The AMPS system also acknowledges that judges are human and many judging calls are subjective, not objective.  Thus, each model is judged by a team of judges, with the lowest score eliminated. This is "peer evaluation".

The AMPS system groups modelers with other modelers of similar levels of abilities and talents, rather than against acknowledged masters of the hobby or everyone else who enters in the same category.

Overview

These rules are for the use of AMPS chapters, affiliate clubs, members, and organizations who wish to apply AMPS standardized judging rules to their shows and local contests.  The rules are designed to make the benefits of the AMPS system available to as many modelers as possible.  

The modeling contest of the AMPS International 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.

The judging system is designed primarily to have each entry viewed and evaluated by a group of fellow modelers.  This provides an opportunity to give the entrant's work formal, structured feedback from fellow modelers.  The judging system is set up to reward the modeler for the good work he has done.  Each model is reviewed and evaluated on its own merits, never comparing it to any other entry.

One of the most positive aspects of the AMPS system is that a large number of modelers and attendees can get 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.  

Competition Skill Levels

The AMPS system uses five competitive levels which groups modelers with similar skills. The criteria for these five skill levels are:

JUNIOR - modelers age 17 or younger who do not wish to compete in one of the other categories.  Modelers who are 17 or younger are free to compete in other levels but are not compelled to do so.

BASIC – modelers new to the hobby or with basic modeling skills.  The BASIC level is the introductory level to the AMPS system.  Modelers at this level generally build straight from the box, or with a few minor tweaks, and often have never competed before or are new to the hobby.  It allows members who are developing their modeling skills to be evaluated and encouraged through the feedback provided by the AMPS judging system.  As with all other entrants, BASIC Level entrants are encouraged to volunteer for judging.

INTERMEDIATE – modelers with average to above average skill.  Modelers at this level generally make some modifications, changes, commercial upgrades, or conversion to their work.  INTERMEDIATE modelers may have been promoted from BASIC, won awards at other shows, or chose to enter at this level from the start.  An INTERMEDIATE modeler is someone to whom some or all of the following apply:

• Adds photo-etched and/or resin aftermarket details
• Uses aftermarket conversion kits
• Scratchbuilds details and makes modifications to accurize kits
• Uses reference material for ideas and accurizing
• Improves models by cross-kitting
• Builds full resin kits
• Displays models on complementary bases or with figures

ADVANCED – modelers with more highly-developed skills, whose entries are heavily reworked, accurized, or include non-commercial parts or modifications.  The evaluations of this class are more strenuous. An ADVANCED modeler does most of the things expected of INTERMEDIATE level modelers plus some or all of the following:

• Scratchbuilds, using references
• Casts own replacement parts
• Builds and paints at a high skill level
• Presents models on elaborate bases, sometimes with accompanying information
• Uses materials and space artistically

MASTER - modelers who have won ‘Judges’ Best of Show’ at the AMPS International Convention.  These modelers consistently demonstrate themselves to be the very best in all aspects of armor model building.  

Advancement of Skill levels . Advancement of skill levels occurs when a modeler achieves a Gold medal in their current level in an AMPS International Convention. BASIC level modeler advances to the INTERMEDIATE level upon winning a Gold Medal in the BASIC level of competition and INTERMEDIATE level modeler moves to the ADVANCED level upon winning a Gold Medal in the INTERMEDIATE level of competition. ADVANCED level modelers can reach the MASTERS level by earning the "Judges' Best of Show" award at the AMPS International Convention.

When a modeler first enters an AMPS International competition and is unsure of his status, the Chief Judge or his designated representative will examine the model entry to ascertain the displayed skill level of the modeler when the model is entered and suggest a skill level.  While it is recommended that the suggestions be heeded, the modeler is free to enter at any of the three main skill levels (BASIC, INTERMEDIATE, or ADVANCED) desired as long as he meets the conditions for that skill level.

