1. Rules

I. Eligibility

Anyone is eligible to enter any number of models in the Show. All models, except IMPS Chapter/Group Entries (Category 815) must be the sole work of the contestant. Anyone may also serve as a “proxy” to enter models for someone who is not attending are welcomed. Please provide appropriate entry forms with the builder’s name at registration as well as pay any associated fees. Commercially built and/or finished models that do not require significant additional work by the modeler will be ineligible.
Prior Winners – any model may be entered unless it was previous RiverCon winner. Past contest winning models may be included as part of a triathlon, collection, or repurposed in another category altogether, i.e. a M4 Sherman previously won in Category 201, is now eligible to compete as diorama to in Category 701.
Young Modelers Division – categories are limited to members 17 years and younger. Young Modelers may, at their own discretion, enter any or all their models in Senior-Division categories. However, models entered in Senior categories will not be eligible for any special Young Modeler’s awards.
Inappropriate Entries. The Head Judge or Contest Chairman will exclude/remove from competition any entry considered by Red River Modelers officials to be inappropriate or offensive to generally accepted standards of taste and morality as they apply to family oriented events where the presence of minors is encouraged. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, there shall be no depiction of excretory functions of any human being or animal, no explicit sexual or sadomasochistic activity, regardless of whether any figures present in the model are clothed, depiction of excessive violence or macabre activity or the aftermath thereof. The Head Judge or Contest Chairman’s decision to disallow the display of such an entry shall be final.

