First Draft: 4 August 1994
Updated: 30 December 2003

1. Introduction

   1. The Armor Modeling and Preservation Society, or AMPS, supports the use of organized modeling competition as a tangible way to increase the bond between fellow modelers, as well as to provide a collegiate forum for modelers to discuss techniques and improve their skills. To do this, AMPS has examined a large number of competitive systems and judging rules, and have created what we feel is a unique system which both judges a model against itself and honors the modeler for his artistic achievement and historical accuracy. It is by these means that we preserve the history of armored warfare in miniature, as well as enjoy an intriguing and educational hobby.

   2. There are several things that are different about the AMPS system. First, our system rates the model against itself in relation to the ability of the modeler. It looks at what the modeler started with, what he finished with, and what he had to do in order to get there. While flaws and detractions will count against him, unlike other systems they are not the primary reason to deprecate or ignore a well researched and nicely done effort. Also, the AMPS system takes into account the fact that judges are human, and many judging calls are subjective rather than objective. The lowest score given by a judge (and occasionally the highest score as well) are eliminated from consideration. Third, this is more "peer evaluation" than submitting a model to the strict eye of a master modeler and judge.

   3. Modelers under the AMPS system are classed with other modelers of similar levels of abilities and talents, rather than against acknowledged masters of the hobby. This is to promote both more competition and more interaction among modelers to the betterment of all concerned.
       

2. Overview

   1. These rules are for the use of affiliate clubs, members, and organizations who wish to apply AMPS standardized judging rules to their shows and/or local contests with a eye to excellence and achievement in armored vehicle modeling and related subject areas. They are designed for so that the benefits of the system are available to the broadest cross-section of attendees. 

   2. The modeling 'contest' of the AMPS national convention is just a small portion of a collegiate gathering of modelers and military enthusiasts. There are also seminars, military vehicle museums, a large vendor area, and of course the opportunity to meet and interact with hundreds of other armor modelers and enthusiasts. 

   3. While the convention does not revolve around the contest, there are two important things to remember about the contest portion of the show. First, the judging system is not set up to simply select winners, but to have each entry viewed and evaluated by a group of fellow modelers, providing an opportunity to have the entrant's work appreciated by other people besides his/her close friends and family. Second, the entire judging system is set up to reward the modeler for the good work he/she has done. Each model is reviewed and evaluated on its own merits, never comparing it to any other piece or modeler's work.

   4. One of the most useful things of the AMPS system is the fact that a large number of modelers and attendees at a show – up to 50% of the entrants – can become involved in the judging system. Many attendees at past AMPS International shows have commented that the best part of the show was participating as a judge and seeing many great models closer than the normal table displays permit. It is this philosophy that has guided the creation of the AMPS judging system, and it should be viewed as the best part of the show.

3. Levels of Competition

   1. In the AMPS system, categories are held to a minimum; however, each one examines a different aspect of modeling that requires different skills to be displayed on the part of the modeler. Within each category, there are three competitive levels that match the level of skill of the modeler to his contemporaries; two other levels, JUNIOR and MASTERS, are established for young modelers and for those who have demonstrated mastery of their skills. The three general competition levels are BASIC, INTERMEDIATE, and ADVANCED. Criteria are as follows:

      1. JUNIOR -- modelers under the age of 17 that do not wish to compete in one of the other categories.

      2. BASIC – modelers new to the hobby or those who display basic modeling skills. Modelers at this level generally build straight from the box – or with a few minor tweaks – and are people that have never competed before or are new to the hobby. The BASIC level is the introductory level to the AMPS system and serves to allow members that are developing their modeling skills to be evaluated and encouraged through the feedback provided by the AMPS judging system. Modelers may participate once at the BASIC level for their first AMPS show, where they will learn about the AMPS system and receive useful comments about how to build better models; afterward they will move on to the INTERMEDIATE level.