Categories for competition

Categories are quite broad. Most categories contain 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:

I.              Closed Top Tracked and Semi-tracked Vehicles to 1945, Axis (based on markings)

II.            Closed Top Tracked and Semi-tracked Vehicles to 1945, Allied (based on markings)

III.           Closed Top Tracked and Semi-tracked Vehicles Post 1945 (based on markings)

IV.          Open Top/ Open Hatch Vehicles (all eras)

V.            Wheeled Vehicles (all eras)

VI.          Ordnance (Towed only, emplaced or with Prime Movers) (all eras)

VII.         Major Conversions (see explanation below)

VIII.        Scratchbuilt (see explanation below)

IX.          Figures – 1899 to the present 

X.            Dioramas and Vignettes (figures, or figures, vehicles and landscape combined)

XI.          Sci-Fi/Fantasy Machines

XII.         JUNIORS

XIII.        MASTERS

XIV.       Display Only -- All levels

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 purposes as the Chief Judge sees fit.  Such separation is purely for display and has no bearing on judging or scoring of any model.

Clarifications

Categories I, II, III, and IV:

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 unless the fighting compartment is covered by a tarp or otherwise completely obscured.

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, III or IV at their option.  The interior is judged if the model is entered in Category IV, but not if it is entered in Category I, II, or III.  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 the interior is unfinished, the entrant should lose points for the lack of details.

Category V, Wheeled Vehicles:

This category 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).

It also includes railroad subjects other than permanently mounted railroad guns, for example:  fully armored closed-top rail wagons, flatbed wagons with vehicles or artillery pieces carried for transport, or armored rail cars.

Wheeled vehicles without opened hatches or doors properly belong in Category V, but transparent or open windows and folded or dropped canvas tops mean that whatever is plainly visible will be judged.

Category VI, Ordnance:  This category is defined as towed ordnance and other towed or stationary military equipment.  There are several special cases that have come up in this category.  The following guidelines and exceptions are provided to cover questions dealing with projects falling outside of AMPS’ usual requirement for a model to be “relating to ground forces since 1899”.

Because many artillery subjects used in the 20th Century were produced before the 1899 cut-off date this category is open to any “cannon” or “gun” with closed bore tubes using a chemical charge to propel a projectile.  Pieces using spring power or counter weights, unless plainly being military subjects built after 1899, are ineligible.  For example, ballistae or catapults from the Roman era are ineligible.  By contrast, WW I bomb-throwing catapults, PIATs, or air pressure mortars are eligible.

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

Vietnam era US 105mm howitzer on river barge or pontoon

German FlaK 38 on a ferryboat

Examples of ineligible subjects:

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

German 20mm FlaK gun on shipboard mount.

Rockets and missiles: In order to be eligible the rocket or missile must be on a ground or vehicle-mounted launcher or in a transport cradle.  For example, 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.

Judges Note: This category is for towed ordnance.  With the exception of some modern artillery pieces, missiles or trailers with small auxiliary power units, subjects with driver controls and engines belong in other categories.  Ordnance that is typically disconnected from the prime mover for use such as towed AT guns, the US "Atomic Cannon", the Soviet SA-2 missile on its transport trailer, Patriot missile radar, ammunition trailers or German Flak searchlight are eligible for Category VI, even with the prime mover connected.  Some examples belonging elsewhere are: SCUD missile transporter-erector-launchers or Katyusha rocket launchers (Category V, Wheeled Vehicles);US M12 155mm or German Panzerjager 38(t) self-propelled guns (Category IV, Open Top or Vehicles with Open Hatches with Interiors); Sturmmörser Tiger or Soviet ISU-152 (either Category I, II, III, or IV as with other tracked or semi-tracked vehicles).

Since this category is designed to present towed ordnance or military equipment, disconnected from the prime mover or in their emplaced position, details presented in proximity of the model to represent support items used by or carried on the equipment may also be judged and counted within the Construction Group under Hull, Chassis, and Turret Detailing.

Examples of these types of items are artillery ammunition, ammunition crates, ramming staffs, aiming posts (collimator), fuse cans.  Section chests, artillery tools, generator or items put to the side normally used in towing such as covers tarps or towing wheels. Example of items that do not qualify are common military position improvement items such as sandbags, camouflage nets, crew served weapon positions.

Category VII, Major Conversions:  A "Major Conversion" is defined as a considerable change in the basic mark or version of the vehicle from that provided in the basic kit.  All conversion work must be performed from scratch by the modeler.  A commercially available conversion kit may not be the sole means 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. It is the responsibility of the modeler to provide the judges with details of the conversion work he has done on the entry.