II. Contest Definitions

Cases/Covered Entries – models may be covered by cases while on general public display, but must be removed from models for judging. Models in cases will not be judged, except in instances where removal of a case could cause damage, and in the judgment of the Head Judge the case will not impede effective judging; in such instances, a display case may be left on during judging. Arrangement must be made prior to judging and noted on the entry form by the Head Judge. The Head Judge will have the final authority to allow or deny this exception.
Redefining/Renaming Out-of-the Box (OOB): Manufacturers now offer comprehensive model kits which include what used to be separately purchased after-market detailing accessories. Starting with the 2023 RiverCon, the OOB categories (and the rules for them) have been renamed to Out-of-the-Box (OOB) – Basic Kit and Out-of-the-Box (OOB) – Basic Kit Plus, to better describe the intent for this competition classification – older or more basic kits versus the more expensive kits with Photo-Etched, Resin, 3D printed parts, etc.
1. Out-of-the-Box (OOB) – Basic Kit are those older or more basic kits, absent extra manufactured detailing parts or the extra “bling”.
  1. First, to limit oneself to using only those components supplied by the kit makers of older/simpler/less-expensive kits, and yet work to get the best result regardless of any shortcomings in the base kit, such as may exist with its detailing or accuracy.
  2. Second, to compete at a more basic level, knowing that basic modeling skills are the only difference-maker – not what variety of detailing materials is supplied by the kit manufacturer, nor by aftermarket detailing sets, nor by using more advanced re-building or scratch-building skills.
2. Out-of-the-Box (OOB) – Basic Kit Plus, (Multimedia; i.e. PE, Resin, etc.) Any commercially available kit may be used as long as the kit is constructed as a predominantly multiple-medium product from that box. It can consist of an all-polystyrene kit, an all-resin kit, an all-photoetch kit, or any other ‘other’ material. Kits with various other materials included (e.g. cast-resin or 3D-resin detailing accessories, etched metal detailing frets, turned-metal detailing parts, and other similar detailing parts) will be permitted as long as it came from that box.
Vacuum-formed. Any models made from commercially available Vacuum-formed kits or handmade by the modeler. These models may be entered into the Vacuum-formed category or; can be entered into other appropriate categories but will not be given additional credit for Vacuum-formed construction.
Scratch-built model refers to models built primarily from parts or materials unrelated to their original identity and not significantly derive from any existing kit. Parts from other kits may be incorporated where their original identity has been changed or altered.
Conversions category entries must represent a version different from that provided by the basic kit. The conversion must contain significant structural modifications to the basic kit involving extensive changes in contour or configuration. In addition to the normal judging criteria common to the entire contest, judges of the Conversion Category will give special consideration to the complexity of the conversion. A conversion accomplished with primarily commercial aftermarket parts will be at a disadvantage, therefore, against a conversion accomplished primarily by the builder’s craftsmanship – assuming both are finished to similar standards. Simple conversions may be entered in regular categories. More extensive conversions, however, must be entered in the appropriate conversion category. The builder must describe in detail the conversion changes made to the base kit on the entry sheet or accompanying documentation. Judges have the ultimate authority to determine a model’s category placement, and such decisions by judges will be final.
Custom. This category basically consists of everything from a simple wheel swap to a simple decal application to some basic detailing – wheels can be used from any manufacturer to enhance the custom. No major body modifications, changes or adjustments are allowed, otherwise it becomes a Conversion. Airbrushing is allowed, but No decal wraps in this category. Minor body alterations are allowed; i.e. adding a hood scoop or rear spoiler, changing engines, lowering of the car or raising the suspensions. This minor body listing is not all-encompassing and the final determination will be up the Head Automotive Judge.
Curbside. This category is judged as if the vehicle is parked at the curb. The model must be displayed with hood, trunk, all doors, etc. closed. No engines allowed. No motorcycles are allowed in this category, as the engine is visible. If the engine is included or visible, the model will be moved to the appropriate automotive category. Judges will ignore any detail on the bottom of the model (mirrored bases are not allowed). Body detail will be judged by the basic construction criteria. There will be no additional credit given to models with added body/structure details.
Automotive Technology and Culture. This category is for models of automotive subjects that do not meet the definitions or requirements of the more specific auto categories. It can include: automotive toys, such as pedal cars; caricature or cartoon vehicles; small motorized vehicles not intended for on-road use and not derived from road-capable vehicles (go-karts, mini-bikes, quad-runners, powered skateboards, etc.); ‘slammer-style’ models (models of a complete vehicle with painted-over windows and no interior or mechanical components); stand-alone engines or other mechanical components; cutaway/engineering models meant to show the internal construction / operation of an automobile or part of an automobile; wrecked or ‘junk’ vehicles that are no longer complete or drivable (e.g. drive-line and/or body panels have been visibly removed); bicycles.
