Rules and principles


Rule fundamentals

The rules for a modelling contest consist of three mutually independent fundamentals:

  1. Classification rules and determination of admissible models.
  2. Judging criteria and awarding of points.
  3. Awarding of prizes.

Our principles

We present the principles in no particular order:

  1. We evaluate the models based on the visible results.
  2. The properties of the model determine its classification.
  3. 08-Open shall be open to all modellers.
  4. All models are evaluated.  The results are made public.
  5. Like competes with like.
  6. The rules must be scalable.
  7. The classes must be of manageable size.
  8. The rules must be able to handle any future evolution of the model market.

Comments

The goal is that the basic rules can handle the majority of models, excepting a few categories where special properties may be rewarded, such as theme collections, dioramas or pre-built models.

1.  We evaluate the models based on the visible results.
We do not evaluate the amount or difficulty of work, nor the quality of the kit.

2.  The properties of the model determine its classification.
We will not consider the building method.  Modern model kits contain photoetched and resin details and it is practically impossible to determine what is admissible based on this.
A consequence is that classes must be broken down along more criteria than previously in order to be manageable.  Some categories will contain more models than before, so we must be prepared to split them further.  We have given subdivision guidelines that can be applied case by case.

3.  08-Open shall be open to all modellers.
08-Open shall be a contest open to all modellers and all kinds of models.
We have considered the possibility of a “master class”, requiring qualification through prior results.  Such a class could have its own classification and evaluation system.  For the moment we have not proceeded with this idea as we do not feel there is sufficient basis for further subdivision of existing classes.

4.  All models are evaluated.  The results are made public.
All models are evaluated according to the given criteria.  The results are recorded and made public.  We consider it a strength that all models are uniformly evaluated: experience has shown that models that at a first glance don’t look very special may improve on further scrutiny.  All results shall be made public.

5.  Like competes with like.
Within a class one shall compete with comparable objects.
Historically helicopters and artillery pieces have sometimes had to compete with aeroplanes and armoured vehicles, respectively, which has not been good.  We have introduced some new categories: Helicopters, Artillery pieces, Formula cars, Submarines, Vignettes, and Scratch-builds.
The scratch-build category has been created for those who want to create their own models, build vacuum form models, or perform vary extensive conversions.

6.  The rules must be scalable.
We have added guidelines for additional subdivision of classes.
A limiting factor of these rules is the number of judges—if the number of models should increase much there will be problems.  By requiring pre-registration we have advance notice so that we can take precautions.  We also actively educate judges within the society.

7.  The classes must be of manageable size.
Our goal is that a class shall comprise approximately 20 models.  We have made it possible for the competition committee to subdivide classes.  We aim for like to compete with like, while avoiding classes with only a single object.

8.  The rules must be able to handle any future evolution of the model market.
We no longer require that the models be made of plastic.
The model should be the result of the modeller’s efforts and be possible to evaluate according to the given criteria. An exception from this principle is made in category Pre-built (Z) where the modeller can entered improved “die-cast” models.

Other points

Re-entry

We allow re-entering models that already have won prizes to a larger extent than previously.  A model that has won a prize can participate on a later occasion in a different class.  E g, the same tank model could in successive years participate in the armour, theme collection, vignette, and diorama classes, since they are judged according to different criteria or since there are multiple objects in the class.

Class size

The classes are fixed.  This means that with some small probability a “narrow” class may have only a single object.  In this case the model is still evaluated, but automatically wins the class.

Categories and evaluation

N.B. The categories Diorama, Theme collection, and Pre-built have special evaluation criteria.

Categories A, B, C, D, F, H, P, Q, R, U, V, X, Y, and Ö

The starting point is a model kit, injection moulded or some other type, such as “multimedia”, “high-tech”, resing or partially vac formed. Fully vac formed and converted or free sculpted figures are referred to the Scratch-built category (S).
The model need not consist of parts from a single kit. Cross-kitting or kit bashing is thus allowed. Very advanced conversions where the end result has very little relation to the original kit are referred to the Scratch-built category (S).

For the categories A, B, C, D, F, H, P, Q, R, U, V, X, Y, and Ö the evaluation criteria are

  • General impression
  • Building skill
  • Detail impression
  • Painting and finish

In the Vignette category (Y) all objects including the base are evaluated as a unit. In the other categories only the entered model is evaluated, even should it be on a base with other items.

Category Scratch-built (S)

The model shall be mainly composed of scratch-built parts. This category also contains fully vac-formed models, highly converted models, as well as converted or free sculpted figures.

In the Scratch-built category (S) the evaluation criteria are

  • General impression
  • Building skill
  • Detail impression
  • Painting and finish

Category Diorama (X)

Objects in the Diorama category shall in some way depict an ongoing event or a specific situation. A diorama may contain an arbitrary number of models and/or figures which are evaluated as a whole.

In the Diorama category (X) the evaluation criteria are

  • General impression
  • Building skill
  • Detail impression
  • Painting and finish
  • Idea and composition

The points for Idea and composition are weighted double.

Category Theme collection (T)

A theme collection shall consist of at least three models or figures. A theme collection should be a small exhibition on some theme, e g all aircraft types that have served with a certain unit, all versions of a given vehicle, or some similar well-defined theme. In the presentation of a theme collection background panels, drapes, etc are allowed.

In the category Theme collection (T) the evaluation criteria are

  • Idea (must be presented in writing)
  • Presentation
  • Model quality

Category Pre-built (Z)

We have noticed an interest in improving factory-built models and we want to give those interested a possibility to compete. This category contains all factory-built models such as railway stock, die-cast cars, etc.

In the category Pre-built (Z) the evaluation criteria are

  • General impression
  • Detail impression

The Z category is relatively new and the competition committe solicits feedback so we can develop the competition in this category.

Classing

This is how classing is done:
The builder has registered a model as “Aircraft, 1/48 scale, propeller-driven, 2 engines”.

The competition committee checks the registration form and places it in a suitable class, say “Propeller aircraft, 1/48 and larger”. If the committee finds data on the form that do not match up or are incorrect, they will reassign to a suitable class.

The target is for each class to contain less than 20 models and the competition committe will attempt to group the models so as to achieve this. The guidelines for further subdivision vary between categories and may include number of engines, nationality, time period, tracks/wheels, etc.

08-Open rules

Regulations for competitors

Due to space reasons the competition committe may have to move entire classes or individual models, or remove bases in those classes where they are not evaluated. Please move your model/base promptly if requested to. In general, please follow the requests of the competition committe and the officials.
Models and other items may not be placed in the premises without advance permission.
Exhibited models may not be touched by others than judges and officials. Please contact the competition committe if you need to adjust anything on your model.
The flaws or virtues of a model may not be signalled to the judges unless directly requested.
All exhibitors are expected to help remind the visitors to keep their hands, clothes and other objects away from the models.
All transport packing shall be marked with the exhibitors named and stored in the designated spaces.
The event bears no responsibility for any damage to exhibited models.

Competition rules

§ 1. Admissible models

The model must be built by the person(s) who registered the entry, excepting objects in category Pre-built (Z).

The modellers name may not be given on the registration form, the model, or the base.

Models that have been awarded a prize at 08-Open before, may not compete in that same category.

The model may be placed on a base, which may be neutral or depict the subjects natural surroundings (ground, concrete, water, etc). Ancillary equipment and figures may be present on the base.

The competition committee reserves the right to exclude extremely offensive entries.

§ 2. Class size

At least one object must be entered in a given category for it to be evaluated.

§ 3. Class subdivision

The competition committe has the right to split a class into several subclasses, assuming they will contain at least one object each.