Category VIII, Scratchbuilt:  A "Scratchbuilt" model is defined as a model where no more than 25% of the finished model consists of commercial model kit components.  Aftermarket accessories are considered to constitute part of the 25% of kit components. It is the responsibility of the modeler to provide the judges with details of the scratchbuilding work he has done on the entry.

Category IX, Figures:  This category is limited to figures relating to either troops who crew AFVs and ordnance, support AFVs and ordnance or serve alongside AFVs and ordnance.  Therefore, any force acting in a ground combat role from 1899 or later 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.

Category X, Dioramas and Vignettes: A diorama is a story-based display of figures or figures and vehicles on a landscaped base.  Where a model with figures is NOT entered in this category, then only the vehicle will be judged and the groundwork and any work on figures shall not be evaluated.

Category XI, Sci-Fi/Fantasy Machines:  This category 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) will be placed in this category.  Actual experimental vehicles marked as they were actually built will be placed in the appropriate non-fictional category.  The burden of proof is on the modeler.

Category XII, Juniors:  This category is limited to entries of modelers age 17 and under who do not wish to compete in other categories.

Category XIII, Masters:  This category is limited to entries of those modelers who have achieved MASTERS skill level.

Category XIV, Display Only:  This category is for models that the builder 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.

Dispute Resolution:  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.  The Chief Judge's decision will be final.

The judges will select one ‘Best Of’ overall winner from ADVANCED Gold Medals in a number of genres that cross over all of the categories. The 'Best Of' categories are:

• Best German - this includes all German-marked entries, regardless of time period
• Best United States - this includes all U.S.-marked entries, regardless of time period
• Best Russian/Soviet - this includes all Russian/Soviet-marked entries, regardless of time period
• Best Commonwealth - this includes all of the British Commonwealth-marked entries, regardless of time period
• Best Small Army - this includes entries marked for all other armies, regardless of time period
• Best Figure - this only covers the entries in Category IX
• Best Junior - this only covers the entries in Category XII
• 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,” and “Judges’ Best of Show.”
• "Best of Show" award. The "Judges' Best of Show" is selected from the "Best of" winners.
• 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.

Establishing a Judging Corps

The Chief Judge will select a team of judges.  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 3-6 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.

The Chief Judge is selected by the AMPS Executive Board. The Chief Judge must have successfully completed the AMPS Judge’s Certification process and trained in the administration of the AMPS judging system. The Chief Judge will select Assistant Chief Judges to help run the competition. Assistant Chief Judges must have successfully completed the AMPS Judge’s Certification process and trained in the administration of the AMPS judging system.

The job of the Chief Judge is to organize and supervise the competition.  He will assist the Assistant Chief Judges in selecting the Table Captains, Field Judges and Scorer, set up a judging area for records keeping, monitor judging and evaluations, assist in tabulating the lists of winners and oversee the presentation of awards.  The Chief Judge is also arbiter of the rules, classes, and eligibility of any entry or entrant.  Assistant Chief Judges assist the Chief Judge during the competition, ensuring the smooth running of the competition.  The Chief Judge is responsible for overall organization of the judging teams and shifts and bears the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the AMPS judging rules are successfully implemented.

Table Captains are judges who have successfully completed the AMPS Judge’s Certification process and trained in the administration of the AMPS judging system.  They are the team leaders of the individual judging teams.  A Table Captain’s duties include organizing the table and his team, ensuring that they have sufficient materials for judging, and keeping the table policed at all times (i.e. no sodas, food, cigarettes, etc.).  He will personally verify the scores given, as well as ensure that the individual Field Judges have made comments on the appropriate paperwork to return to the modeler.  The Table Captain also is responsible for dropping the lowest score and adding up the point total.

Field Judges are the judging team members who, in addition to the Table Captain, actually judge the models. Field Judges usually are Intermediate or Advanced level modelers.  They will adhere to the AMPS standards and award points for the level of achievement present in an entry.  There will be a varying number of Field Judges, three per team being the minimum, but the number of judges and teams will be based upon the size of the show.  One Field Judge on each judging team may be a Junior or Basic modeler who wants to learn more about the system and improve his skills by engaging in careful evaluation of the work of others.

