the ump (judge) decides it is.

On one hand, they say it isn't weathered enough, then on another model, they say it is weathered too much even though it isn't. That has to be frustrating.

There were different judges for each category. They were the "experts" in each. I get that finishing models can be very divisive between the weathering and non weathering styles but yes it is frustrating to have something ruled out immediately because that individual is anti weathering. If judging purely on technical merits then weathering should not be a factor. 
All that said the ones that did win were indeed worthy by pretty much any standard but there was a definite pattern to what was picked. 
I will enter more contests as it was still a blast and the viewing public liked everything even if the judges didn't. 

[robbo]

Judging really makes me laugh most of the time. At one show they asked for volunteers to judge and this fella (volunteer) picked my plane up and knocked the undercarriage off. Why was he touching it?

[armornutii]

I read a copy of the IPMS judgeing rules. They are very clear on how a model should be judged. Construction, decals, and finish. Pretty basic.
That said when there are 300 entries of the same subject, judges do need to weed out the category and unfortunalty that allows personal preference to filter in. Sucks however reasonable.
To the judge of aircraft who discounted your P-51.... IMO not his place to determine if the display contained " type certified" parts to that aircraft, even if he was an A/P mech, model companies are NOT ENGINEERS in aviation.
If I recall there are pretty specific rules of " modified" and " scratchbuilt" however they can be confusing to anybody who diesn't take hours to study the rules. System issue not the builder.
I am very glad to hear Tcoat that you plan on filling the tables, public opinion is often more gratifying than the awards. Keep up the goid work " Turd" builder LOL

[Tobi]

Also judges are just human and all have personal preferences, no matter what they try.

[armornutii]

I received an e-mail from IPMS requesting my opinion on judging. Judges picking up models was one of the subjects.
I suggested that ON ONE EXCEPT the builder should EVER handle a model on display at a contest. If the builder wanted the underside displayed or seen for whatever the reason then the builder should provide a means to do so, mirrors, stands, or be on hand to pick up the model for the judge. It was answered with a thank you for your input and I have heard or seen anything since.

[tcoat]

Mar 27, 2023 11:25:14 GMT -5 Tobi said:

Also judges are just human and all have personal preferences, no matter what they try.

I am sure that it didn't help that the turnout was far above what they expected so the judges were rushing to get through it all per schedule. That is where personal preferences would really get magnified since if you have limited time you are going to go straight to what your preference is instead of taking equal time with each. 

[Steve Zuleski]

As I have mentioned before in another thread, IPMS, in my experience, appears to be a "Good 'Ol Boys Club" and outsiders may or may not be judged fairly. Not belly achin, just my experience. The lack of "qualified judges" doesn't help the odds at all. I'm done with IPMS, but wish I could attend contests back east where I understand the competition is brutal and the judges know their respective categories.

The replies you got are pretty much what I'd expect, but like you said, it really ain't that bigga deal, this is for fun.

[tcoat]

Mar 27, 2023 12:59:09 GMT -5 Steve Zuleski said:

As I have mentioned before in another thread, IPMS, in my experience, appears to be a "Good 'Ol Boys Club" and outsiders may or may not be judged fairly. Not belly achin, just my experience. The lack of "qualified judges" doesn't help the odds at all. I'm done with IPMS, but wish I could attend contests back east where I understand the competition is brutal and the judges know their respective categories.

The replies you got are pretty much what I'd expect, but like you said, it really ain't that bigga deal, this is for fun.

Yep. I brought it up more as a conversation point than an actual complaint. Not sure about the "good ol' boy" aspect in this case because they never even read the sheets until after they decided. I have little doubt that the winners (and I repeat they deserved the wins) just really know the system and build to the letter of the law so as to win. 

