Expo 2025

Expo uses an open judging style.  This style considers the overall quality of work on display by the exhibitor, as opposed to first, second, and third, separated into individual scale modeling categories that we might typically see.  All exhibitor's work is displayed in one location and each individual piece is judged, unlike some open judging styles that jury the exhibitor's pieces and then go a step further and judge one piece from each exhibit.

Exhibitors will have the opportunity to win multiple gold, silver, bronze and even platinum awards based on the quality of their work and number of entries.  The judging criteria will be based on basic construction techniques that have been the staple of the scale modeling world.   Fit and finish, alignment, enhancements and improvements, just to name a few.  How the work is displayed on the table will not be considered in judging and isn't part of the awarding process.  How you choose to display your work is up to you.

Awards for "Best of" are the only separation into categories for the Expo.  Individually sponsored specialty awards will be awarded by the those that have sponsored the award. 

Judges are not permitted to touch your models while judging.  The only exception may be during judging of figures, when the scale is too difficult to see as displayed on the table, and if and only if the figure is attached permanently to a base, that allows for the figure's base to be handled without issue of the figure moving.  However, if you still don't want the figure's picked up by their bases, the judges will certainly abide by your request and judge it to the best of their abilities.

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As an exhibitor, keep in mind your space and how your exhibits are displayed and that judges will need to see your work without handling it.

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If you display a model on a base, judges may want to rotate the base to see the model, without touching the model.  Please advise on your exhibit registration if the model isn't permanently attached to the base, or if you don't want the base to be touched.

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This is open judging, and as such, you're only going to be judged by the quality of your own work.  If you wish to display your name with your exhibit, feel free to do so.  This is a show for modelers, by modelers, and we like the idea of knowing the people that are sharing their work.

Each Exhibitor will have a 24"X30" space on the table to display their work. Some models may be too big for that display space, such as ships.  TSSM Expo will still make accommodations for you, but if you have more than one model, your larger model may need to be displayed away from your main display space.

Judging panels will be used during the judging process.  Groups of two or three judges will be assigned to areas of experience and expertise.  An example may be a panel of three judges working together that have the most modeling experience in aircraft.  The judging panel will work all the exhibits and judge the aircraft together and assign awards based on the quality of work.  Judges will be a combination of club members and volunteers from other clubs/modeling communities that have experience in judging at other events, and/or are award winning scale modelers.  All judging panels will have at least one experienced judge, and the judging team will be led by a head judge, that will be there for guidance if needed.

Judging will take place during the entire event until 2 pm when the exhibit area will be closed for final consultation between judges to confirm awards and to decide on special awards for exhibitors.

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The different judging processes used for events have been hotly debated over the years.  There seems to be no right or wrong way.  Whether you like the competition style of first, second, and third, or whether you like the different open judging styles, nothing is perfect.  We hope that the exhibition style we are presenting will be rewarding for all.  As a club or group, our goal is to promote the hobby and create comradery between modelers.  With any event like this, there will be those that like the results, and those that don't, but we will always strive to be fair.  Events like these can be a rewarding experience.

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As the judging process takes place at Expo, keep in mind that the judges will be around and discussing the exhibits while judging them.  Don't hover, as it makes judging more difficult.