The Scorer will tabulate the results and monitor input from the Table Captains to determine that all entries have been judged fully.  He tabulates the scores, notes those that are winners and their levels of achievement and prepares an awards list for the Chief Judge.  The Scorer also will assist the Chief Judge in preparing a preliminary list of entries under consideration for "bests" in specific categories.  One scorer is required, but two are preferred.

The judging team will be prepared and briefed on show standards prior to judging.  The Chief Judge will cover the standards, requirements, and ensure that each Table Captain and Field Judge is set to judge the required number of entries.

Historical data indicates that a judging team can reliably judge 8-10 models per hour.  The number of teams formed and rotation periods for members to rest and enjoy the convention also need to be considered.  Thus, for the international convention with over 500 entries, six teams of four judges each are formed to work in two-hour shifts.  Roughly 90 models can be judged in that period, so approximately 11 hours total time would be required to judge the preliminary results for the show if all teams are at full strength.  A normal judging set for the International Convention is seven to eight full judging periods (one on Thursday, three on Friday and three or four on Saturday).  Judging begins as soon as the doors open, and is normally complete shortly after registration closes on the second day.

To handle the models safely, shelving or tables should be set up for storing unjudged models.  Designated runners, preferably with a small cart to minimize the possibility of dropping a model, should be used to transfer the models from the storage area to the judging tables, and then from the judging tables to the display tables, in their correct categories.

Minimum team numbers for a small show should include one Chief Judge, two Assistant Chief Judges and three to four judging teams of four people each.  The International Convention has used up to three Assistant Chief Judges (shift bosses) and six teams of four judges each plus two to three dedicated runners per shift.  This amounts to a total of up to 240 judges and runners for the course of the show.  The more judges, the better the rotation and the more experience is garnered by all involved.

Method of Judging and Operation

Judging will be conducted with an "open" room (show in progress).  Judges will attempt to be as inconspicuous as possible but will take all necessary steps to ensure complete and fair judging of entries.  The judging area should be isolated from the display area, to prevent modelers from listening to the teams judging their models and to encourage the judges to engage in frank and open discussions.  If possible, judging should commence with the beginning of model registration and models should be taken to the judges first before being placed on display.  This will require runners to carry the models to the judges and place the models on the display tables in the proper areas.

Judges will read all accompanying materials to ensure the entrant receives due consideration as to his desired effect, achievement, level of skill displayed and any unique characteristics of the entry.  Often, one judge will read the accompanying materials aloud to the other judges, as they begin examining the model.

Each judge will award points to an entry according to show standards (see Section 7 Paragraph b for specific points and areas of consideration).  After judging an entry, the judge will mark his score on the judging sheet, along with his initials and a constructive comment.  Judges are expected to make constructive notes on the score sheet of all models, suggesting areas for improvement or acknowledging particularly well-done aspects of the model, and should not write anything they would not be prepared to discuss face-to-face with the entrant after the competition is over.  These notes will be handed to the scorer for later return to the entrants.

The Table Captain will look over the Field Judges’ tally sheets and drop the low score (or the low and high scores if for a five judge team), then tally up the total of the remaining three scores and mark it down on the entry form.  The Table Captain also ensures that each judge has made constructive comments, providing useful feedback to the modeler.

Special Judging

The MASTERS category (Category XIII) is judged by a team of three judges, at least two of whom must be AMPS MASTERS and the third of whom must be at least an ADVANCED level modeler.  This team will be managed by the Chief Judge, who does NOT vote (making the team total of four).  No votes are thrown out, and the final score is the sum of points by the three voting members

The Dioramas category (Category X) is judged in place on the diorama table in the viewing hall.  The team will be made up of an Assistant Chief Judge, together with two other judges, preferably with at least one judge having very high level of expertise with figure painting and diorama judging.

The Figure Category (Category IX) is judged by a team of three lead by the Chief Judge or an Assistant Chief Judge.  At least two of these judges shall have a very high level of expertise with figure painting, figure sculpting and judging.