      3. INTERMEDIATE - models built by the majority of modelers; those of average to above average skill levels and who have some work to improve the model, or have won before in other shows. Models built by modelers at this level show some modifications, changes, commercial upgrades or conversion work. INTERMEDIATE level modelers move to the ADVANCED level upon winning a Gold Medal in the INTERMEDIATE level of competition. An INTERMEDIATE modeler does some or all of these:

         1. Adds photoetched and/or resin aftermarket details

         2. Uses aftermarket conversion kits.

         3. Scratchbuilds details and makes modifications to accurize kits.

         4. Routinely uses reference material for ideas and accurizing.

         5. Capable of cross-kitting for variations and to improve model.

         6. Demonstrates increasing skill with adhesives and paints.

         7. Builds full resin kits.

         8. Developing presentation skills. Models are displayed on complimentary bases and figures are used to give life and sense of scale.

      4. ADVANCED - models by very skilled modelers whose entries are heavily reworked, accurized, or display a great deal of non-commercial parts and or modifications. The evaluations of this class will be quite strenuous with accuracy and fidelity being the primary differentiators from INTERMEDIATE. An ADVANCED modeler does all of the things done by INTERMEDIATE level modelers plus these:

         1. Major scratchbuilding from references.

         2. Casts own replacement parts.

         3. Well-developed construction and painting skills.

         4. Well-developed presentation skills

         5. Artistic use of materials and space.

      5. MASTERS - models by those modelers who have consistently demonstrated themselves to be the very best. Modelers are selected for this level by achievement and are held on a list maintained by the AMPS leadership. Accession to MASTERS level is by receiving the "Judges' Best of Show" award at the AMPS National Convention.

   2. In cases where the modeler is unsure of his status, the chief judge or his designated representative (“ramrod”) will examine the model entry to ascertain the displayed skill level of the modeler when the model is entered and suggest a level. While it is recommended that the suggestions be heeded, the modeler is free to enter at any skill level he desires as long as he meets the conditions for that level.

4. Categories for Competition

   1. Categories are quite broad. As was noted above, each category will contain up to three levels. The exceptions are those where major non-commercial conversion or scratchbuilding is required; these are not basic skills, and it is unfair to both the modeler and to the judges to expect one to be so entered. Current categories are as follows:

      1. Closed Top Tracked and Semi-tracked Vehicles to 1945, Axis (BASED ON MARKINGS)(Three levels)

      2. Closed Top Tracked and Semi-tracked Vehicles to 1945, Allied (BASED ON MARKINGS)(Three levels)

      3. Closed Top Tracked and Semi-tracked Vehicles Post 1945 (BASED ON MARKINGS)(Three levels)

      4. Open Top or Vehicles with Open Hatches with Interiors (interiors judged) ALL ERAS (Three levels).

      5. Wheeled Vehicles (ALL ERAS) (Three levels)

      6. Ordnance (Towed only, Emplaced or with Prime Movers) (ALL ERAS) (Three Levels)

      7. Major Conversions (Three Levels – see explanation at Section 9 Paragraph i)

      8. Scratchbuilt (Three Levels – see explanation at Section 9 Paragraph i)

      9. Figures - 1899 to the present (three levels)

      10. Dioramas and Vignettes (figures and vehicles combined) (three levels)

      11. Sci-Fi/Fantasy Machines (three levels)

      12. JUNIORS

      13. MASTERS

      14. Display Only -- All levels

   2. AMPS members have felt in the past that good modeling is good modeling, and should be evaluated as such. Therefore, scale is not a factor in these categories. If a large number of entries of a specific scale are present, the categories may be administratively divided up for display and judging purposes as the Chief Judge sees fit. Such separation is purely for display and has no bearing or effect on judging or scoring of any model.

   3. Definitions:

      1. For Categories I, II, III and IV

         1. Determination as to whether an entry should be placed in Categories I, II or III (closed top) or in Category IV (open top) depends upon whether the interior is plainly and clearly visible to the judges. All vehicles with closed hatches and turrets or casemates will be placed in either Categories I, II or III, based on era and markings. Self-propelled guns with open or barbette mounts will go in Category IV regardless of hatches being open or closed.