[maverick]

Judging is Ultimately...Subjective...That said. They were obviously overwhelmed by the number of entries.(That is NOT an excuse) This always causes the judging body to scramble around like their hair is on fire.(They obviously failed to prepare) Experts. Hah!! Had a guy tell me there was no such thing as a stripe delete option on a 70 Chevelle SS regarding mine on a table at a local show. Took him out side to show him the 21K all original LS 5 SS Chevelle I drove in with. Fathom Green...No stripes with a black interior. Then I showed him the GM Heritage foundation paperwork stating it was legit. The experts are few and far between for catagories at shows. They do try though. It sounds like your experience was less than stellar with the judges. From what you describe. They were definitely not on the same page and did not do their due diligence. Rest assured you were not the only one who was discounted or overlooked. Scope of effort should be the main focus when judging (Its my go to) Unfortunately that's not always the case. I have judged many times for the local Buffcon IPMS show here. I Have been discounted or plain flat out overlooked at shows. It happens, its not cool but...It is about the people who go to these shows and what they think. The judges are ancillary components. Personally... That A 100 is the bomb. I love it!

[mustang1989]

All of the responses so far have very good points. I've been to several shows, and I don't know about armor ....but I do know about cars and aircraft. In my experience as a judge, the highlighted areas are as follows.

Aircraft: It seems that detailing, decaling and paint matter along with the dihedral of the wings vs. the rudder/ vertical fin. It doesn't appear that they appreciate weathering much. I was the judge that bucked the system on this and fought for a couple of entries that were weathered.  

Cars: Definitely a gloss finish if it's placed in a car/ truck category. The shinier the better. There are other categories where worn cars and trucks would fit like in a "Beaters" section or in a diorama. Details....the more the better and lastly, does it sit squarely on all four wheels. If it weebles....it's out. 

I believe that Perry (armornutti) mentioned "weed out". This is indeed done in a hurry due to all the models needing judged. It's a rushed "that's out" and "this one's out" type deal. It shouldn't be that way, but it is. Wing dihedral was a big one and you'd be surprised at how many well-built models are put on a table with that problem. With that being said, I have only judged once and it was because of the rushing. 

In every show there's that one guy who takes home a stack of gold plated lumber. We've got one here in South Central Texas that does just that. The man has no life outside of modeling and brings a truck beds worth of models to every show. I beat him out in aircraft one year and he got upset. Wow. Dude could've built a house with all of the plaques he got from that show. 

Don't let it get to you on that point Tony. There's one in every show.

Congratulations on the silver you got for the U-Boat bro. 

[jeaton01]

I don't want to be a judge so I'm not going to feel bad if I don't win. I do think I know what they are supposed to look for in aircraft, first is the model is aligned properly, are the seams properly attended to, is the paint without defects, modeling basics. We see the same thing in R/C contests for scale model aircraft plus the flight judging. I do flight judging and try to explain to the participants what I based my score on. That is where IPMS is weak, I never see any feedback so you always go to the contest blind. But fundamentally, you can model to win contests, and that is one discipline, or you can be an historical modeler, or you can just have fun building models. Winning contests and having fun building models are rarely the same thing. If I were to try to build a contest model as an objective, I would probably buy about five of the same kits, probably Tamiya where the kit will not fight me, and maybe the fifth one would be the contest winner. However, it is unlikely that I would do that because my main interest is building my own personal museum.

[rbaer]

I've got a couple of tidbits to air out here, but first I have to credit the IMPS folks who actually take the time to do the work that is judging, and all the other stuff it takes to put on a show. I'm an IPMS member but don't go to meetings. Also, I'm completely surprised that the judges talked to the OP. I have NEVER been able to converse with a judge at an IPMS show, nor have I EVER seen comments in the "comments" section of an entry card. I do allow that there simply may not be time for comments, but it would be nice if the judges would take a few minutes after judging ends to hang around for quick verbal comments session.
First thing that comes to mind: at the local IPMS events, I watch the same guys hand trophies to each other for a while, every now and then one going to an unknown, sometimes me. Okay, I've seen that before in other activities, but NOT at all IPMS events. It's normal and common.
Second, I always see models built nearly OOB with store bought additions and very good paint jobs awarded over models with lots of scratched corrections and additions. This refers to armor, my only category of experience. It's in the rules, I get it. IPMS makes does not consider "difficulty of build" in judging. And as mentioned above, people DO build to the rules with the specific goal of taking a trophy. Their choice, more power to 'em.
Third, While there are nine hundred categories for aircraft and cars, armor typically is lumped into six to ten. Again, I get it. IPMS has its roots in aircraft modeling. That's why I lovingly refer to it as the International Plastic Aircraft Modelers' Society, IPMAS.
But I still go to every event I can. I'm missing one right now and it bugs me. I really like the vendors area and ALWAYS spend too much money. When I want to see how my work compares to other modelers' work in a useful way, I go to AMPS, sadly only held every two years here, but it's a total gas.
I know I've stepped on toes here, and of course the first thought in many minds will be "if you don't like it, participate and bring change from within". Well, I don't have the time or energy to do so, so I keep my bitching to myself and just enjoy the positive aspects of the whole deal. So again, to those who participate at and work these events, thank you.