Judging Criteria

Individual Model Judging Criteria

Construction Group (5.0 Points)

Basic hull, turret, and body work (2.0 points ) . The judges will look at how the hull parts go together; this includes the top of the hull, bottom, hull rear, glacis plate, hatches, grilles, etc.  Of equal importance will be how turret halves meet, alignment of hatches to mounts, etc.  Judges will look at the parts of the vehicle that make up the hull and turret only.  They will look closely to ensure that seams are clean, kit weld marks are not sanded off, any filling that is required is clean, etc.

For ordnance the judges will look at the barrel, equilibrators, breech, recoil system, recoil sled, or in the case of non-artillery the upper operating portion of the equipment, radar dish, light, etc.  The judges are looking at the operating portion of the equipment only. As with the above, look closely to insure that seams are clean, kit weld marks are not sanded off, any filling that is required is clean, etc

Running gear/drive train including tracks/wheels (2.0 points) . The judges will look at how the suspension and running gear is assembled.  Do the tracks/tires sit on the ground and are the tires/roadwheels aligned?  Are the major attached suspension components installed cleanly?  Is there a problem with toe-in/toe-out?

For ordnance the judges will look at the towing chassis to include trails or yoke, towing base, wheels, or on a trailer the base towing section and tires.  If a trailer/weapon includes a separate set of towing limber (like the 155mm Long Tom or towed 8 inch howitzer), this is also judged under this group. As with the above, do the tires sit on the ground and are the tires/road wheels aligned?  Is there a problem with toe-in/toe-out?

Hull , chassis and turret detailing (1.0 point) .  The judges will look at how the modeler has corrected, modified, or enhanced the model, using detailing parts regardless of the source. (Note: Detailing parts can be provided from the kit or from aftermarket or alternate sources). These parts can include but not limited to, pioneer tools, tow cables, tool boxes, grab handles, lights and cables, towing clevises, weapons, tarps, photo–etched or resin accessories, weld seams, rivets and bolts, barrels and track. These detailing parts must be properly cleaned, aligned and installed without glue marks.  It is incumbent upon the modeler to provide the judges with a description of their extra work. The format or style of this information is not to be judged.  Only the information is important and only as far as it presents the detail work done by the modeler.  Judges are not expected to know things the modeler does not tell them.

Finish/Weathering Group (4.0 points)

Finish and markings application (1.5 points) . The judges will look at how the modeler has applied paint and/or markings.  Paint should be applied in a smooth, even coat with no drips, splotches or uneven areas.  Markings and decals, if applied, should be viewed for edges lifting, silvering etc.  Hand-applied painted markings should be viewed "in scale," i.e., the marking must not be too heavy-handed or thickly applied.

Note: The absence of markings shall not result in a penalty or "point shifting" in the Finish/Weathering Group.  Markings are simply part of the model's finish.  Issues regarding the accuracy of markings are properly considered as part of the Research and Reference Bonus evaluation.

Weathering (1.5 points) . The judges will look at how the vehicle is weathered.  The term ‘weathering’ does not necessarily mean action-related mud, peeling paint, and the like, but refers to treatment beyond the basic finish required to achieve the desired effect.  For example, a factory-new vehicle would still have a certain amount of rust on the tracks, or wear on the track teeth.  Judges cannot hold it against a modeler if he chooses not to show wear on a shovel.  The judges should score the model as the modeler presents it.  A model shown as new should be viewed and scored as such.

Note: What is important in judging weathering is how the modeler has improved the finish of the model.  No technique is mandatory; it is the final effect that counts.  The use of washes, powders, drybrushing and paint chipping might be perfect for a vehicle, but if these weathering techniques do not improve the finish of the model, points should not be awarded.  A model with no washes or drybrushing could still obtain points depending on possible subtleties in the applied paint.

Finish continuity (1.0 point) . The judges will look at how the modeler has blended the finish and weathering together to create a visually balanced and homogenous arrangement.  Examples that do NOT show a sensible and logically finished model would include a vehicle with muddy roadwheels and clean track or mud on the track and suspension with a clean hull.  Finish continuity does not mean a vehicle must be equally weathered over its entire surface, but it does mean the vehicle must be logically weathered. A full point awarded here means the modeler has considered reality, consistency and presentation.

