OCTOBER 2011
PHOENIX,ARIZONA

Presented by the International Model Car Builders’ Museum and UMAG, an authorized Region 10 IPMS/USA Chapter

This is the place for registered competitors to get clarification on any points or rules, and other basic information. Also, see the Forum for additional information. As questions and discussions are developing in the forums, we will summarize some of the more useful information and add it to this page.

Please mail or email your questions to the Challenge or post them in the Forum and we’ll post the answers on this page.

Q: How is building a model for The Challenge different from building a model for any other major contest?

A: The biggest difference is what The Challenge requires of competitors.

The superb craftsmanship, scale accuracy, convincing fit and finishes, operating features, correctly wired and plumbed mechanical and fluid systems, ergonomic and functional practicalities, and thoughtful selection and analysis of the subject found on the very best of today’s scale vehicle will be the minimum levels for entries in The Challenge.

To be competitive, Challenge entries must go far beyond that. The Challenge requires competitors to explore and successfully build scale vehicles at a level wellbeyond today’s best by matching unexcelled static detail to ultra-sophisticated working features, using materials and technologies in fresh ways to achieve new levels of scale and convincing realism. Each entrant will need to explore new ways to build models by rethinking how realistic scale vehicles are conceived and built. In other contests, these aspects are left to the builder’s discretion. In the Challenge, it is required. Successful Challenge entries will truly be realistic scale vehicles.

Additionally, each competitor is required to make both verbal and “on-table” presentations, with documentation to explain the choice of subject, the practical, ergonomic, and functioning aspects of his or her entry, to state the personal goals they set and explain how they met them, and to answer questions from other competitor-judges.

Q: That all sounds pretty general. What specific features do you expect to see on the entries?

A: While every model will be different, a successful entry will most likely include operational doors, hood, trunk, glove box, and access panels ― all operating on scale hinges with functional latches in panels of accurate scale thickness. We expect that functional headlights, taillights, parking and turn-sign, dash and courtesy lights will be common. Working suspensions with operating scale ball joints, tie rod ends, steering boxes or rack and pinion components could be presented. We also expect to see engines with in-scale rotating crankshafts and moving pistons and valve trains on many entries. Audio including engine sounds keyed to the gear selected by the movable shift lever are probable. Upholstered seats (with springs and padding), real carpet and glass, chrome multi-piece windshield and window trim with gaskets, roll up and power windows, removable wheels and functional brakes are all details that can be built into a scale entry. The possibilities are unlimited, and we expect all of these features and more.

Q: Why are the competitors also the judges?

A: Who but competitors in the Challenge can best appreciate and understand each entry, its features and what it took to build it? Each entrant will evaluate the presentation and detail of each model in competition using a standardized Judging Sheet.

Q: What will the Judging Sheet cover?

A: Winners will be determined by adding up the points-totals awarded to each entry by each judge. The highest total score takes Best of Challenge, second-highest total score wins Second Place, and so on through Fifth Place. Points totals of subcategories in the Judging Sheet will determine the Best Finish, Best Use of Technology, and Best Working Features Master Awards.

The points totals on each Judging Sheet are calculated by adding together the points awarded in each section. These sections include:

• PRESENTATION: The verbal and on-table descriptions of the entry. Each entry will be evaluated for thoroughness of presentation, documentation, organization, and the educational value of the materials in helping other modelers build more realistic scale vehicles;

• BODY/EXTERIOR: Basic and advanced craftsmanship, quality of bodywork, use of materials and of technology, operating features, practicality of vehicle design and function, engineering, style, design, and convincing realism in appearance;

• DRIVETRAIN: ENGINE and POWER-TRANSMISSION COMPONENTS and COMPARTMENTS: Basic and advanced craftsmanship, detailing, operating features, uses of materials and technology, and practicality and realism;

• CHASSIS, SUSPENSION, BRAKES, STEERING, WHEELS and TIRES: Basic and advanced craftsmanship, completeness of suspension components, uses of materials and technology, scale and operational realism of working parts, overall practicality, realism, and appearance;

• INTERIOR: PASSENGER and CARGO COMPONENTS and COMPARTMENTS: Basic and advanced craftsmanship, operating features, practicality and ergonomics, materials use, technology, engineering, design and realism;

• SURFACES, PAINTS, and FINISHES: Evaluations of basic and advanced craftsmanship, technical expertise, difficulty of applying the finishing scheme, materials, artistic merit, style and design, and realism.

There will be a copy of the actual Judging Sheet posted on this website soon, and a sample Judging Sheet be mailed to all registered competitors.

Q: Why can’t proxies judge?

A: Since a proxy didn’t build the entry they are representing, they don’t qualify as a competitor, and non-competitors can’t be judges in the Challenge.

However, if a person is both competing with their own entry and representing another builder who can’t attend, that person will act as a competitor-judge by entering their own scale vehicle, but cannot act as a proxy-judge for the other builder they’re representing.

Q: Why is this an “invitation only” event? Why can’t everyone enter?

A: The Challenge was created with the goal of having competitors build “the next generation” of the most realistic scale vehicles ever seen. Those who are invited to compete have demonstrated their skills and abilities in competition. It’s the same as any invitational competition in sports, academics, or any other field.

Q: How was the initial list of invitees assembled?

A: The initial list was compiled of known winners of major competitions, along with other modelers recognized for their skills and sophisticated building. We realized, as we compiled this initial list, that we couldn’t possibly get every qualified builder in the first round, so we’ve set up a procedure to add additional names to the list.

If any invitee, whether registered as a competitor or not, wishes to submit the name(s) of any additional builder(s) they believe would be a qualified competitor, they are encouraged to do so. Those people will then be invited by the administrators.

Q: Do you expect the Challenge to be covered in the hobby media?

A: Yes. We will invite the editors of model car magazines around the world to attend the event and cover it in their publications.

We are also talking with a publishing company about doing a special publication about just this contest ― the first since “Model Champions” covered the first Revell- Pactra contest in 1963.

Q: As a competitor, can I issue challenges other builders in The Challenge?

A: Sure. We hope that individual invitees will issue special challenges to other competitors. Just go to the Challenges page on this web site and issue your challenges; we expect that competitive spirit to stimulate levels of enjoyment and achievement!

Q: The rules say no motorcycles or trikes. Can a motorcycle-engine powered vehicle be entered?

A: Absolutely, as long as it meets the other definitions of a vehicle. Keep in mind that the Challenge rules require entries to be relatively complex so that each entrant has to explore a full range of tasks in designing, building and presenting their entry.

Q: Why is the contest date so far away?

A: When you really think about what’s going to be involved in selecting and researching a subject, designing and constructing an entry, and preparing the presentation materials for a model complex and realistic enough to compete in The Challenge, the four-year time frame makes sense.

Remember: It will take time and commitment to compete in this event at the level we expect. Every competitor will need to refine existing skills and develop new ones, learn about techniques, technologies, sources for supplies and products and their applications, build (and probably rebuild) parts for their entries, and so forth.

If a competitor can devote an average of five hours per week to their entry, that equals a bit over 1,000 hours by October, 2011. If they average seven hours per week, that equals just under 1,500 hours. And ten hours per week equals just over 2,100 hours on their project. So, although the date seems a long time away, it really isn’t in the context of all that each competitor needs to accomplish.