[lowlife]

Hard to comment on shows, being in the UK...
But i will say this, i used to attend a large car based competition held yearly at Britains biggest hot rod show, back when i was a teen.
First few years nothing, while my older brother was winning ! Then slowly i won bits... Finally i won two first place awards and best in Show !   
The following year the organisers pulled the show and its not run since...   

But what i miss isnt the awards, its the people, the chat, the whole weekend was a great laugh...

So if you have shows nearby, no matter how good your models are, give it a go !
Your probably be surprised how much you enjoy it, chat to fellow builders and your soon find like minded people who your become good friends with. 

Yes there is IPMS in the UK, so maybe i might just enter a plane or tank in the future, as most judges wouldnt know a lowrider if it run them over ! 

Im just suggesting try it,  if you enjoy shows now your be very dissapointed if they stop. 

[Real G]

Many don’t want to judge, including myself. However, I did volunteer at one Nats, and could see they really needed the help. One more set of eyes can really go a ways to help the overworked regulars. My only regret is that you cannot judge in a category that you have an entry, for conflict of interest obviously. But it is there that we would be able to make the most useful contribution. I believe there is a clause that allows someone to judge in their entered category, but they must recuse themselves from judging the particular split that their model is in. Not a slam on the gallant IPMS judges, but I know a Five Star Stories Mortar Head is not a Gundam.

I used to wonder why there were separate Mecha and Gundam categories back in the day when entries were light on the table. But I have seen a steep increase in the number, types and build quality of these kits lately. I place blame squarely on COVID and those darned artists who took to painting Japanese robots!

But the bottom line is guys, try to volunteer for judging. It will help the venue as well as give you insight on what makes a winning model.

[chromdome35]

Jun 3, 2023 11:59:14 GMT -5 rbaer said:

I'm an IPMS member but don't go to meetings.

I'm the same, there isn't a chapter closer than 2 hours to me.

The president of IPMS called people like us freeloaders in the member magazine that just came out. I thought that was an excellent way to build interest and drive membership...not.

[keavdog]

Jun 3, 2023 11:59:14 GMT -5 rbaer said:

I've got a couple of tidbits to air out here, but first I have to credit the IMPS folks who actually take the time to do the work that is judging, and all the other stuff it takes to put on a show. I'm an IPMS member but don't go to meetings. Also, I'm completely surprised that the judges talked to the OP. I have NEVER been able to converse with a judge at an IPMS show, nor have I EVER seen comments in the "comments" section of an entry card. I do allow that there simply may not be time for comments, but it would be nice if the judges would take a few minutes after judging ends to hang around for quick verbal comments session.
First thing that comes to mind: at the local IPMS events, I watch the same guys hand trophies to each other for a while, every now and then one going to an unknown, sometimes me. Okay, I've seen that before in other activities, but NOT at all IPMS events. It's normal and common.
Second, I always see models built nearly OOB with store bought additions and very good paint jobs awarded over models with lots of scratched corrections and additions. This refers to armor, my only category of experience. It's in the rules, I get it. IPMS makes does not consider "difficulty of build" in judging. And as mentioned above, people DO build to the rules with the specific goal of taking a trophy. Their choice, more power to 'em.
Third, While there are nine hundred categories for aircraft and cars, armor typically is lumped into six to ten. Again, I get it. IPMS has its roots in aircraft modeling. That's why I lovingly refer to it as the International Plastic Aircraft Modelers' Society, IPMAS.
But I still go to every event I can. I'm missing one right now and it bugs me. I really like the vendors area and ALWAYS spend too much money. When I want to see how my work compares to other modelers' work in a useful way, I go to AMPS, sadly only held every two years here, but it's a total gas.
I know I've stepped on toes here, and of course the first thought in many minds will be "if you don't like it, participate and bring change from within". Well, I don't have the time or energy to do so, so I keep my bitching to myself and just enjoy the positive aspects of the whole deal. So again, to those who participate at and work these events, thank you.