Degree of Difficulty/Scope of Effort Group (1.0 point)

Degree of difficulty and scope of effort (1.0 point) .  The judges will look at the effort the modeler made to create a model that is something special.  This may be reflected as extensive re-working of and additions to the kit, not merely replacing parts (that is covered in another sub-category). It also may recognize that the modeler built a very difficult resin or multi-media kit.  Is it a jewel created from a rock? It is the responsibility of the modeler to provide the judges with details of the work that he has done so that it can be recognized.

Judges Note:  Judging for Degree of Difficulty and Scope of Effort is a big part of what separates AMPS from all other systems.  If a modeler chooses simply to build out of the box and does an incredible job, they will still have a tough time getting a gold medal.  This is where photos of the work "in progress" would help the modeler document the depth of difficulty and level of effort involved in building the model.

Optional Research Bonus (0.5 point)

There is an additional bonus of 0.5 points for Research, which may be awarded by the judging team. To obtain this 0.5 point bonus, the modeler must document to the judging team the link between the research they performed and the finished model. This documentation need not be extensive (two pages or less), but must address, at a minimum, the following areas:

Description of Research: The modeler should provide a short description of the research they performed to build the model. The modeler must describe in his presentation how or why his model looks, either directly or indirectly, like the vehicles mentioned in the research. The model could look like the research by applying some of the following: similar paint schemes, markings, weathering, stowage, field modifications, or by using technical drawings to create the model displayed. The modeler can use pictures as part of this description. 

Research References: The modeler should list the research references they used while building the model.

If the modeler provides a brag book or other description of how they constructed the model, without providing a description of their research in the format above, they will not be awarded the 0.5 point bonus. The link between the research and the model is established by replication and presentation of one, all or some of the following on the model being judged: paint schemes, markings, stowage, weathering, historical context, descriptions of similar vehicles or the use of technical drawings to create the model – based upon the research documentation provided. 

Examples of acceptable research format are attached at Appendices 1 thru 3.

Judges Note:  Based on the information provided by the modeler, the judging team should ask the following questions:

1.  Does the model, either directly or indirectly, match or look like the description(s), text explanations and/or pictures provided in the research? (paint schemes, markings, stowage, weathering, historical context, descriptions of similar vehicles or the use of technical drawings).  {THE LINK}

2. Is the research documentation format requirements met?   {THE FORMAT}

 If the answer to both questions is YES, the judging team will award the 0.5 bonus. The Table Captain will add the 0.5 point research bonus after the total score has been determined. This score then becomes the official score for the model entered into the AMPS scoring system.

Diorama Judging Criteria

Introduction

The following is a presentation of the 10-point breakdown as it applies to diorama judging.

System for Diorama Judging

Proper diorama construction requires a mastery of related but diverse modeling skills and the artistic talent needed to compose scenes and tell stories.  Because of this, the diorama is one of the most difficult forms of modeling to execute successfully.  Judging dioramas in competition also is difficult.  Judges must have a keen appreciation of all of the facets required of diorama construction from the obvious, tangible modeling skills, such as construction and finishing, to the more abstract categories, such as composition. Above all, the diorama judge should be fair and objective.  Judges will use the following process to judge dioramas:  

Construction Group - (3 points total)

Vehicles/ordnance: 1.0 point

Figures: 1.0 point

Groundwork: 1.0 point

If the diorama has no vehicles or ordnance, the 3 points are split as follows: Figures – 1.5 points, Groundwork 1.5 points.  If the diorama has no figures (rare but possible) the points are split as follows:  Vehicles/ordnance – 1.5 points, Groundwork 1.5 points.

Finishing and weathering Group - (3 points total)

Overall finish: 1.0 point

Overall weathering: 1.0 point

Consistency of finish throughout the diorama: 1.0 point

Story and composition Group (4 points total)

Storyline: 1.0 point

Composition: 1.0 point

Attention to detail: 1.0 point

Degree of difficulty/Overall feel: 1.0 point

Judge’s Note:  The same criteria which make up the bulk of the individual model judging have been reduced to 6 points total when applied to judging dioramas.  The third Group, “Story and Composition”, is worth one more point (4 total) than either of the other two groups.  The reason for this is simple: without a story or good composition, the diorama is not successful.  Perfectly built vehicles, perfectly painted figures and beautiful groundwork will only yield a maximum of 6 points.  If the diorama elements are not well composed to properly tell a story, the diorama will not score well.  Likewise, if the construction and finish of a diorama are not skillfully done, the entry will not do well no matter how good a “story” it presents.  Achieving a consistency and balance of all the skills needed to plan and build dioramas is the cornerstone for successful diorama construction.