Scratch-Built and Conversion – Military Vehicles. Any Scratch-Built or Conversion model (Cat 260) must be constructed or must have its silhouette substantively changed by the modeler, using scratch-building supplies (i.e., sheet plastic, sheet brass, tin or wood). Any Kit-Bashed Conversion model will have its silhouette substantively changed by the modeler using any pre-existing kit parts from another model or manufactured conversion parts/pieces designed for such change by the manufacturer, whether or not they’re intended for the particular model to which they are applied.
Markings. Aircraft categories are generally defined as Military Aircraft unless otherwise noted. Entries carrying only civil markings will be placed in the appropriate Civil Aircraft category. They do not need to be marked with a national civil registration (e.g. N-number for the USA) to be entered in a Civil Aircraft category. Models of CIA, NASA, Treasury Department, and other government-marked (but non-military-marked) and operated aircraft will normally be placed within the Civil Aircraft categories. Movie planes, war birds, and those with combined civil and military markings (e.g. NASA band and USAF titles) likewise will usually be placed in Civil Aircraft categories. The same general principle applies for entries in the other Categories: markings will determine the category in which a model is entered.
Jets. Jet Aircraft categories include manned, rocket-powered aircraft; i.e. the Me-163, X-1, X-15, X-24, etc.
Pre-Painted models are eligible in the Young Modeler category only. Contestant must designate the entry as such on the contest sheet. The use of photo-etched parts in the Young Modeler category is not allowed.
Bases: Any vehicles displayed upon a base may have ‘basic’ groundwork; i.e., dirt, grass, roadway, a low stone wall, etc. No part of that groundwork may extend taller than the topmost portion of the body of the model; neither will be judge.
1. Any vehicle entry that has more than basic groundwork will be transferred to the Diorama Category to be judged (i.e. has trees, buildings, water-tower, etc.).
2. Bases will ONLY be judged in the Diorama Division.
Bases – Military Vehicles. Any model entered in a Military Vehicle category may have no more than 2 figures in total and the figures must be crew members.
1. If entry has more than two figures total, that entry will be defined as a diorama, and re-assigned to the appropriate Diorama Category for judging.
2. Figures will NOT be judged as part of any Military Vehicle category, only the vehicle will be judged unless they are in the appropriate Diorama Category for judging.
Multi or Towed Vehicles – Military Vehicles. Any grouping of two (2) or three (3) vehicles (no more), attached to each other. For example: any towed artillery and prime mover; an artillery piece with a limber; a tank transporter/trailer, with or without a load vehicle; or any other combination of two or three vehicles that are attached to each other.
1. Any vehicle entry that has more than basic groundwork will be transferred to the Diorama Category to be judged (i.e. has trees, buildings, water-tower, etc.).
2. If entry has more than two figures total, that entry will be defined as a diorama, and re-assigned to the appropriate Diorama Category for judging.
3. Figures will NOT be judged as part of any Military Vehicle category, only the vehicle will be judged unless they are in the appropriate Diorama Category for judging.
Figure category is inclusive of all historic, fantasy, monsters, super heroes (or villains), and anime figures including busts. All figures are judged on the skill and imagination of the contestant’s abilities which are the primary factors of judging.
Humor (Category 801). Models entered in the Humor category will be judged on both their humor content and the degree of modeling skill which they represent.
Hypothetical (Categories 605). In general, models that do not represent a factual, physical prototype will be entered in this category. Category Head Judges will determine whether models will be judged within the regular categories or moved to the Hypothetical Category 605. Final placement, however, will be determined by the Category Head Judge.
Miniature Army is defined as any group of five or more closely related gaming miniatures. Judging is based on painting skill and the size of the army and will be placed in Category 810 under Collections.
Triathlon: consists of three models of different classes grouped and displayed as a single entry; i.e. an Aircraft, a Ship, and a Figure. The models will be judged as a group, with overall quality determining placement.
Collection any group of five or more closely related items by any specific link or theme; i.e. variants of a single airframe, Mario Andretti’s Indy 500 Cars, etc.
IPMS Chapter/Group Entries (Category 815). The Chapter/Group entry shall be the only exception to Rule I-1 calling for the model-making work to be done by a single individual. The intent of this category is to provide a forum for displaying a project that is too extensive or complex for a single individual to complete in a reasonable time. A “Group” is considered more than two modelers working on the project. It is also intended to provide a vehicle for an IPMS chapter or a group of IPMS members to exhibit a project that may have been prepared for an event or display other than the IPMS/USA National Contest. Subject-matter, time-frame, scale, location, etc., are open.
Game Pieces (Category 815) must be painted.
Miscellaneous (Category 825)are for those type of models that does not fit any other category, but are models just the same, i.e. paper, metal, or wood.
Dioramas: are judged not only on the technical merit of their construction, but also on the strength of their theme, telling a story, or the mood they create. Bases will be judged ONLY in the Diorama Division.