         2. If the model has open hatches, and the interior is plainly visible, the entry will go in Category IV (open top or detailed interior). If the modeler uses figures to fill the hatches, the model may be placed in either Categories I, II, or III or Category IV. The interior is not judged in the former case but will be judged in the latter. If there are figures present but hatches are opened for reasons of showing the interior, the entry should go in Category IV. Vehicles with no figures and open hatches will be judged in Category IV, but if unfinished the entrant will lose points for the lack of details.

      2. For Category V, Wheeled Vehicles:

         1. Includes all truck type Tank Transporter Vehicles, with or without a vehicle loaded. When carrying a vehicle or other object, the judges will judge both as one project distributing the points between similar areas of both vehicles. (Example: markings, running gear/drive train including tracks/wheels.)

         2. Includes railroad subjects other than permanently mounted Railroad Guns. Example: fully armored closed-top railway wagons, flatbed wagons with vehicles or artillery pieces carried for transport, or armored railway cars.

      3. For Category VI, Ordnance: There are four special cases that have come up in dealing with this category. The following guidelines and exceptions are provided to cover questions dealing with projects falling outside of our usual requirement for a model to be “relating to ground forces since 1899”.

         1. Since many Artillery subjects used in the 20th Century where produced before the 1899 date this category is open to any “cannon” or “gun” using gun powder or any nitrate based propellant. Pieces using spring power or counter weights, unless plainly being military subjects built after 1899 are ineligible. Ballistae or Catapults from Roman era are ineligible .WW I bomb throwing catapults or air pressure mortars are eligible.

         2. In keeping with the ground forces theme, projects including physical parts of naval vessels (Portions of decks, turrets etc.) are ineligible unless they are clearly a ground forces weapon temporary mounted. Examples of eligible subjects:

            1. Vietnam era US 105MM Howitzer on river barge or pontoon.

            2. German flak 38 on a ferryboat.

         3. Examples of ineligible subjects:

            1. US 37mm cannon w/o wheels lashed to PT boat bow

            2. German 20mm flak gun on ship mount.

         4. Rockets and Missiles. In order to be eligible the rocket or missile must be mounted on a launcher, self-propelled launcher, or in a transport cradle. Examples. A German V-2 (A-4) missile shown in flight would not qualify, but a V-2 deployed for launch on its launcher or in travel mode on a carrier trailer would qualify.

         5. Clarification on common questions. With the exception of some modern artillery pieces with small APU’s subjects with driver controls and engines belong in other Categories. If the piece is towed on a trailer that is disconnected from the Prime mover such as The US “Atomic Cannon” or Soviet Block SA-2 AA Missile it is eligible for category VI. Some examples belonging elsewhere are: SCUD Missile launchers or “Katyusha” rocket launchers. With these kits the launcher/erector represents so much of the work that putting it in Category V (Wheeled Vehicles) is a better assessment of the builder’s skills. A US M-12 SP 155mm would therefore belong in Category IV, and models such as a Sturmtiger could go in either Category I or IV (depending if its hatches were closed or open and the modeler had included an interior).

      4. For Category VII, a "Major Conversion" is defined as a considerable change in the basic mark or version of the vehicle from that provided in basic kit. All conversion work must be performed from scratch by the modeller. A commercially available conversion kit may not be used to achieve the change. Neither cosmetic changes in external details, nor changes in markings or paint schemes constitute a 'Major Conversion', any such models shall be entered in the appropriate regular category.

      5. For Category VIII, a "Scratchbuilt" model is defined as a model where no more than 25% of the finished product consists of unadulterated model kit components. Aftermarket accessories are considered to constitute part of the 25% of kit components.