Considerations for Dioramas

The third group, “Story and Composition” requires a good understanding of the intangibles, or “abstracts”, of diorama construction.  Below are some of suggestions on this subject.  These comments are meant to help both diorama builders and judges.

Story and Composition Group (4.0 points)

Storyline (1.0 point) - Regardless of whether the storyline is simple or complicated, can it be easily understood without any accompanying text other than a simple title?  If the viewer can’t understand what is happening without having to read a lengthy treatise on the subject, the diorama has failed to tell its story successfully.

Composition (1.0 point) - Composition refers to the arrangement of all diorama components in relation to each other -- everything placed on the diorama base from the largest building to the smallest piece of ground work either adds to or subtracts from the story.  Composition is the single most important part of diorama building. A story cannot be told properly without good composition.  Composition includes the following considerations:

Balance:  Are the diorama elements distributed around the base in a way that supports the story?  Are they too close, too far apart, or bunched at one part of the base? Is the main idea supported by other, smaller components?  Do supporting elements direct your eye around the diorama?

The size of the diorama base . Is it too small or too large for the story being told?

Tension: Is it obvious whether men or vehicles are moving or stationary?  Do supporting elements help to understand this?  Does the groundwork support or detract from the level of tension in the story?

Clarity: Does the composition help or hinder the clear understanding of the story?  Is it immediately clear what the story is?  Is there too much going on, with no single focus?  Or is there nothing at all going on?

Time: Can you tell what just happened, what is happening or what is about to happen?  

The use of empty space . Does the space between components help or hinder your ability to understand the story and/or emotion of the diorama?

How do the diorama components interact with each other?  Do they help to clarify the story or emotion of the diorama or do they distract from it by leading the viewer down too many unrelated side stories and dead ends?  Is the path of travel realistic and logical?  

Attention to detail (1.0 point) - The modeler needs equally good research about uniforms, small arms, buildings, combat conditions, weather effects on men and machines etc. as on the vehicle or ordnance.  In addition to the obvious, physical details, the intangible details such as facial expressions, body positioning, or the sizes and arrangement of cargo loads in vehicles also are important.  Following are some detailing highlights:

Figures : Weapon slings, web gear, buckles, small arms, small arms ammo, personal gear, poses, facial expressions, emotion, condition of uniforms and weapons..

Groundwork : Realistic building construction, realistic rubble and landscaping, attention to weather, season, natural-looking texture and color of ground, plants, and other objects.  Each component of the groundwork should be as detailed and as well-painted as the vehicles and figures.

Vehicles/ordnance : How do they sit in or on the groundwork? Like figures, vehicles leave a trail during movement.  Tracks or tires leave marks in soft ground or mud on clean pavements.  Like figures, the path of travel for the vehicle/ordnance should be logical and realistic and the level of vehicle/ordnance detail should be consistent with that of the figures, e.g., straps, tie downs, realistic stowage.  The groundwork, figures and vehicle/ordnance should exhibit a uniform level of detailing, finish and weathering. This attention to detail helps support the overall composition of the diorama.

Degree of difficulty/overall feel (1.0 point)

Criteria for this point category include:

Does the diorama successfully tell a story that is difficult to tell because of its subtlety and/or complexity?

Has the modeler constructed an elaborately-detailed base that supports the story?

Is the action or arena of action portrayed in the diorama difficult to express successfully?

Is the climate or time of day being represented unusually difficult to portray successfully, e.g. night time, water, rain, snow, ice etc.?

Is the level of detail required for the story being told difficult to compose successfully?

This list is by no means conclusive. It is meant to convey the level of planning and detail that one expects to see in a well-constructed diorama.

Figure Judging Criteria

Introduction

The Figure Judging Team consists of four members (three judges and one runner).  The runner may be a figure judge in case one of the designated judges has to leave for any reason.