I think at some IPMS events you can sponsor a category.  You should sponsor a Magach category 

[armornutii]

  Are you serious Chrome?? Dang I'm gonna have to re-read the mag. That is TRULY BS!!  Nothing chaps my hide more than being called something derogatory simply because I choose to participate on a different level. F Lord Love A Duck it is a HOBBY....ok for me maybe an obsession however.... that ain't the point!
     I choose not to judge because I really am to generous, I have no idea what the builders skill, time, or finances are nor do I care. I'm not to be confused with a " Thanks for Playing" kinda guy I have standards, but until I cannot honestly praise or toss out a model until I think I meet my standards.
      I will continue to be a member, contribute in my own way, enter maybe...IF I win GREAT, if I don't well I met some darn good people...and maybe a couple of sgrooges the fact is I enjoy it.  Go ahead lump me in with the " freeloaders"....you guys are WAY MORE FUN!!

[chromdome35]

Page 9 Paragraph 6

If I get to go to San Marcus, I'm considering wearing a Freeloader Tshirt.

[TJ]

I've entered one kit in one show 25 years ago. This is when I lived in Connecticut. Didn't think I stood a chance. Was looking at the quality in my category. (72nd multi-engine WWII). A week later I went into my LHS and the owner says he had something for me. 2 awards for my kit. 2nd place in category and 1st place OOB. I was floored. To this day I still have my Fine Molds Me410A-1



But I also learned that building for me is fun and not about trophies and awards. 

[armornutii]

  Yeup, black and white...context is a bit vauge as well. Most contestd I've attended IPMS member or not I have been charged an entry fee. Heck we even requested that looky loos at our little show donate a dollar, we let them in if they didn't pay. Most " contestants" are aware of an entry fee for the chance at an award, I personally wouldn't call that " freeloading".
     The everyday mundane operation of IPMS USA is above my skill level. While Spokane, Wa. is the largest city between Seattle and Minniapolis we are kinda isolated, and with so much outdoor stuff to do hard core model builders much less judges and contest attendies are few and far between. Yessir I am a freeloader...and damn proud of it!

[adt70hk]

Jun 3, 2023 15:44:22 GMT -5 chromdome35 said:

Jun 3, 2023 11:59:14 GMT -5 rbaer said:

I'm an IPMS member but don't go to meetings.

I'm the same, there isn't a chapter closer than 2 hours to me.

The president of IPMS called people like us freeloaders in the member magazine that just came out. I thought that was an excellent way to build interest and drive membership...not.

To use a very British expression...."What planet is he on?"  As you say not helpful....not to mention wrong, given that you have to pay a subscription to be in the IPMS!

[adt70hk]

Mar 27, 2023 8:02:26 GMT -5 tcoat said:

Figured I would make a generic thread instead of adding to some shows ones. My experience does seem to be in line with those listed in other threads though. 

On Sunday I went to my first ever model show. It was a BIG one! I had no idea what to expect but there were over 1,500 models there and I was totally outclassed in some of my builds. It doesn't help that the IPMS judges seem to have a totally different outlook on modeling than I do! I like to make things look as real as possible but they seemed to be looking more for precision in the subject and pristine paint jobs with no dirt or weathering even if appropriate to the subject.



All of what I entered have threads on here someplace but here is a rundown.



Watched them look at this one. They took one look at the cracked paint on the roof and moved on without even a second glance. They didn't even peak at the form that said it was actually deliberate and very difficult to do.



This one was in the running but the one judge ruled it out because the aerial HK was "Too shiny a finish". Not sure if he ever saw the movie but those things are almost chrome!



According to the judges too "gimmicky" and "excessively weathered" . I sort of anticipated that one as soon as I saw everything else on the table looked like it just rolled out of the factory.