      6. For Category X, a diorama is a scenic display of figures or figures and vehicles. Where a model with figures in NOT entered in this category, then only the vehicle shall be judged and the groundwork and any work on figures shall not be evaluated. Entries in Category X shall be evaluated on the 'story' their scenic entry tells. This will be accounted for as part of the 'Degree of Difficulty/Scope of Effort' criteria.

      7. Category IX is limited to figures relating to either troops who crew AFVs and Ordnance, support AFV's and Ordnance or serve alongside AFV's and Ordnance. Therefore, any ground force troops from the 20th century may be entered. No figures from before 1899 may be entered. Figures from other branches of the armed forces may be entered if a case can be made for them supporting AFVs or Ordnance, for example, Landing Craft crews could be entered. The burden of proof is on the modeler.

      8. Category XI is limited to fictional, or proposed vehicles that are meant to operate primarily over solid terrain. Hover or surface effect vehicles are acceptable, hydrofoils and helicopters are not. Actual experimental vehicles with fictitious marking (for instance, as if they had gone into full service) shall be placed in this category. Actual experimental vehicles marked as they were actually built shall be placed in the appropriate non-fictional category. The burden of proof is on the modeler.

      9. Category XIV is for models that the owner does not want judged, or past winners which are placed on display for the public. It is the only category where models are not judged.

      10. Any disputes over model eligibility, modeler's skill class or final model placement are to be referred to either the Chief Judge or the Assistant Chief Judge on duty at the time. If a dispute continues, the Chief Judge's decision shall be final.

   4. The judges will select one "Best of" overall winner in a number of genres that cross over all of the categories. The 'Best Of' categories are as follows:

      1. Best German - this includes all German marked entries, regardless of time period.

      2. Best American - this includes all US marked entries, regardless of time period.

      3. Best Russian/Soviet - this includes all Russian marked entries, regardless of time period

      4. Best Commonwealth - this includes all of the British Commonwealth marked entries, regardless of time period.

      5. Best Small Army - this includes entries marked for all other armies, regardless of time period.

      6. Best Figure - this only covers the entries in Category IX

      7. Best Junior - this only covers the entries in Category XII

      8. Best Diorama - this includes all Dioramas and Vignettes. (Note: a vehicle in a diorama will NOT be eligible for one of the other 'Best Of' awards, but IS eligible for “Best Theme Subject,” “Best of Show: Most Popular,” and “Judges’ Best of Show.” This is based on dioramas using a different judging format.)

   5. There will be two "Best of Show" awards. One is a "Best of Show: Most Popular" which is selected by the general public via balloting. The other is the "Judges' Best of Show" which is selected from the "Best of" winners for that year.

   6. Best Theme Award. This is given to the model that most appropriately represents the theme selected for the convention. It may be given to either an INTERMEDIATE or ADVANCED level entry.

   7. Each entrant is eligible for a maximum of one standard award per category entered. The judges have the choice of awarding either the modeler's best effort or his overall display/set of entries in one category -- i.e., one item or all items.

5. Establishing a Judging Corps

   1. The Chief Judge will select a team of judges based on the requirements at hand and the size of a specific show. At a minimum, the system requires people in the following positions: Chief Judge, Assistant Chief Judge, Team Captain, Field Judge, Scorer, and Runner. The numbers of each vary depending upon the size of the show and number of teams needed, but each judging team must consist of one team captain and three field judges; each judging shift should have from 3-5 teams and two Assistant Chief Judges. One Assistant Chief Judge is the “pit boss” who runs the judging; the other is the “ramrod” responsible for sorting out paperwork and preparing entries to be judged.

      1. The Chief Judge does not actively judge the competition. He and the Assistant Chief Judges required to run the competition will be selected by the Competition Committee overseeing the competition. Assistant Chief Judges will be drawn from the pool of Certified AMPS Judges (table captains) based on their demonstrated leadership and competence during previous competitions.

      2. The job of the Chief Judge is that of organizer and supervisor. He will assist the Assistant Chief Ju