For those interested in our judging methodology, here’s a breakdown of the point system we use. Please keep in mind that this is a suggested guideline that we have our judges follow, and since model building is so subjective, the exact criteria each judge follows will vary.

We use a point system with a maximum points of 50 – so if there is a perfectly build kit, it would get 50 points. From here, the first two sections is a demerit system, each kit starts off with 40 possible points, and for each issue, points are deducted. Again, this is just a guideline that our judges follow, the specific point values will vary from judge to judge.

Construction 20 points
If seamline and/or nub removal is completely ignored, your model will likely be out of the competition, and will not be judged further. Otherwise there will be deductions for the following:

  • Glue marks
  • Uneven sanding, surface scratches
  • Visible nubs
  • Visible seams, where hiding them was obviously attempted, but execution was lacking
  • Visible gaps between parts that are not meant to be part of the design (poor parts fit)
  • Base or stand’s construction should not detract from the model it supports

Finish 20 points
If the model is not painted/finished overall, your model will likely be out of the competition, and will not be judged further. If you use a non-paint finishing technique, deductions apply if finish does not cover/hide nubs, sanding marks, seam line work, etc. Otherwise there will be deductions for the following:

  • Uneven/messy paint (runs, drips, orange peel, etc.)
  • Uneven paint tone (obviously unintentional)
  • Visible brush strokes (obviously unintentional)
  • Decal silvering
  • Panel lines that did not receive a panel line wash
  • Finger prints
  • Base or stand’s finish should not detract from the model it supports

After the above two judging criteria is completed, the following points can be earned. Starting with 0 point, and additional 10 points can be gained following the guideline below. Again, the exact point values will vary from judge to judge.

Technical/Modifications 10 points
Modifications and other advanced techniques are how a model can stand apart from the field, although if executed poorly, they can hurt your score based on the above criteria. Successful use of some advanced techniques is expected if you want to win in Advanced or Expert.

  • Electronic modification (lights, sounds, moving parts)
  • Physical modification (structural changes, adding panel lines, extra layers of armor)
  • Mobility modifications
  • Building a resin kit or using a resin conversion kit
  • Working on older kit, pre 2000 or so
  • Good “presentation” (putting model in a dynamic pose or building a well-executed base/stand)
  • More advanced airbrush techniques (shading, fading, candy effects, intricate camo, flames, Clemstriping)
  • Well done weathering/damage
  • Well done ultra-glossy finish
  • Significant well-executed decal use

Although this guideline may sound harsh, the ultimate goal we at ThoseGundamGuys want is to get everyone building better, increasing their skills, creating inspiration, and just pushing the envelop for challenging one another!