Excessively weathered. Again have they not seen the movie? The rebels did not spend their time polishing their equipment



Was entered for OOB. Knew it didn't stand a chance but the highlighting of the promo chassis was fun so threw it in there anyway.






This one bugged me a bit. They told me to enter it in the Scratch Build and Heavily Modified category and then when the judges came around they said it was not scratch built nor heavily modified enough. They also would not even look since it was not an "intact aircraft" so they could not determine if "everything is correct for the type".



And this took silver. I threw it in at the last minute just to round out some categories.



Now... this may sound like I am complaining or something but I assure you that is not the case. I had a blast and the general public enjoyed my work. The Terminator one received several People's Choice stickers which made me happy! What I did come away from it all with is that these contests are obviously judged by a different standard. Many of the categories (there were so so many) were won by the same person taking all three awards. One guy cleaned up in cars, another in armour and there was a guy for aircraft that just stood on the stage while they handed him award after award. These guys seemed to invariably be IPMS members that obviously have done this a long time and know exactly what the judges are looking for.



I am not in the hobby for awards and will continue to enter these shows for the fun of it but I will attempt to build a couple of models to their standards just to see what happens!

Tony

I've only been to the IPMS Nationals here in the UK once and to be honest I found the judging baffling for the most part, with awards going to what I though were sometimes inferior kits....also, I often saw much better models out on the club tables that weren't in the competition.

Regardless of what they said, I think all your kits were great.

Well done!

Andrew

[stikpusher]

I’ll add my limited experience proverbial two cents. After retiring, moving and joining up to the new local IPMS chapter, I finally had time to partake in contests. I have sat thru a few judging seminars for my old AMPS & IPMS Chapters, so when my new club asked for help in judging at the local contest, I stepped up to help judge in Armor, which was an area where they were short on judges. I have judged for the past couple of years.
So, for IPMS judging, the first thing to asses on any entered model is basic construction- alignment, gaps, mold seam lines and ejector pin marks, etc. Next up is finish, things like decal silvering, fingerprints etc. Those two areas are where most models should be eliminated. Things like weathering are quite subjective and should only be used in the final stages when narrowing down to who gets 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Another thing at that stage is “scope of effort”. For example If somebody takes an old vintage Hawk kit a d totally superdetails it and the next closest effort is say an Eduard Profipack kit to a build of identical quality, I’d add scope of effort to tilt the balance in favor of the older kit.
As far as judges looking at any accompanying reference materials, keep that prominent, short and sweet. Depending upon the number of judges and kits entered in a category, there may or may not be time for judges to delve into those materials. A big multi page pamphlet likely will not be fully read.
And lastly, yes, there are guys who build for what they know the judges at a particular contest prefer. Although that only works for so long, as judges do rotate in and out of categories as life goes on and takes its toll. Old guys get sick or die, amd new blood comes in.

[Medicman71]

Jun 4, 2023 11:25:00 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

I’ll add my limited experience proverbial two cents. After retiring, moving and joining up to the new local IPMS chapter, I finally had time to partake in contests. I have sat thru a few judging seminars for my old AMPS & IPMS Chapters, so when my new club asked for help in judging at the local contest, I stepped up to help judge in Armor, which was an area where they were short on judges. I have judged for the past couple of years.
So, for IPMS judging, the first thing to asses on any entered model is basic construction- alignment, gaps, mold seam lines and ejector pin marks, etc. Next up is finish, things like decal silvering, fingerprints etc. Those two areas are where most models should be eliminated. Things like weathering are quite subjective and should only be used in the final stages when narrowing down to who gets 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Another thing at that stage is “scope of effort”. For example If somebody takes an old vintage Hawk kit a d totally superdetails it and the next closest effort is say an Eduard Profipack kit to a build of identical quality, I’d add scope of effort to tilt the balance in favor of the older kit.
As far as judges looking at any accompanying reference materials, keep that prominent, short and sweet. Depending upon the number of judges and kits entered in a category, there may or may not be time for judges to delve into those materials. A big multi page pamphlet likely will not be fully read.
And lastly, yes, there are guys who build for what they know the judges at a particular contest prefer. Although that only works for so long, as judges do rotate in and out of categories as life goes on and takes its toll. Old guys get sick or die, amd new blood comes in.