2. Contest Judging

Judges. The Head Judge shall be chosen by the members of Red River Modelers. The Head Judge will organize and oversee the judging process of the Show. The Head Judge must brief all judges before the Show judging commences.
1. It is recognized that judges are volunteer hobbyists who are offering their time in support of the Show and the modelling hobby in general. The judges take their role seriously and apply their expertise to the best of their ability. While judges are encouraged to discuss with entrants the judges’ decisions in making the awards, they do so at their own free will. An entrant cannot expect or demand explanations as to the judges’ decisions. Entrants who disagree with judges’ decisions are reminded of the terms of this paragraph and agree not to aggressively or unduly pursue, harass, criticize or otherwise demean the judges or IPMS, either verbally or in writing.
2. Red River Modelers will ensure that any head judge does NOT have any of their models in the same category that they are a Head Judge to avoid any conflict of interest, misunderstandings, or having the wrong perception: e.g.; one cannot be a Head Judge of Aircraft if they have any models in any aircraft category.
3. Judges may not judge a category in which they are entered. No one may judge a “Best of Class” award if they have a model being considered for the “Best of Class”.
4. Judging will be done by a committee of an odd number of modelers solicited from other IPMS Chapters as well as other model related clubs, societies and organizations. To the extent possible, judging teams will comprise at least three judges. Every effort will be made to create judging teams that include at least two judges with experience in judging the team’s assigned categories.
5. Modelers will be selected as judges based on their known fairness, knowledge, and modeling competence. Strict impartiality shall be observed and violators will be removed immediately from judging and from judges’ lists for future RiverCons.
6. Young Modelers may not serve as voting judges, but may be assigned to judging teams as participating observers.
Judges will make every effort not to touch the models. However, category splits and crowding often make this impossible. No model will be assumed to be attached to the base! Therefore, contestants are encouraged to attach their models to bases.
Judging Criteria. Judging will be conducted in accordance with IPMS contest rules and guidelines. Accordingly, models will be judged for skill in construction, finish, realism and accuracy. Additional criteria, described below, are considered for special categories such as dioramas, collections and conversions. Models are judged as three-dimensional objects and are examined in all aspects.
1. Fit (Construction) – flash, sink, ejector-pin marks, trademarks, and mold mark removal, glue work, seams, etc. are eliminated. Detail removed while filling seams, removing sinkholes etc. is restored to a level consistent with the rest of the model. All components are appropriately aligned. The underside of the model, if visible, should have the same attention to these criteria as the rest of the model.
2. Finish – paint [show no signs of construction, should not have ‘orange peel”, misapplications of clear coats, etc.] and decal application [aligned properly, no silvering or bubbling of decal film, should blend, etc.] correctness of weathering, shadowing and other detailing.
3. Weathering – is inherently neither good nor bad; correctness and consistency of weathering, if applied.
4. Composition – the use of plastic is encouraged; however, the use of other modeling materials is allowed as the builder sees fit. Judging standards of finish, attention to detail, and authenticity will be the same, regardless of the materials used.
All Judges’ Decisions Are Final. Contest registrars will help determine proper entry categories for models during registration, but final category placement is at the discretion of contest Category Head Judge. Category Head Judge may split categories prior to judging. Red River Modelers reserves the right to split or condense contest categories at our discretion. There will be no sweeps. Questions and disputes over model eligibility, category placement, and judging criteria are to be referred to the Head Judge. The decision of the Head Judge is final!
RiverCon Rules. The Red River Modelers are solely responsible for the creation, modification, addition and deletion of all Rules and Categories for the RiverCon Contest.
No liability. No liability for loss or damage to contest entries is implied or assumed by Red River Modelers, Bossier Civic Center, or the contest judges.
Waivers. The Head Judge may waive any rule if circumstances warrant. Categories are subject to change so please contact us or visit our website for possible information.

3. Awards

Sweeps. Judges will do their best to ensure each model is judged fairly. If a contestant, whose skills outshines all others in a category and manages to place 1st, 2nd and 3rd in that category, they will earn the “Sweeps” award in place of the traditional 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards. If a contestant has three entries in one category and is the only participant in that category, they will also earn the “Sweeps” award in place of the traditional 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards. The Contest Head Judge will verify, confirm or change if need be all “Sweeps” Award results before announcements.
“Best of Class” trophy will be presented for each major category in the Show. The “Best” entries in each sub-category will be determined by votes of judges assigned to that major category; i.e. Best Auto, Best Aircraft, etc.
“Best of Show” will be determined from the “Best of Class” Category winners by votes from all the Category Head Judges as to which entry was the “Best of Show”.
Special Awards: Please see current brochure for the yearly theme award and RiverCon’s “Special Awards”
GrandMaster’sAward.
1. Any model that has won the “Best of” award at any level whether local, regional, National, or other modeling contest venue.
2. “Best of” meaning Best Aircraft, Best Auto, Best of Show, etc.
3. This category is not for those who won theme awards, special wards, or the individual category winners (typical 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place winners).
4. Must bring proof, i.e. trophy accompanying the entry
5. Models in this category are not eligible for any other show or contest awards; i.e. Theme, President’s Award, Best of Show, etc.
6. A separate registration form this category.
7. The cost per Entry: $5

4. Summary

For further details see IPMS/USA Modeler’s Guide to IPMS Contests for guidance.

That’s it!

IPMS National 2022 Rules

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IPMS Red River Modelers

Build what you want, how you want it!

Contest Rules

1. Rules

I. Eligibility

II. Contest Definitions

2. Contest Judging

3. Awards

4. Summary