A new way to judge at ScaleACT

ScaleACT is a knockout style of competition, which strives to find the best model in each category by objectively (and factually) assessing each model first for major flaws, then progressively more refined modelling skills.

We use a two-pass assessment system in the ScaleACT competition. The first (or ‘triage’) pass seeks to form a shortlist of the 3 to 4 best-presented models in each category. In the second pass, the Chief Judge's team will then review the models in the shortlist to identify the category winner and runners up.

The category winner receives a special “Category 1^st” award, while some runners up may receive a “Highly Commended” award.

1: The first (or ‘triage’) pass

The triage team first assesses a model by looking for major construction flaws (alignment issues, mould lines, seam lines, join lines, gaps). If flaws of this type are found, the model is 'knocked out' and will not be considered for further assessment.

Once models that exhibit major flaws have been identified, the remaining models are checked for less substantial and less obvious flaws (glue marks, blemishes, and surface detail loss). Models with flaws found of these types will not be considered for further assessment and moved aside. This process continues through the remaining assessment areas (Knock-out Pin & Sink marks, Brush marks/Airbrush splatter/Overspray/ Dust/Finger marks; Decal Silvering, Damage & Alignment) until the triage is complete.

If no flaws of any type are found on multiple models, then (and only then) are the models considered from a subjective point of view in an effort to determine the shortlist. This subjectiveness can include its presentation, how realistic the triage team think it looks and its overall “feel”. Triage teams also have the option to call the Chief Judge team for a second opinion before finalising their decision.

By following the above process, triage teams are able to determine the shortlist of best-presented models in that category without too much effort.

2: The Chief Judge's review

At the completion of triage, the Chief Judge's team will review the shortlist of best-presented models for each category. It is possible that a model may be added to or removed from the shortlist, but this is rare.

Keeping in mind the presence/absence of construction or finishing flaws, and considering the subjective overall “feel” of the model, the Chief Judge team will decide which model out of the shortlisted group is the best model in the category to be awarded the “Category 1^st” award. The Chief Judge team may also decide if one or more of the other models from the shortlist warrant a “Highly Commended” award.

Feedback

To help modellers develop their skills, the Chief Judge team is more than happy to discuss entries and how they were judged, but only after they have finished their work.

Note: models are not handled during the triage process. The placemats we provide are used to rotate the model for inspection only, to reduce the risk of breakages to someone's best work.