Very well said.

I've been in quite a few local shows and have been stunned on which of my kits win and what doesn't (still trying to find the out of alignment gear leg on my Rafale M). I build mostly aircraft and jets in particular. I have yet to win in the catagory at my local show. The head "aircraft" judge for the longest time was a Flight Surgeon/Pilot and he was absolutely brutal when it came to judging.

So earlier the year at our local show I was asked by a friend (who was head judge) to come judge. He knew I never had and told me that this was the best way to see what they're looking for. So I did aircraft and there were about 8 of us in that catagory. We broke up into smaller groups and judged the sub-catagories. I couldn't do 1/48 Single Engine Jets cause my F-16 was in there. When we judged, it was exactly how Stik said, basic construction and finish. There were some that yes, were eliminated right away cause there were glaring issues. There were a few that I loved but one little thing knocked them out of placing. The biggest things I saw as far as issues were alignment of wings, weapons/pylons, landing gear/wheels and canopies with blemishes (like my Viper). Now once the first, second and third were decided, the "Best Of" was decided. Now that's where things like weathering and such came into play. The one we decided on was absolutely flawless and looked great. It was definitely an educating experience. Oh and at no time is a judge EVER allowed to pick up a model.

[rbaer]

I don't think I have the ability to judge. My hat is definitely off to those who do.

[bradley25mm]

I went to my first Nationals in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I believe I took anywhere from 5 to 7 entries. After I saw all of the entries on the tables, I knew I had an uphill battle. When I arrived at the venue, and after getting my registration packet, I wheeled my models into the display room. One of my entries was large, and glued to the base that it came on. It was a Trumpeter 1/32 scale SU 27. I believe it was the head aircraft Judge that met at the table with the aircraft models.
He first asked me if I could take the model off of the base, and just put the model on the table and the base underneath. I told him that the aircraft was glued to the base and could not be removed. He then asked me if I got the memo on the sizes of the bases. I told him no. That may have been on me as I may not have read all of the rules and regulations prior to going. He was not happy, but he accommodated the needed room for my model on the base. To put this in context, the base was custom-made. The plane was depicted on a taxi way with grass on both sides and taxiway lights.
Fast forward to after the judging was complete. I went back in to the room to see if any of my models had won any awards. When I got to the SU-27, I noticed that the front landing gear was crooked. Upon further inspection, I found out that the front landing gear was completely detached from the gear well because someone had tried to lift it off of the base. No one left a note as to what happened. I then got in contact with the head judge to let him know what had transpired. He said that he could offer me an area and supplies to fix the model. I brought my own supplies to make repairs if needed, so I went into a room, with him to make the necessary repairs.
At the time, Tamiya had just released their 1/48th scale P-38. As compensation for my troubles, the head judge asked me if I would like one of these kits. I told him no, there is no need for that. I made the necessary repairs and took the model back out to the table. During our conversation in the room, we talked about different model contest. Just making small talk while I made the repairs. One comment that he made to me, kind of stuck out. He said something to the effect that models that he had taken to contest that he thought we’re good, didn’t win anything. Just thought that was strange as we did not discuss if any of my models had one anything.

[Real G]

I did not know there was a restriction on base size.  What I have seen are notes left by the builder stating that the model is or is not secured to the base.  I find it surprising that someone attempted to lift your model off the base.  IPMS judges are usually more careful than that.

The only time I was aware that a judge had handled a model of mine was when I happened to talk to the head of the category judge.  He told me that they were terrified of lifting my model off the table to look underneath, since they were aware that the hull was vac formed and was notorious for being flimsy.  I told him he need not have worried, as I had used small paper towel strips and CA glue to “fiberglass” the inside, making it super rigid despite being very light.

But yeah, airplanes with their fragile landing gear are harder to protect.

[stikpusher]

Somebody trying to lift the model off of the base is on two people: 1, the head judge for mentioning or not mentioning that aspect to all other judges during the judges briefing; and 2, the dumbass who did so in violation of being told by the head judge in briefing not to do so, skipped the briefing because he's too well versed in judging to need to attend, or did so because "that's the way we've always done it or it should be done"...