Official Rules & Guidelines

Open Division

1. Horror Figures / SF / Fantasy (including "movie" robots)
2. Super Heroes & Villains
3. Anime Figures
4. Humor & Super Deformed
5. Dinos & Kaiju (giant monsters)
6. Hardware (vehicles, Gundam-style robots, 1/1 prop hardware)
7. Diorama / Vignette (one or more figures with a focus on the overall scene as opposed to an individual figure)

Junior Division

Includes all categories listed above; for modelers age 17 and under.

There will not be a "Pro" division...What do you have to prove anyhow? There will however be an area set aside for "Pros" to display their work. What qualifies as "Pro"? Well, would you enter the "Pro" division yourself if it was available? Do you write about modeling for any publication or website? Do you get paid to model or take commission work? Then you are a "Pro"...

All categories and divisions are subject to change, depending on the amount of entries. Also check back for new categories. If interest dictates, we can add some...

The Official Contest Rules:

1. Exclusions: KBMW staff, magazine writers, contest personnel, judges and sponsors are prohibited from entering contest.
2. Each of your first 3 entries cost $5 each. Once you've paid 3 entries ($15) you may enter up to 10 kits. Entry fee is cash-only at the show.
3. Proxy Entries are accepted, as long as the MODELER is given credit, not the owner, and it is clearly mentioned on your submission.
4. There are currently no size restrictions, but keep in mind that entries should fit on a 30"X 6 foot table without need for further support. If your entry exceeds the above limit, it is your responsibility to bring a proper table, stand, or pedestal, and may be subject to an extra fee.
5. "Mature" Subjects will be displayed in a separate area with controlled access. "Mature subjects" include nudity, gore, or realistic violence. Such items will be placed at contest staff discretion, but will be judged in their respective category unless there are enough entries to warrant a separate "Rated R" category.
6. Entry of models: Modelers must neatly print all information on Entry Form (please ask questions if you do not understand). Modeler is allowed to place their own model on contest table, but MUST be accompanied by contest usher, who will give you a claim check. Modeler MUST immediately exit contest area after placement of entry.
7. Removal of models: Once entered, models cannot be removed from contest early. Early removal automatically disqualifies entrant. After the awards presentation, proper claim check must be shown to usher who will accompany you to remove model (no exceptions.)
8. Disputes: All Judges’ decisions are final.
9. Liability: KBMW assumes no liability or responsibility in case of accidents involving models or for property lost, stolen or damaged. Entries unclaimed after 6 p.m. on Sunday will be held by Kitbuilders Magazine LLC. We will contact owners of unclaimed entries from information on entry form, and kits will be packed and shipped at OWNER'S EXPENSE!

Judging

Entries will be judged in the now popular "open" format. Each piece will be judged on its own merit, and awarded as such. While there will still be 3 "levels" of award (gold, silver, and bronze), there is no limit to how many awards at each level will be given per category. For example, if the judging staff determine that all entries in a particular category deserve "Gold" awards, then that's what they get.

A couple things that may help...

• You are responsible for determining what category your entries are placed in... If you feel that your custom base would do better in the diorama category, then make sure to say so. The same thing goes for obscure characters. While the contest staff is familiar with Garage Kits and their subject matter, there may be some entries that need further explanation before proper category placement.
   
• Make sure to describe any and all work done on your entry form. If you have customized, reposed, or otherwise altered your entry, be sure to say so. Same goes for additions like glass eyes, or any other "unusual" techniques you may have used. All of these can help the judges decide where your entry stands.
   
• In the interest of impartiality, entries are identified by a number on the claim check, and not by modeler, so please refrain from using any information on your entry form that may identify you as the entrant.